Beaumont-du-Perigord, Dordogne - travel guide
Visit Beaumont-du-Perigord
Beaumont is an English bastide town founded in 1272 by Edward I of England. In common with the general plan for bastide towns it was built on the grid pattern. Beaumont is an attractive bastide town, lively and active, but we must admit it isn't the best in the region for discovering what bastide towns were 'really like'.
Beaumont church was built at the end of the 13th century, and is usual for a bastide town it formed an important part of the towns defensive strategy. The town's Maison de retraite (retirement home) was originally a convent built in about 1700 - an elegant building, with identical windows each topped by a shell design, being the sign of the pilgrim route to Compostella.
There are various examples of houses of the middle ages, including Maison Chambard, a substantial town house with 15th century dormer windows and a 13th century facade onto the street. Part of the original medieval Maison de Monsec can be seen in the south facade, a remnant of a 13th century prison wall. The Maison Lafitte is an unusual timbered house with the cross of St Andrew set between its windows.
The Tour de Bannes is part of the original defences of the town, and you can walk round the old ramparts to see the Porte de Luzier and tower.
Venture south of town a little to admire the lovely (privately owned, no public admission) Chateau de Bannes. A delightful chateau which looks like something straight from a fairy tale. Close to Beaumont-du-Perigord you should also visit the dolmen de blanc (les 'peyrelevades') - as a reminder of the long history of the Dordogne region.
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