Molieres, Dordogne - travel guide

Dordogne > Towns and villages > Molieres

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Visit Molieres

Molieres is found to the south of the River Dordogne, near to Beaumont.

Molieres is a small bastide town of English origins built on behalf of Edward the first of England. The bastide was built in the 13th century.

Like all bastides it is built on a regular grid pattern with a central square. Being one of the smaller bastide towns in the area it has escaped being swamped by tourists and remains a quiet village to explore.

The village has been symathetically renovated and as well as the main streets you will find smaller pedestrian alleys which have been recently repaved and parts are covered by climbing plants adding colour to the natural beauty of the golden stone.

On the square there is only one arcaded building which remains- the Bayle house, unlike many of the bastides. Non-the-less the square is very attractive.

The church is very large compared to the size of the village and has a lovely square bell-tower. Originally it had two towers but now only the one remains, this served originally as part of the town's defences. The church was laid to ruin in the wars of religion but rebuilt in the 19th century.

On the edge of the town is the ruins of a 14th century castle built by Ghilem of Toulouse. This was built at the request of Ghilem of Toulouse as the town was largely unfortified. It was started in 1314 but never finished.