Monpazier

Monpazier, on the tiny Dropt River, is one of France's best-preserved and most photographed bastide (fortified) towns. It was built in ocher-color stone by English king Edward I in 1284 to protect the southern flank of his French possessions. It has three stone gateways (of an original six), a large central square, and the church of St-Dominique, housing 35 carved-wood choir stalls and a purported relic of the True Cross.