Mairie déléguée de Monsec

Mairie déléguée de Monsec is the former town hall of Monsec, a small village in the Dordogne department, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France. Monsec is no longer an independent commune — since 1 January 2017 it has been a delegated commune within the larger municipality of Mareuil-en-Périgord, and its old town hall building on Place René-Dubut now serves as the mairie déléguée, a local administrative point for residents.

Where is Monsec and what is it today?

Monsec sits in the northern part of the Dordogne department, in the area known as Périgord Vert, within the commune of Mareuil-en-Périgord. It has around 211 inhabitants and belongs to the Communauté de communes Dronne et Belle. Although it lost its status as an independent commune, Monsec kept its own identity, parish church and a local office where residents can still handle everyday administrative matters, from civil records to planning questions.

How was Mareuil-en-Périgord created?

On 1 January 2017, nine formerly independent communes merged into a single new commune: Mareuil (which became the seat of the new municipality), Beaussac, Champeaux-et-la-Chapelle-Pommier, Les Graulges, Léguillac-de-Cercles, Monsec, Puyrenier, Saint-Sulpice-de-Mareuil and Vieux-Mareuil. Together they formed Mareuil-en-Périgord, with close to 2,400 inhabitants. This kind of merger, common across rural France in recent years, aims to cut administrative costs and strengthen shared public services among small villages. Each former commune, including Monsec, retained delegated-commune status along with its own mairie déléguée.

What is worth seeing in Monsec?

The village's main landmark is the church of Notre-Dame de la Nativité, built in a single construction campaign in the early 16th century, in 1508. Its layout is simple: a rectangle divided into three bays, the two end bays nearly square and the shorter middle bay carrying the bell tower. Large twin windows with tracery decorate the upper section of the facade, and the whole structure was designed with defence in mind, as shown by its surviving crenellations. It is the only historically listed monument in Monsec itself, making it a natural stop for anyone exploring this quieter corner of Périgord Vert.

What else can visitors do nearby?

A marked walking trail, the Boucle de Monsec, loops through the surrounding countryside and is popular with visitors seeking the calmer, greener side of the Dordogne, away from the busier attractions of Périgord Noir further south. Monsec makes a good base for exploring the other villages now grouped under Mareuil-en-Périgord, while Mareuil itself, the seat of the new commune, offers additional shops and services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Monsec still a separate commune? No. Since 2017, Monsec has been a delegated commune within Mareuil-en-Périgord, though it keeps its own mairie déléguée and local identity.

What is the main thing to see in Monsec? The church of Notre-Dame de la Nativité, built in 1508, the only listed historic monument in the village, notable for its simple form and defensive features.

Which part of France is Monsec in? Monsec lies in Périgord Vert, in the northern part of the Dordogne department, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.

Can you go hiking around Monsec? Yes, the marked Boucle de Monsec trail runs through the surrounding countryside and is popular with hikers exploring rural Périgord.