The Dordogne is famous for beautiful villages, bastide towns and historic countryside. Staying near Monpazier puts you within easy reach of charming places to explore — ideal for relaxed half-day trips, market mornings and gentle day trips with the family.
Below are some of our favourite nearby villages and stops, all easy to reach from Maison Sérénité.
Our holiday home near Monpazier is perfectly located for exploring some of the most beautiful bastide towns in the Dordogne. The interactive map below shows the villages highlighted on this page, all within easy driving distance of Maison Sérénité.
Staying at Maison Sérénité, our holiday home near Monpazier, makes it easy to enjoy relaxed day trips throughout the Dordogne. Looking for more ideas for your week? See our Things to Do near Monpazier guide and don’t miss our list of the best markets around Monpazier.
Villeréal is a classic southwest French bastide town, instantly recognisable by its half-timbered houses and arcaded central square. The town has retained a strong sense of local life, with independent shops, bakeries and cafés surrounding the square.
One of Villeréal’s highlights is its weekly market, where local farmers and producers sell seasonal fruit, vegetables, cheeses and regional specialities. It’s an excellent place to experience everyday life in rural France and enjoy a relaxed lunch under the arcades.
Villeréal makes an easy half-day trip from Monpazier and is ideal to combine with a countryside drive or visit to nearby villages.
Distance: approx. 20 minutes by car
Best for: traditional markets, cafés, historic architecture
Arcaded central square
Market day stalls
Half-timbered houses
Beaumont-du-Périgord is a beautifully preserved Dordogne bastide town, centred around a large, open square dominated by the impressive fortified Church of Saint-Front. Its elevated position provides lovely views over the surrounding countryside, giving the town a calm and spacious feel.
The central square is lined with cafés and restaurants, making Beaumont-du-Périgord a popular spot for a relaxed coffee, lunch or early evening drink. The town regularly hosts markets and seasonal events, adding to its welcoming atmosphere without ever feeling crowded.
Beaumont-du-Périgord is an easy and rewarding visit from Monpazier, ideal for guests looking to enjoy classic Dordogne architecture combined with a laid-back dining scene.
Distance: approx. 15 minutes by car
Best for: cafés, views, relaxed lunches and evenings
Central square and church
Café terraces
Elevated views over countryside
Castillonnès is a traditional bastide town offering a quieter, more local atmosphere than some of its better-known neighbours. Its wide central square and grid-style streets reflect classic bastide planning, making it easy and pleasant to explore on foot.
The town is known for its strong sense of community, with local shops, bakeries and cafés serving residents and visitors alike. Weekly markets bring the square to life, offering fresh produce and regional specialities in an authentic setting.
Castillonnès is ideal for guests who enjoy discovering everyday French town life, browsing markets and experiencing a slower pace away from tourist hotspots.
Distance: approx. 20 minutes by car
Best for: local markets, everyday French life, gentle exploring
Central square
Market stalls
Traditional bastide streets
Eymet is one of the liveliest bastide towns in the area, known for its vibrant café culture and welcoming international atmosphere. Built along the River Dropt, the town combines historic architecture with a busy social scene.
The central square is lined with restaurants and bars, making Eymet a popular destination for lunch or evening dining. Its weekly market adds colour and energy, while riverside paths offer space to relax away from the crowds.
Eymet is particularly appealing for guests looking to enjoy dining, markets and a lively town centre during their stay in the Dordogne.
Distance: approx. 30 minutes by car
Best for: dining, markets, lively atmosphere
Central square with cafés
River Dropt
Evening dining scene
Monflanquin is officially listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France and is one of the most picturesque bastides in the area. Its elevated square offers wide views across rolling countryside.
The village feels peaceful and refined, with artisan shops, cafés and seasonal events adding to its charm. It’s ideal for visitors who enjoy slower exploration and scenic village settings.
Monflanquin works particularly well as a relaxed morning or afternoon trip paired with lunch on the square.
Distance: approx. 40 minutes by car
Best for: views, village charm, relaxed exploration
Central square
Hilltop views
Stone buildings
Issigeac is a beautifully preserved medieval village, famous for its winding streets and timber-framed houses. Unlike formal bastide layouts, Issigeac’s organic street plan gives it a distinctly old-world feel.
The village hosts one of the most popular Sunday markets in the Dordogne, attracting visitors from across the region. On quieter days, it’s a wonderful place for photography, gentle exploration and soaking up historic charm.
Issigeac pairs perfectly with a market visit followed by lunch in one of its small cafés.
Distance: approx. 35 minutes by car
Best for: medieval streets, markets, photography
Timber-framed houses
Narrow medieval streets
Market square
Domme is a spectacular hilltop bastide overlooking the Dordogne Valley, offering some of the finest panoramic views in the region. Its elevated position makes it instantly memorable and ideal for scenic sightseeing.
Visitors can explore the fortified gates, historic streets and viewpoints, as well as nearby caves beneath the village. Domme is particularly impressive in the late afternoon when the valley below is bathed in warm light.
This is an excellent destination for guests wanting dramatic scenery and historic exploration.
Distance: approx. 1 hour by car
Best for: views, history, scenic walks
View over Dordogne Valley
Village ramparts
Sunset viewpoints
Lalinde is a peaceful riverside town located along the Dordogne River, offering a different atmosphere from hilltop bastides. Its waterfront setting makes it particularly popular for gentle walks, cycling and relaxed meals overlooking the water.
The town centre features small shops, cafés and a weekly market, while the surrounding area provides access to canoeing, riverside paths and scenic viewpoints. Lalinde is well suited to visitors who enjoy slower-paced exploration and time outdoors.
It’s a lovely choice for a calm afternoon excursion or a scenic lunch stop during a day exploring the Dordogne Valley.
Distance: approx. 30 minutes by car
Best for: riverside walks, cafés, relaxed afternoons
Images for Lalinde
Dordogne River waterfront
Riverside cafés
Town centre streets
Biron is home to one of the Dordogne’s most impressive castles. The château dominates the village and offers fascinating history, beautiful architecture and panoramic views — a great outing for couples and families alike.
Distance: approx. 10 minutes by car
Best for: castle visit, history, family day out
The small villages and hamlets around Monpazier and Marsalès are perfect for discovering the Dordogne’s rural charm: stone houses, rolling fields, woodland lanes and peaceful views. These areas are ideal for short drives, gentle walks and relaxed afternoons.
Distance: typically 5–15 minutes by car
Best for: countryside walks, peaceful views, slow travel
One of the joys of the Dordogne is visiting local markets. Many villages host weekly markets where you can pick up fresh bread, pastries, seasonal produce, cheese and local specialities — perfect for an easy lunch back at the house.
Tip: Market mornings pair perfectly with a café stop and a slow wander around the village square.
Nearby villages are ideal for families because they offer:
Safe village squares and open spaces
Easy castle visits and short walks
Ice cream stops and café terraces
Simple half-day outings without long drives
These trips are easy to fit around pool time and relaxed evenings at the house.
Maison Sérénité is ideally located for exploring Monpazier and the surrounding villages while enjoying a peaceful countryside stay with space and privacy.
Most nearby villages are within around 10–20 minutes by car, making them ideal for relaxed half-day trips.
Yes. Bastide towns, castles and village markets are very family-friendly and easy to explore with children.