Lalinde, Perigord Pourpre
The first English bastide town and an important historical military site
Founded in 1261, Lalinde was the first English bastide. Situated on the banks of the Dorgdogne, the town is also crossed by the Canal de Lalinde, constructed to bypass the dangerous rapids of Grand Thoret.
The town suffered various sieges during the Hundred Years' War and again in 1562 and 1572 during the Wars of Religion, and now not much remains of the original medieval town. The canal's aqueduct and Tuilerie de Villeneuve weir bridge are worth looking out for if you take a walk along its banks.
History & Culture in Lalinde
According to legend, there was a dragon living in a cave on the south banks of the Dordogne who carried off inhabitants of Lalinde and devoured them. Saint-Front destroyed the dragon in a bonfire and the town of Lalinde built a small chapel on top of the hill dedicated to him.
The town is bordered to the south by the Dordogne river and by a canal on the north. The Lalinde Canal was dug between 1838 and 1843, between Mauzac and Tulieres as this stretch of the river was very difficult to navigate. However, with the arrival of the railway and roads, freight transport declined by river and the canal became obsolete. It is now a popular fishing area and walking path.
Sights & Attractions in Lalinde
With several châteaux certified as historical monuments you'll find no lack of beautiful buildings in the area. Many of them also double up as accommodation, either in the form of luxury hotels or simple B&B's.
The church across the Dordogne river from Lalinde has an interesting history and is worth the short walk over to enjoy the church and the views from its situation.
Sights in Lalinde
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Moulin de la Rouzique Papermaking Mill & Museum, Couze-et-Saint-Front
In the paper-making village of Couze-et-Saint-Front, this traditional mill still makes paper by hand.
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Chapelle Saint Front de Colubri, Lalinde
Although it is believed to have dated back to the eighth century, Father Goustat wrote in 1883 that this building could date back to VIII, XI or even the fourteenth century. It has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt in part or in whole over the years.
Events in Lalinde
The weekly markets are a popular affair, with the main market being held on Thursday morning and a smaller farmers market on a Saturday morning.
During the summer months the Thursday market becomes so large that it virtually takes over the entire town...a great time to visit.
Events in Dordogne
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European Heritage Days
Exceptional locations around France, including Dordogne, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
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Rassemblement Européen de Montgolfieres, Rocamadour
A hot air balloon fiesta in Rocamadour in late September. This gathering of European hot air balloons forms a stunning sight against the backdrop of the pilgrimage town of Rocamadour.
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Sauternes and Barsac Chateaux open day wine tasting
At the beginning of November, the Sauternes and Barsac Châteaux opens its doors for a weekend in which more than 50 estates welcome the public to sample their wines.
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Ban des Vendanges, Jurade de Saint Emilion
The Autumn festival in Saint-Emilion celebrates the wine and heritage of this medieval city. The 'Jurade' are the Saint-Emilion wine brotherhood who historically had administrative rights over the town. As part of the festival they parade through the town in their traditional crimson robes, reminiscent of the all-powerful aldermen of centuries past.
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Marche Nocturne (night market), Eymet
Every Tuesday evening throughout the busy summer months of July and August the town of Eymet hosts a wonderful night market.
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Grandes Heures de Saint-Emilion
The association Les Grandes Heures of Saint-Emilion offer you high quality classical concerts held within the magnificent wine estates of Saint-Emilion.
Things to do in Lalinde
The former lock on the Lalinde Canal is the starting point for mountain biking and hiking on nearly 200km of marked trails. The trails allow you to discover the Lindois Country.
There are also some lovely walks on the other bank of the river that will take you past several interesting historical monuments.
Property For Sale in Lalinde
Property for Sale in Lalinde
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Stone House, Couze-et-Saint-Front - Ref.2713
Typical stone house Perigord style dating from 1807 completely renovated.
Price: €171,200
