Guide Perigord_version anglaise

© Jean-Marc Barrère © Jean-Marc Barrère ©Jean-MarcB rrère rcBar ère

Explore Périgord’s oldest French Bastide Town

E

5kms

Founded in 1261 for Alphonse de Poitiers, brother of Saint Louis, Villefranche has retained its checkerboard street-plan characteristic of the urban fabric of the “New Towns” designed in the southwest in the Middle Ages. The heart of the village, the market square A  , is charming with its traditional houses and handsome XIIIth and XIVth century archways. Proudly sitting in the square the Market Hall, rebuilt in the XIXth century, stands on powerful stone pillars. Look out for the old grain measures, reminders that by its location bordering the Périgord, Quercy and Agenais regions, Villefranche was once a major agricultural and commercial hub. Paul Abadie, architect of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Paris, designed its neo-roman church, Notre-Dame-de l’Assomption B  , in 1864.

A

Rue du Nord

B

500m

D660

C

Rue Saint-Martin

Rue Notre Dame

Rue Saint-Georges

D57

Rue du Midi

D

D57

Le Tourtillou

Le Tourtillou

© Jean-Marc Barrère ©Jean-MarcBarrère

50m

For a taste of the essence of the Peri- gordian “terroir”, take a seat at the Petite Auberge C  , just outside the village. Its shady patio is a peaceful haven! Another favorite: La Bastide D  , a hotel-restaurant set in a time-honored stone house. On the menu: expected pleasures such as ceps and chestnuts and a feast of seasonal specialities to tickle your taste buds! The Best of the Land from Farm to Table

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