Fête de la Musique
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.

© 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.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Open from June to the end of September this small waterpark offers you and your family the chance to cool off on the hot summer days and to keep children entertained for hours.
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.
A delightful trip along the river that runs through the heart of Bergerac on a traditional wooden barge.
Discover the historic town of Bergerac during this 30-35 minute tour of the towns most famous sights and features.
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".
A full day tour for those interested in wine, the terroir, the makers and other local products of the Dordogne region.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Typical stone house Perigord style dating from 1807 completely renovated.
Perigord authentic house with about 160m2 living space surrounded by a lovely garden and orchard of 1600m2.
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.