This village has been listed as a national monument as it is considered one of the most beautiful Bastides in France. It was founded in 1284 by Edward 1. It still has the walls of the city intact, but the most outstanding feature is the market square and the arcade covered shops. There are many new shops inside the old facades. It was not market day today and the summer crowds have not hit this area in force, so we had a wonderful walk around the village.

We went into a specialist produce store for foods of this Périgord region and sampled some wares before buying a few tins to bring home to Australia with us.

We spotted a charcuterie and boucherie selling the most amazing things including fresh rabbits and home made terrines of meats and olives. We bought some freshly made pâté to have for lunch as well as freshly cooked rustic baguette.

It was time to head home when we went into a cave and purchased six bottles of local wines for €24.

Cav in front of the CAV (cave) we bought the local wines from.

For lunch we enjoyed the Bergerac Rose with the pâté.

A special treat during our stroll through Monpazier was spotting an elderly French man who had stopped to chat to a couple while on his way home for lunch with his baguette. This village is reportedly extra special in this area as there are many locals who live in the village and get on with their daily business regardless of visitors and tourists.

Michael was very keen to chat to the dog sitting in the old car and I think missed the old man.