Molières nowadays
Lost in the Périgourdine countryside, Molières is today a pleasant place to live, appreciated by its inhabitants and by tourists.
Currently, Molières has 350 inhabitants. Until about ten years ago, the population was rapidly ageing and young people left the village to settle closer to the towns and the economic centres of activity. But nowadays, sitting on a bench in the square at the weekend or in the evening, you can see many children playing or cycling through the streets. This is a sure sign that our population is getting younger.
Economic life
Although agriculture was originally omnipresent, the number of farmers has gradually decreased. But there are still some good farms and in recent years a number of new initiatives have been launched.
Several businesses established in Molières, such as the sawmill or a garage, offer some jobs and services appreciated by the villagers.
Others are developing their self-employed activities in Molières in the educational sector, transport, regional planning, construction, personal care, technical development or the craft or artistic sector.
On the square in Molières, a café/bar/restaurant, the “Poquelin”, welcomes you. Several other initiatives have been developed in recent years, such as
- a small farmers’ market every Wednesday evening,
- the presence of “food trucks” on certain days or
- gourmet night markets in the summer.
In the spring of 2022, a community grocery shop did open its doors.
Molières is also interesting from a tourist point of view with its historic buildings, its small heritage and its history, but also thanks to its beautiful surrounding countryside and its many hiking trails. Tourists looking for relaxation and calm, far from the hustle and bustle of the cities, will find here the peace they were looking for. A 3-star campsite, nicely arranged and numerous rural guesthouses allow tourists to stay in this green setting.
Social and cultural life
Far from the cities and places of high culture, Molières is not completely isolated. Several associations, very active for such a small village, organise various activities throughout the year: theatre festival, jazz festival and concerts, walnut celebration, organic night markets in the summer, flea markets, heritage walks, beer festival, “quine” (lotto), Christmas market, seniors’ meetings and many other things.
The church of Molières, like many other churches in the surrounding villages, hosts, especially in summer, concerts of classical music or choirs that highlight the incredible acoustics of these magical places.
Just 10km from Molières, in Le Buisson-de-Cadouin, is the “Cinéma Lux” which, with 2 screens, allows you to view the latest films.
Once a week, on Monday afternoons from 2pm to 7pm, the library located in the “mairie” opens. This free service provides access to a wide range of books. The collection on offer changes regularly as it is a collaboration with the departmental library of Périgueux.
Education
The public school in Molières was closed a few years ago. In 2019, a Montessori school has been created by volunteers from the village. So nowadays, you can hear children playing in the schoolyard again!
School buses pass through the village and take the children to the primary school or the college in Lalinde or Beaumont.
What future for our village?
No one can predict the future, but there are many signs that give us confidence in the future of our village.
The presence of our farmers and their production of vegetables, eggs, bread, apple juice and cider, nuts, meat, poultry and cheese, allows us to consume local products. There is no need to go to the nearest supermarket to buy a salad that has been produced at the other end of France! Some produce organically, others are sustainable and all are local. So, at a time when we are becoming aware of the importance of knowing where our food comes from, this is a real bonus!
The development of teleworking and the townspeople’s awareness of the importance of connecting with nature could increase the number of people who settle in the countryside and in charming villages like Molières. These are often relatively young people, or families with children. The rejuvenation of our population can thus continue.
And if the pandemic crisis linked to Covid-19 has had one positive point, it will be to have accelerated this collective awareness.
So what are you waiting for to come and discover Molières and share our enthusiasm?
History of Molières
Introduction to our history
Let's discover together the history of Molières.
Foundation of the Bastide
For a long time this was thought to be in 1284, but nothing is certain anymore!
The Early Modern Period
Traces of the evolution of the village from the 16th to the 19th century.
The village in the 20th century.
Our recent history as it lives in the memory of the elders.
Crédits:
Most of the images on this page are from our private collection. The photo of the interior of the Poquelin, marked with a ¤ belongs to the Poquelin.
