MONFLANQUIN
A MAGICAL EXPERIENCE IN SOUTHWEST FRANCE

If you decide to spend all, or part of, your vacation in this village in Southwest France you will not regret your choice. Construction of the village started in 1254 and it endured the 100 Year War, two World Wars and many skirmishes in between. Despite its war-torn history the village is charming and beautiful with a welcoming community and it is named by the French Government as “One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France".

The Village

The population is approximately 2500 and it is a close-knit community compacted into a relatively small space with narrow streets and alleys extending throughout the village in a typical medieval layout. There is a large square in the center called “La Place des Arcades” that is a gathering place for the resident population and tourist alike. The square is lined with restaurants and artisanal shops selling pottery, oil paintings, and other art objects. Just uphill from the square is an intact gothic church with towering columns and high ceilings where religious services take place regularly and the occasional classical concert is performed. Every Thursday throughout the year there is a market in the Place des Arcades where one can buy fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, prepared food, and many other items. According to the local history museum there has been a weekly market in the square since 1254. In the months of July and August during the French holidays there are many activities in the village with entertainment and celebrations. The weekly Thursday market opens up again in the evening with cooked food displayed around the edge of the square and, in the middle of the square, tables are arranged and locals as well as tourists (mostly French tourists) can enjoy an inexpensive evening meal in a congenial environment… and there is usually entertainment. People are speaking both English and French. The highlight of the summer months is the Medieval Festival. It is a two-day celebration that starts in the morning and lasts until late at night or early morning. You might see a knight in armour coming towards you amongst the throng of people dressed in costumes of the 13th and 14th centuries. The village encourages everyone to be in costume and there are plenty to rent in the village for a reasonable cost. There are jugglers, musicians, and acrobats roaming around and the highlight of this two-day event is the grand banquette in the Places des Arcades. One can buy tickets and enjoy a medieval banquette with good food, continuous entertainment, and all the wine you can drink. If you prefer a more tranquil visit, spring and autumn are lovely and you will have an opportunity to run into more locals and enjoy a leisurely meal in the house or in one of the restaurants in the square.

The House

The house is less than half a block from the square and the restaurants. It is a three-story town house and is narrow at the front but extends all the way back to the alley and up three stories. So although it looks small from the street, it is quite spacious inside.

The house has:

• 3 large bedrooms: one with twin beds, a master suite with a queen bed, and a third bedroom with a queen bed.
• 2 complete bathrooms and a main-floor powder room.
• A washer and dryer.
• Living room, dining room and fully equipped kitchen with oven, microwave, dishwasher, and a generous amount of cooking equipment.
• A sunroom on the 3rd floor adjacent to the roof terrace. From the roof terrace there is a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside and the tile village rooves.

Of Interest to Gourmets

The area is well known for its gastronomy and there are some excellent restaurants within a short driving distance. If you would like some recommendations, please call or email me.

The area is on the eastern edge of the Bordeaux wine region and there are many wine-tasting destinations. Within a half-hour drive there is a chateau and vignoble called Monbazillac. This area produces some very fine sweet wines and they are consumed mainly to accompany pâté de foie gras.

 

The Surrounding Area

After you become acquainted with the surrounding area, you will soon realize that there are so many villages and chateaux dating from the Middle Ages that this area must have been very prosperous and dynamic in that period. In fact, this rich land, inherited by Eléanor of Aquitaine, was coveted by many other monarchs. Therefore there are many interesting historic sites within a short driving distance. If you prefer to go farther afield you may want to visit the superb city of Bordeaux (a two-hour drive). It is reputed to have over a thousand restaurants. Many of its beautifully maintained and restored buildings date back from the middle ages and it has been declared a World Heritage Site. Another option is to head south towards the Pyrenees (approximately a two-hour drive to the closest point). In the Pyrenees, you will find spectacular hiking trails and picturesque villages nestled in the mountain valleys. A trip to the prehistoric caves of Lascaux and Peche Merle makes a very interesting day of exploration.