Monpazier

Monpazier is a commune in the Dordogne department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, southwest France, located 40 kilometres from Bergerac Airport. It is a member of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France or "The most beautiful villages of France" association.

Monpazier
Commune
The main square in Monpazier
Coat of arms
Location of Monpazier
Monpazier
Monpazier
Coordinates: 44°40′54″N 0°53′42″E
CountryFrance
RegionNouvelle-Aquitaine
DepartmentDordogne
ArrondissementBergerac
CantonLalinde
Government
 • Mayor (2008–2014) Fabrice Duppi
Area
1
0.5 km2 (0.2 sq mi)
Population
 (2017-01-01)[1]
473
 • Density950/km2 (2,500/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+01:00 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+02:00 (CEST)
INSEE/Postal code
24280 /24540
Elevation144–222 m (472–728 ft)
(avg. 200 m or 660 ft)
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

History
Church of St Dominique - The west façade seen through one of the cornières (angle openings) of the main square of Monpazier

Monpazier is a 13th-century bastide town founded in 1285 by King Edward I of England, who was also Duke of Gascony. It was created by an act of paréage, whereby the lord of Biron supplied the land, Edward the authority and permission, with any profits from taxes or commercial activity split between the two. Like other bastides, it was constructed using a grid pattern, with a square at its centre, one end of which contains an open market hall. One of the best preserved, it contains many original features.[2]

Attractions and events

The parish church of Monpazier is St. Dominique, built from the 13th through the 16th centuries. The church was built in a rectangular parcel and adjoins with a corner of the marketplace. The apse was added in the fifteenth century and the choir was believed to have been completed in 1506.[3]

The town includes a four-star hotel named after its founder, the Hôtel Edward Premier.[4]

During the summer months, Monpazier hosts a number of events of interest to tourists, including a cycle race around the bastide (usually at the start of August), a Medieval day ('fete medieval'), a Kermesse and several specialist markets. Each July the Chorale of Monpazier gives a concert in the church.

Population
Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
1968656—    
1975558−2.28%
1982533−0.65%
1990531−0.05%
1999516−0.32%
2007530+0.34%
2012506−0.92%
2017473−1.34%
Source: INSEE[5]

Its inhabitants are called Monpaziérois.[6] The actor Julien Guiomar (1928-2010) spent his last years in Monpazier.

See also

References
  1. "Populations légales 2017". INSEE. Retrieved 6 January 2020.
  2. Morris 2009, pp. 212-213.
  3. "Monpazier - John Reps Bastides Collection". bastides.library.cornell.edu. Retrieved 2016-05-09.
  4. "Hotel Edward 1er". Hotel Edward 1er. Retrieved 12 July 2020.
  5. "Évolution et structure de la population en 2017 Commune de Monpazier (24280)". INSEE. Retrieved 2020-11-05.
  6. "Dordogne". habitants.fr. Retrieved 2020-11-05.

Sources
  • * Morris, Marc (2009). A Great and Terrible King: Edward I and the Forging of Britain. Windmill Books. ISBN 978-0099481751.
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