Sainte-Foy-la-Grande sits on the south bank of the Dordogne river. This attractive walled bastide town still has some of its medieval houses and is a good base for visiting the surrounding Sainte-Foy-Bordeaux wine region and nearby Château de Montaigne, home of Michel de Montaigne.
Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, Gironde
A medieval Bastide town on the eastern border of the Gironde and Dordogne
Sainte-Foy-la-Grande also has the added benefit that most of the bastide towns don't. The Dordogne river actually runs through the town which is unusual because bastide towns are more commonly situated on hilltops. Along with the port there is also a small river beach (the Plage des Bardoulets) where people can paddle and cool their feet on a hot summer day.
Events in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
The weekly Saturday morning farmers market is perhaps the best reason to visit this small bastide town.
Events in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
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Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
Originating in 1076 the town grew rapidly, close to a priory where the Saint Foy (a Roman Christian born in 290 AD, who died at the age of 13 for her faith) was worshipped. It was given the name of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande in 1363 to distinguish it from other towns of the same name.
The majority of the buildings in the town are medieval and date back to the 15th century, enjoy the half timbered houses with sculpted beams on the exterior.
The town prospered through the centuries, mainly due to the Port and also to the wine trade. Flat bottomed boats were used to transport casks of wine from the Port Saint-Foy to Great Britain and Holland.
Sights & Attractions in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
The nearby Château de Montaigne sits within the Dordogne region and was once home to the famous French Renaissance writer Michel de Montaigne. An impressive and beautiful building with magnificent grounds, it's so worth the trip across the river to enjoy its rich history.
Travelling between the town of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande and the sleepy village of Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne you will pass through Montcaret, where there are some fine examples of Roman ruins at the Gallo-Roman Villa.
Sights in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
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Eglise Notre-Dame Church, Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
Thirteenth-century church in the heart of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
Situated in one corner of the main square in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, facing the Mairie (town hall), this church has an imposing steeple that reaches high about the streets.
Dining in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
Restaurants in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
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l'Hostellerie des Ducs Restaurant, Duras
Inviting family run restaurant
The hotel restaurant is run by the Blanchet family. A stylish establishment, with a beautiful open fire during winter months and a wonderful shaded terrace to relax in the warmth of spring and summer.
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Tour des Vents Restaurant, Monbazillac
Incredible views from this fine restaurant
At the top of the hills of Monbazillac, surrounded by vineyards, the shady terraces and dining rooms of this restaurant offer an unforgettable panoramic view. The chef, Marie Rougier, produces a fine dining menu from seasonal products.
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La Chartreuse du Bignac Restaurant, St Nexans
Gourmet restaurant with indoor & terrace dining located in an rural 17th century building
The dining rooms allow for views of the surrounding vineyards and rolling hills. Drinks can also be enjoyed in the small library or among the chestnut trees.
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Les Merles Restaurant, Mouleydier
Contemporary restaurant set in a 17th century Château
The restaurant boasts an innovative menu with a focus on fine local fare and seemless service. The very word Les Merles stands for honesty and delightfulness, which is reflected throughout the dining experience.
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Les Belles Perdrix de Troplong Mondot Restaurant, Saint Emilion
Gourmet restaurant in a château among the vineyards
This restaurant is located in the Château Troplong Mondot, a large estate on the top of a hill with a winery that produces a 1er Grand Cru Classé. They serve traditional French cuisine with creative contemporary touches.
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Le Clos Mirande Restaurant, Saint Emilion
A contemporary French cuisine restaurant and a traditional bistro near Saint-Emilion
This restaurant offers various possibilities for dining in the same place: a fine restaurant serving modern French cuisine, a bistro with local and seasonal dishes, and a tea room. There is also a beautiful sunny garden overlooking the vineyards.
Things to do in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
The streets of this town are filled with wonderful examples of timbered medieval homes and traditional squares with their original arcades. Perhaps the most impressive building in the town, the tourist office is situated on rue de la Republique and boasts a fine corner tower.
Although a small town, it's steeped in history at every turn and the main square, Place Gambetta, is a beautiful place to sit with a coffee and enjoy the atmosphere.
Things To Do in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
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Bergerac Karting, Bergerac
Outdoor karting circuit on the south west of the city of Bergerac
In the heart of the 'Purple Perigord' you can share and enjoy the passion of owner Jean-Pierre who has been part of competitive karting since the late 1980's.
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Traditional Barge Boat Trip, Bergerac
20+ person traditional boat with commentary
A delightful trip along the river that runs through the heart of Bergerac on a traditional wooden barge.
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Le Petit Train de Bergerac
Guided sightseeing of Bergerac in the little train
Discover the historic town of Bergerac during this 30-35 minute tour of the towns most famous sights and features.
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Port Miniature, Bergerac
Become a captain for the day in the miniature port of Bergerac
Take this opportunity to drive the electric replicas of real boats: tug, trawler, ferry, steam Mississippi barges...The small port has everything for those who want to go out there and play sailor "for real".
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Bergerac Wine Tours, Eymet
Wine tasting in the Bergerac wine area of the Dordogne
A full day tour for those interested in wine, the terroir, the makers and other local products of the Dordogne region.
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Tuk-Tuk Tour (Wine Tour), Saint Emilion
An original & entertaining way to see the city & its vineyards
100% electric and 100% silent, the infamous tuk-tuk comes to Saint Emilion to take you on a tour or the town and the vineyards that surround it.
Watersports in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
Watersports in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
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Canoes Rivieres Loisirs, Limeuil
Accessible to all, you can travel the region at your own pace
With family, in a group, with friends and at any age, you can explore at your own pace two of the most beautiful rivers of Périgord.
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CANOEric, Le Bugue
Canoeing and kayaking down the Vereze valley in the heart of the Dordogne
Easy canoeing for everybody. You can navigate with family or friends in peace. You’ll be given a solid equipment, stable canoes and buoyancy aids.
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AVCK (Animation Vezere Canoe Kayak), Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Explore the Vézère valley from the peace & tranquillity of the river
This area provides water-sports for all ages. Renowned for its architectural heritage and sites of natural beauty, you will find that paddling is a great way to relax and have fun whilst enjoying the scenery.
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Brantome Canoe, Brantome
Discover the Dronne river by canoe, paddle board or try something completely different!
Not only can you take a relaxing journey down the Dronne river in a canoe but you can try your hand at stand up paddle boarding or take to the cliffs and trees for some adventure above ground.
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Canoe Vacances, La Roque-Gageac
Canoe holidays on the river Dordogne
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
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Canoe Dordogne
Enjoy a gentle kayak down the river Dordogne from La Roque Gageac
Hire a canoe or kayak from this company and you can enjoy a gentle river cruise and the chance to explore the wonderful Dordogne river and its banks.
Holiday Rentals in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
Holiday Rentals in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
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Le Manoir Du Vignoble Villa, Pomport
5 bedroom Villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 14
A beautiful property owned by a local viticulturist whose vineyards form part of the grounds around the house.
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La Castille Villa, Castillonnès
5 bedroom Villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 8
Enjoy French country living at La Castille, a beautifully restored 18th Century stone bastide which offers charm and style in abundance, in an area renowned for delicious food and wine. La Castille is the sister property to La Perigourdine and La Petite Maison.
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La Petite Maison Villa, Castillonnès
2 bedroom Villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 5
Decorated in chic but subtle style this pretty cream coloured stone cottage is the epitome of a charming rural retreat yet is within walking distance of the impressive bastide of Castillonnes.
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Le Mas Villa
5 bedroom villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 10
Renovated 16th century farmhouse in Dordogne.
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Pech Marty Villa, Monflanquin
3 bedroom Villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 6
A sparkling retreat which offers something for everyone, Pech Marty will delight all who stay there. Set in spacious grounds with views over the surrounding countryside towards the 'bastide' town of Monflanquin, this lovely stone building has been sympathetically restored to become a most relaxing and comfortable 'home from home'.
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Le Mazet Villa
1 bedroom villa in Dordogne, sleeps 2
Charming renovated detached cottage in the heart of Dordogne.
Hotels in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
Hotels in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
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La Source Chapelains B&B, Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
A quiet break with nature
Few places can offer a retreat as peaceful and pleasant as what is on offer here in this quaint little B&B in the Pèrigord Pourpre. You can bathe in the pool, relax in the jacuzzi or walk around the park with pond and orchards.
How to get to Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
Situated just 24km to the west of Bergerac on the banks for the Dordogne river, St Foy la Grande actually sits just within the border of the Gironde region.
Somewhat hidden behind an industrial area on the main road between Bordeaux and the Dordogne, it's worth the trip to see this pretty bastide town.
Property For Sale in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
Property for Sale in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
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Old Barn For Sale, Montcaret
One/two bedroom old barn with a beautiful garden
This one/two bedroom home has been renovated with extreme care and quality, and leaves no work to do in the home. Originally an old barn, the house has a bright open plan reception space combining the fully equipped kitchen, dining room, and living room into one.
Old Barn For Sale, Montcaret
€185,500 -
Tower Property For Sale, Bergerac
A beautifully maintained 5 bedroom stone property
Built in 1982, this large family home of 280m2, with it's own Tower, 5 Double Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Lounge, 2 Reception Areas, Kitchen, Conservatory and ornate gardens offers no end of possibilities.
Tower Property For Sale, Bergerac
€483,000 -
Grand Maison de Maitre For Sale - REF 3515516, Saint Emilion
4 bedrooms house plus separate 3 bedroom coach house
Rarely does such a remarkable opportunity come to market with the combination of a large elegant Maison de Maitre and highly improved accommodations in such a prime location.
Grand Maison de Maitre For Sale - REF 3515516, Saint Emilion
€2,500,000 -
Stone House, Couze-et-Saint-Front - Ref.2713
2 bedroom stone house for sale
Typical stone house Perigord style dating from 1807 completely renovated.
Stone House, Couze-et-Saint-Front - Ref.2713
€171,200 -
Paunat House, Tremolat - Ref.2014
3 bedroom house for sale
Perigord authentic house with about 160m2 living space surrounded by a lovely garden and orchard of 1600m2.
Paunat House, Tremolat - Ref.2014
€249,000 -
House for sale, Dordogne Region
5 bedroom timber house with swimming pool
This delightful 5 bedroom/2 bathroom house is in a small quiet hamlet which borders the Drone river. Renovations were made to retain the original features such as the exposed timbered walls, floor tiles and stone fireplaces.
House for sale, Dordogne Region
€222,600

















































