Beaumont du Périgord, an English bastide
Beaumont du Périgord is one of the eighteen bastides of the former Duchy of Aquitaine.
Nestled atop a hill, it once marked the border with the County of Toulouse. Its name, “Beaumont,” meaning “beautiful mountain,” derives from the Latin “Bellus Mons,” via the Occitan “Bel Mont.”
Founded by King Edward I of England in 1272, Beaumont du Périgord experienced significant growth under his patronage. In 1277, its inhabitants obtained a charter of liberties, renewed and expanded in 1286, along with additional privileges.
Thus, like the other bastides, Beaumont du Périgord enjoyed considerable autonomy. Its consuls, comparable to modern-day mayors, were authorised to meet in a consulate specially built for this purpose, thus facilitating community governance and decision-making.
Construction of the ramparts began in 1380, in the midst of the Hundred Years’ War. Beaumont du Périgord remained under English control until 1442, when the Viscount of Turenne, lieutenant of Charles VII of France, captured it.
Beaumont du Périgord, a French bastide
Beaumont de Périgord came under French rule following the resolution of the Anglo-French conflict in 1461, when King Louis XI reaffirmed the charter initially granted by Edward I.
The bastide underwent significant transformations, particularly in the second half of the 19th century, but retained its characteristic H-shaped layout, as intended by Henry III of England.
The ramparts were demolished or incorporated into new buildings during the town’s expansion in the 18th century. Today, the only vestiges are the Porte de Luzier (gate), one of the original sixteen gates, sections of the ramparts, and a tower, likely rebuilt in the 18th century, which gives us an idea of the bastide’s original size.
The covered market hall was demolished in 1854 to make way for Place Jean Moulin, which is still surrounded by picturesque medieval houses and vaulted galleries. The Maison Laphite, the oldest of the medieval houses in Beaumont de Périgord, marks the northern corner of the square.
Eglise Saint-Laurent-Saint-Front
The imposing Church of Saint-Laurent-Saint-Front was built in the 14th century.
This architectural masterpiece is the only church in the Périgord region to harmoniously blend military (fortified) and Gothic styles.
It is rightly considered the most beautiful fortified church in southwestern France.
Two towers flank its facade. The taller tower overlooks Place Jean Moulin and is topped by a gallery.
The magnificent five-arched portal is adorned with a balustrade decorated with a garland of grotesques.
This grand church, with its impressive proportions, is the focal point of the bastide town and was listed as a historical monument in 1909
Department of Dordogne
Coordinates Beaumont du Perigord: Lat 44.768370 – Long 0.767691
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Header by Père Igor CC BY-SA 4.0 – Porte de Luzier by Michel Chanaud CC BY-SA 4.0 – Church and Maison Laphiteby MOSSOT CC BY-SA 3.0
