Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, Gironde
A medieval Bastide town on the eastern border of the Gironde and Dordogne
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 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.
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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
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.
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 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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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.
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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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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.
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.
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.
