Eymet
Eymet is a pretty bastide town in the south-east of the Dordogne department.
Eymet
SeasonalEymet is a Medieval village approximately 20 minutes drive from Poitevins. Fantastic markets held every Thursday and night markets during the summer where the town comes alive with music and the amazing cuisine on offer. Local restaurants cater for all tastes and a piano bar for some additional entertainment make this a worthwhile trip.
Key InformationHistorical Charm of EymetEymet, founded in 1270, exudes historical charm with its ancient houses, monuments, and thriving central market square, reflecting its defensive origins against English invasion.
Lively Cultural SceneDespite its quiet appearance, Eymet surprises visitors with its lively atmosphere, boasting a small cultural scene, vibrant Thursday morning market, and lively night market during July and August, offering an array of culinary delights and entertainment.
Scenic River SettingSituated on the banks of the Dropt river, Eymet offers picturesque views and charming picnic spots, making it an ideal destination for leisurely walks, riverside picnics, and enjoying the scenic beauty of Southern France.
Eymet is a pretty bastide town in the south-east of the Dordogne department, with a good number of ancient houses and monuments to remind us of its history. It is an attractive and unspoiled town with a thriving central square, and it is in a pretty location on the banks of the Dropt river - it was the transport links along the Dropt that originally enabled Eymet to flourish.Eymet was founded 1270 by Alphonse of Poitiers, like many of the French bastide towns, as part of a defensive strategy against the English. The site on which Eymet was built had already previously been occupied during Roman times and in the prehistoric era.Eymet, however, is a rather lively little town with plenty of restaurants and a small cultural scene. Ironically, while the town was originally established by the French as part of a defensive strategy against an English invasive, today it’s one of the most “British” towns in Dordogne with a 20% British population.Every Thursday morning, a lively market with the best products of the region takes place at the central square. You can buy baguettes, cheese, and regional fruits at the market and find a nice spot for a picnic on the banks of the Dropt river. That’s what we do many times as we travel with little kids and picnics are always a bit easier than sitting in a restaurant. Every Tuesday during July and August a lively night market is taking place here with live music and plenty of food stands. The market is taking place at Place de la Bastide starting from 19:00.https://www.northofthedordogne.com/eymet.phpVisit EymetEymet is in the Perigord Purple region of south-west Dordogne, about 20 km south of Bergerac. It is an attractive town to visit, with a thriving central market square and an attractive location on the banks of the Dropt river.The town in its current form dates from 1270 (founded by Alphonse de Poitiers), although the same location has been occupied during the earlier Roman and prehistoric eras.Explore EymetEymet has a typical bastide town layout (bastide towns are found more commonly in the Lot-et-Garonne and other departments to the south of the dordogne). This layout includes an open square which originally held a market hall, though this no longer exists in Eymet, with straight roads leading off the square, lined with medieval houses.The houses around the edges of the central square in a bastide town are typically arcaded, as in Eymet, with stone pillars supporting the upper storey, which can be in either stone or colombage. The houses date from the 13 to 15th century. In the centre of the square there is a large fountain.As well as the main square wander along the side streets which offer many more attractive buildings to see. On Rue du Loup notice the Maison du Bayle with its hexagonal tower and carved doorway. This was once home to the governor of the town. On Rue du Couvent there is an ancient conventThere is a map on display in the town with a suggested 1 kilometer walk around the town to see the main sights or a 3 kilometer walk with the main sights to see on either side of the Dropt river which forms a deep bend with Eymet sat in the middle.Eymet, like most of the bastides began life as a trading and agricultural centre. Building these towns allowed the rich fertile land to be farmed and artisans of other trades moved in to trade with the farmers. Political and economic guarantees were awarded the towns to persuade people to move into them.As the area fell once again to war many of the bastides were fortified. The castle in Eymet existed before the town was built and it has a tall donjon (keep) but the defensive walls were added later, in the 15th century and once encircled the whole town. There is a circular tower on the chateau which acted as a watchtower and also housed the latrines. It is very unusual for a bastide town to have a castle.The River Dropt runs along the edge of Eymet and from the town you can look out over an attractive stone moulin (mill). The foundations of the mill date back to the 13th century and it was converted into a flour mill in the 20th century and supplied all the local bakers with flour.The river was once navigated by boats called gabarres and used to transport goods and especially wine along the river. Nowadays it is not considered navigable. You can take a ride on a gabarre built in the traditional style from the nearby town of Bergerac.Eymet has a lively market every Thursday morning and in July and August it has an extra market on a Sunday morning. Every year on the 15th August there is a tasting of white wine and oysters in Eymet's main square - delicious. Eymet is very well served for restaurants and cafés and as it sits on the edge of the river Dropt it offers some lovely spots for a picnic too.
Village decorationsPlaces to visit nearbyThere are a few small places of note in the vineyard covered region south-west of Bergerac / north-west of Eymet, including the little villages of Sigoulès, Pomport and Saussignac.If you are travelling with children the Chateau de Bridoire has lots of excellent games with a medieval theme. If you are a wine enthusiast try visiting some of the wine chateaux. Many are open for visits and tasting. The Chateau de Tiregand offers a visit around the vineyard too. The Chateau de Monbazillac is a wonderful chateau as well as a wine producer.Issigeac is a beautiful medieval village close to Eymet.There are a number of very nice walks in the area - ask in the tourist office for maps.
Village decorationsFrequently Asked Questions
How far away is Eymet from Poitevins?
Eymet is a 17.9km drive from Poitevins, it takes on average 19 minutes. On the way you'll drive past Soumensac and Lac de l'Escourou.
When is the best time to go to Eymet?
Eymet has a lively market every Thursday morning and in July and August it has an extra market on a Sunday morning. Every year on the 15th August there is a tasting of white wine and oysters in Eymet's main square - delicious.
What can I find at Eymet market?
Eymet market has a lot of sellers - you can find fresh fruit and veg, herbs and spices, clothing, accessories and household goods.
