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.

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson
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.
The weekly Saturday morning farmers market is perhaps the best reason to visit this small bastide town.
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.
The association Les Grandes Heures of Saint-Emilion offer you high quality classical concerts held within the magnificent wine estates of Saint-Emilion.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This short stretch of Voie Verte (greenway) is perfect for families looking to stretch their legs in the Dordogne countryside, without having to conquer any hills climbs.
A 23km trail that follows the Isle river through the Perigord countryside from Trelissac (Charrieras) to Marsac (La Roche).
This Voie Verte (greenway) has been created along the track of an old and now unused railway line.
Although just 25km this circular route from Rocamadour does cross some challenging terrain. Partly on river path and some parts on road, you will need to have some experience of cycling to enjoy this route fully.
Following part of the GR6 route through the Dordogne this walk takes you from Lalinde on a circular route through the surrounding countryside.
A 23km trail that follows the Isle river through the Perigord countryside from Trelissac (Charrieras) to Marsac (La Roche).
With stunning views over the Lot river and the town of Cahors this walk is worth it just to enjoy the views.
Part of a long distance towpath, there is an interesting section cut out of the rocky cliff face between Bouziès and Saint-Cirq Lapopie which was used to drag barges along the river Lot. It's about five kilometres between the two villages and is a stunning section of the river.
This walk is wonderful and relaxing way to explore the valley of Autoire and the horseshoe shaped cliff band that guards it to the south-west.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
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.
A beautiful property owned by a local viticulturist whose vineyards form part of the grounds around the house.
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.
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.
Renovated 16th century farmhouse in Dordogne.
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'.
Charming renovated detached cottage in the heart of Dordogne.
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.
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.