The daily diary of a wandering restaurateur
May 13 - Monpazier
Monpazier is a bastide or fortified town -- self defense during the rather predatory times of the Middle Ages.
The buildings around the central square in Monpazier extend over a covered arcade lined with small shops catering primarily to tourists. Once again, we arrived just as the morning market was being packed up. At least it make it easier to find parking! I thought the bright blue window was a bold statement, breaking up the otherwise endless gray stone.
The main feature of the central square is the market hall, which appears to be the original structure. There is a tile room and the structural beams are hand hewn. I suspect there is not a nail in the entire structure ... and it has been in service since 1284!
We had lunch at a fairly typical French bar -- nothing fancy, no theme, no atmosphere but nice people.
© 2004 Restaurant Doctor
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