Monflanquin

The view on Monflanquin at Les Bourdeaux.

The bastide of Monflanquin is founded in 1256 by Alphonse de Poitier. The hill of Monflanquin was owned by the Lords of Calviac and was bought by Alphonse de Poitier to build a new town. At Les Bourdeaux you have a view on the bastide of Monflanquin as well as on the medieval church of Calviac.

The bastides that were build in the 13th century, in this part of France, were build with the purpose to protect the inhabitants economically, politically and socially in an era that the French and the English fought eachother regularly. They are build according to, at that time, modern principles with a central marketsquare and a streetpattern like a chessboard. The church is not situated on the marketsquare but just outside. In Monflanquin the old, steep streets still exist and many alleys and passages have been renovated in medieval style. In the Musée des bastides, above the tourist information, on the marketsquare, you will find information on the building of the many bastides in this region. At the tourist information you can get a description of a walk through the village and once a week you can join Janouille la Fripouille (the medieval rascal) for a guided tour.

The name Monflanquin originates probably from 'Mons flanchinî' wich means 'Montange Flanquée' or hill with flanks/sids. The hill is 181 meters high and from the highest point, near the church, you have a splendid view on the surroundings.

Monflanquin is one of the 149 "Plus Beaux Villages de France". For more information: http://www.villagesdefrance.free.fr

Markets:

Since 1256 there is a market on the marketsquare of Monflanquin, every thursday morning. In the holidayseason there is also a market on sundaymorning and on the last sunday of the month there is a flee market in Monflanquin.

Restaurants:

Monflanquin has various restaurants, however they are not open all year long. In the holiday season you will find five restaurants on the market square, under the arcades (Bistrot du Prince Noir, Le mercerie, Le Jardin, Les Encantadas and La grappe de raisin). Furthermore there are two Italian restaurants (La Tonnelle en Pizzeria le Saint-Pierre) and, at the entrance of the old village, a typical French restaurant (L'Entrecote).

On one of the smaller squares the local pub Bar des Arcades, has a terrace where you can also enjoy tastefull tapas.

During the summer months, on Thursday evening, there is a market where all the local farmers offer there products. You can enjoy the local cuisine, sitting together on long tables.

Festivals:

In june Monflanquin has 'La fête de la musique' with all kinds of musical performances.

Like every French village there is a party on the 14th of July. Dancing on the marketsquare.

Around the 15th of August Monflanquin has its two or three medieval days. Almost all the inhabitants of the village are dressed like medievals, the streets have all kind of medieval scenes, the medieval taverne serves traditional wine and there is a lot of music. See also the site gemmonflanquin.monsite.wanadoo.fr.

In the beginning of December it is St André in Monflanquin (St. André is the patron saint of the village). There is a fair, there is a market and, again, a lot of music.

Just before Christmas the inhabitants of Monflanquin and its surroundings get together on the square to sing Christmas carols and enjoy a glass of malted wine.