When we saw the sign designating Monpazier as “one of the most beautiful villages in France” we knew we must be on to something special. Besides, our mission was to find Boris, son of .Francois who owned the antiquities shop in Issegiac. Don was determined to walk into the shop and greet him by name!
The bastide of Monpazier is one of “Plus beaux villages de France” and, as well as being the best preserved bastide in the Dordogne, it is considered the most typical example of a bastide in the entire south-west of France.
We were astounded by the magnificent stone masonry and huge empty market square. I could only imagine the markets and concerts which take place here throughout the year.
And shopping! Every type of specialty shop, boutique, cafe….all there just welcoming and beckoning me to come inside. Where oh where is Thelme when I need her!! The ceramics, beads, scarves, dresses, jewelry, hats, soaps. . . .oh dear, oh dear!!
I was pleasantly surprised when Don agreed to purchase a hat that I’d spied and he picked up before I could comment on it. It was perfectly made for him.
I actually scored two authentic newsboy-type hats, made in France, and the factory is now defunct. AND they were in the mark-down bin!
Yes, we located Boris in his antiquities shop, right in the medieval village on the Bastide. He and Don struck up an immediate conversation about classic cars, resulting in Don getting on the shop computer and showing him photos of Pearl and Rosina as well as the new BMW I8.
This shop wasn’t the typical brocante flea market finds. I looked longingly at this set of 8 asparagus plates.
Then I saw the price. . .450€!!!
After a few more purchases and a silent promise to return, we headed back to duras. We were tired and hungry, but with grilled chicken and potatoes in the market basket we knew we’d have a quick and yummy dinner as soon as we got home. We had planned to eat our final dinner at La Terrasse, but that will just have to wait for another time.
We love wandering and discovering unexpected finds. We did good today. We discovered Monpazier!!
wheresweinberger 
I love love love Monpazier! They have an incredible market on Thursday mornings, which we went to when we were renting a house in the Dordogne. I’m so glad you found this jewel of a town!
Oh, so you were holding out on us, eh!!?? I’d love to return. . .someday.
Stonewalls and wisteria; such charm 😍Love it!
I’ve been taking photos of wisteria and they may emerge on my “wall of fame” above the new/old mantel/headboard in our bedroom. In PA. . . Which I think is still “home”. Or is that our vacation home?!