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Bastide town · Périgord Pourpre

Eymet

A 13th-century bastide on the river Dropt, south of Bergerac, built around an arcaded square.

Eymet, re-rendered from an openly licensed photo (Summer · Brochure blue · Golden hour)
Photo: Père Igor (CC BY-SA 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons

Eymet is a small bastide town in the far south of the Périgord Pourpre, close to the border with Lot-et-Garonne. It was laid out in the 13th century on a grid around a central arcaded square, and much of that plan survives.

It sits on the river Dropt among farmland and vineyards south of Bergerac. The town is well known for its large British community, so you will often hear English spoken in the square and the cafés.

Where to stay
Area
Périgord Pourpre
Best known for
Bastide square, castle keep, British community
Market day
Thursday morning (check seasonal changes)
Time to allow
Two to three hours, longer on market day
Getting there
South of Bergerac by road - distance to be confirmed
Combine with
Issigeac, Bergerac, Monpazier

Book direct

Where to stay near Eymet

The bastide

Like other bastides, Eymet was planned as a new town, with straight streets meeting at a central square. The square, Place Gambetta, is surrounded by arcades and old houses, some timber-framed, with a fountain at its centre.

The streets around it are quiet and easy to walk, and the whole town can be seen on foot in a short loop.

What to see

Eymet is small, and its interest lies in the town as a whole rather than in one big sight.

Place Gambetta
The arcaded central square, the heart of the bastide.
The castle keep
The surviving tower of the medieval castle near the river. Check whether it is open before you go.
The river Dropt
The river along the edge of the town, with paths and an old bridge.
The old streets
The grid of lanes around the square, with stone and timber-framed houses.

Eat and drink

Cafés and restaurants line the square, many with tables under the arcades or outside in summer. The surrounding countryside is wine country, between the Bergerac vineyards to the north and the Côtes de Duras to the west.

Markets

The weekly market is traditionally held on Thursday morning in and around the square. In summer there are often evening food markets as well. Check the current calendar before you plan around them.

Planning your visit

Eymet is a working town rather than a showpiece village, so it is busy on market day and calm the rest of the week. Parking arrangements are to be confirmed, particularly on market day.

Bergerac airport is the nearest airport, which makes Eymet a convenient first or last stop.

What to combine with Eymet

Issigeac, a medieval village known for its Sunday market, lies to the north-east, and Bergerac and its vineyards are further north. To the east, the bastide of Monpazier makes a good comparison with Eymet's square.

Eymet's quieter setting suits a base for a week, with day trips north into the Dordogne valley.

Questions about Eymet

Is Eymet worth visiting?

Yes, for its bastide square and calm streets, particularly on market day. It is a small town, so combine it with Issigeac or Bergerac for a full day.

What day is the market in Eymet?

The market is traditionally held on Thursday morning. Check the current calendar before you travel.

Why are there so many British people in Eymet?

Eymet has had a large British community for many years, drawn by the countryside, the town and its closeness to Bergerac airport.

What is the nearest airport to Eymet?

Bergerac Dordogne Périgord airport (EGC), to the north. Bordeaux-Mérignac is the nearest large airport with routes all year.

Opening times, prices and parking change. Check before you travel: Bergerac tourist office, Dordogne Périgord tourism.