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 
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.
Beaches in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
Beaches in Bordeaux
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Hourtin Lakeside Beach, Hourtin 
Hourtin Lakeside Beach, Hourtin
A calm lake beach on the largest fresh water lake in France
A protected natural reserve with wild marshes, sand dunes and pine forests, this huge body of water is perfect for outdoor activities such as sailing, swimming, water skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, fishing, kite surfing, paddle boarding, or walking and biking along the trails and cycle paths that line the shores of the lake.
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Plage d'Eyrac Beach, Arcachon 
Plage d'Eyrac Beach, Arcachon
East of the main Plage d'Arcachon close to the marina and port
A small, peaceful and tranquil beach that is situated at the entrance to the marina and is the most sheltered of all the beaches around Arcachon due to its location within the basin.
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Plage d'Arcachon Beach, Arcahon 
Plage d'Arcachon Beach, Arcahon
The main beach along the seafront promenade of the town of Arcachon
An 800m strip of white sand situated between the Theirs and Eyrac piers this beach is very much in the Arcachon basin and sheltered from the strong Altlantic winds on the coast.
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Plage Pereire Beach, Arcachon 
Plage Pereire Beach, Arcachon
Around 3km of fine sand looking over to the Cap-Ferret peninsula
This is by far the largest and better known of the Arcachon beaches, stretching some 3km in length with wonderful views over to the chic town of Cap-Ferret and the peninsula beaches.
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Lacanau Ocean Beach, Lacanau 
Lacanau Ocean Beach, Lacanau
A 15km stretch of sand beach situated on the Atlantic Ocean
Over time, the wind and ocean currents have gradually created a wall of sand dunes, behind which streams and rivers have allowed the formation of lakes and freshwater ponds.
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La Plage Le Porge Oceane Beach, Le Porge 
La Plage Le Porge Oceane Beach, Le Porge
The closest beach to the city of Bordeaux, situated on the Atlantic Ocean
Le Porge beach is also known for its large waves and strong undertow, even if the rescuers are not far away, you must remain cautious as you would for many of the ocean beaches.
Dining in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
Restaurants in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
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Chateau de Sanse Restaurant, Sainte-Radegonde
Refined French restaurant with a breathtaking view
This restaurant is located in the Chateau de Sanse, a beautiful hotel among the vineyards. They serve modern French cuisine in their elegant dining room which has stunning panoramic views of the countryside thanks to its high standpoint.
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Auberge Saint-Jean Restaurant, Saint Jean de Blaignac
Michelin starred restaurant with a panoramic view of the river Dordogne
This gourmet one Michelin star restaurant serves the refined and contemporary creations of Manuela and Thomas L'Hérisson. Their choice of dishes adapt according to the products available in each season, and is served in a light dining room that overlooks the river Dordogne.
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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.
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Logis de la Cadene Restaurant, Saint Emilion
Contemporary French restaurant in the centre of a charming medieval town
Founded in 1848, this restaurant is one of the oldest in the town of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site. French creative cuisine is served in its terrace and three dining rooms, accompanied by wines from the region.
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Le Tertre Restaurant, Saint Emilion
Charming small restaurant in the centre of the medieval village of Saint-Émilion
Offering a generous choice of traditional French dishes and a large wine selection, this restaurant is located in the heart of the picturesque town of Saint-Émilion. Diners can be accommodated in its intimate dining room, its small terrace, or a special table in its wine cellar carved out of the rock.
Nightlife in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
Bars & Clubs in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
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Le Caillou 
Le Caillou
Musical diversity in the heart of the city of Bordeaux
A diverse music programming that showcases some of the best local and national talent in jazz, music of the World, blues and many other expressions.
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La Ligne Rouge Bar 
La Ligne Rouge Bar
Wine bar offering international references in the centre of Bordeaux
Situated at the foot of the historical Porte Cailhau, this bar has a list of more than 100 wines. They are focused on international products as well as some lesser-known wines from Bordeaux.
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Aux Quatre Coins du Vin Bar
Wine bar in the centre of Bordeaux with a clever self-service system
Centrally located, this bar offers a large selection of wines, especially French but also from other parts of the world. Customers can taste them through a self-service method, and they can be accompanied by regional delicatessen.
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La Conserverie-Converserie Bar
Charming wine bar and delicatessen shop in the Quartier des Chartrons
This bar has an old-fashioned decoration that creates a very warm atmosphere. Their wine list includes many French references, as well as from other parts of the world. They can be enjoyed in their cosy interior or the patio, accompanied by selections of local delicatessen.
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Bar a vin 
Bar a vin
Bar run by young sommeliers with a vast selection of wines from the Bordeaux region
One of the best places to taste wines from the Bordeaux region. Located on the ground floor of the headquarters of the Conseil Interprofessionel du Vin de Bordeaux, the bar's team is very knowledgeable and passionate. They give tasting advice, extensive information on the grapes and suggestions for matching food and wine.
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Casino d'Arcachon, Arcachon
A casino situated on the beach front in a beautiful Chateau-style builing
The beautiful building of Chateau Deganne was converted in 1904 into a casino. In the early twentieth century Paris and Bordeaux bourgeoisie came to spend the summer in Arcachon. Thus the town had to create distractions - a casino.
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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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.
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Le Train des Grands Vignobles (Vineyard Train) Tour, Saint Emilion
The perfect way to tour the hilly wine region of St Emilion
After discovering the city of Saint Emilion this train tour takes you out into the countryside and surrounding vineyards to discover more about the history and culture of wine in this region.
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La Ferme Exotique Animal & Nature Park, South Bordeaux
Wildlife and leisure park close to the city of Bordeaux
With over 1000 animals to meet, from around 75 different species, from the very smallest, all the way up to the largest breeding camels in France.
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Bordeaux City Tour 
Bordeaux City Tour
See the sights of Bordeaux at your own pace by open-top bus
Take in Bordeaux’s historic landmarks and modern highlights on a hop-on hop-off double-decker bus tour with panoramic views and audio commentary for all ages.
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Le Petit Train de Bordeaux, City of Bordeaux
Explore this grand city from the comfort of the tourist train
As it passes through the oldest parts of Bordeaux, making the most of the landscape, the train takes you past the most famous places and monuments of the city.
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Public Garden
Beautiful public garden & green space in the heart of the city
The public garden in the city of Bordeaux houses an arboretum, a library and a Natural History Museum.
Watersports in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
Watersports in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
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Magic Surf School, Lacanau
Teaching, coaching & surf lessons that will turn you into a pro
Each session is tailored to the requirements of the participants.
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So Nice Surf School, Le Porge
Surf school on the quiet beach of north Le Porge
Whether it's your first time on a board or you've been surfing for years, So Nice Surf School will give you the guidance you need to get started or to improve your tricks in a cool, laid-back atmosphere.
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Estuaire Jet Ski, Le Verdon sur Mer
Jet ski lessons, hire & inflatable fun!
You will be able to hire and learn how to drive a jet ski, with the assistance of qualified instructors, you can be on the water within 15 minutes.
Holiday Rentals in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
Holiday Rentals in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
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La Brugère Villa, Baleyssagues
A fine example of the French ‘Maison de Maitre’, La Brugère is an impressive and elegant property, surrounded by a spacious, attractive garden with an eye catching pool area, and only a 5 minute drive from the charming town of Duras, home to cafes, restaurants, and shops. In short, La Brugère is a superb haven for groups of any size to reunite and enjoy a memorable holiday.
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Le Clos des Chenes Villa
Nestled in the picturesque countryside not far from the pretty bastide of Lalinde on the banks of the River Dordogne, Le Clos des Chênes is one of the most beautifully restored farmhouses and its setting one of the most restful we have come across.
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Le Brame Villa
Situated on the border between Dordogne and Lot et Garonne, Le Brame’s location allows easy exploration of the towns, chȃteaux and landscapes that these two stunning regions offer. Within a 10 to 15 minute drive there are three lovely bastide towns, Villeréal, Monpazier and Monflanquin, to explore, as well as the Chȃteau de Biron which during the summer hosts concerts and light shows. Standing proudly atop a hill, this impressive castle can be seen from the terrace at Le Brame.
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Marie Villa
Excellent wines and delicious food are synonymous with South West France and so it is with great pleasure that they include Villa Marie in their portfolio, where gastronomic delights are to be found on the doorstep: the vineyards of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte are just 1.3km away (a 20 minute walk), with the restaurants of the renowned spa hotel, Les Sources de Caudalie, a few 100 metres further along. Equally enticing is the proximity of the region’s capital, Bordeaux. Easily accessible by both car and public transport, visits to this wonderful city will become an integral part of the holiday.
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Canon Villa, Lege-Cap-Ferret
Beautiful villa of 300m2 living space located on the heights of the Canon in the heart of Cap Ferret with a nice view of Arcachon Bay.
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Lacanau Ocean Villa, Lacanau
Nice villa for 10 persons located 4.5 km from the beach and 4 km from the shopping street.
Hotels in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
Hotels in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
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Domaine Les Jourdis, Les Leves-et-Thoumeyragues
Charming guest house between Saint Emilion and the Perigord
The Domaine is built around a fortified house of the sixteenth century, in the middle of a park of 11 hectares and located in the heart of vineyards AOC Bordeaux, Sainte Foy and Bergerac. Restructured in the eighteenth century, in stone, it is surrounded by outbuildings, overlooking the valley of the Gravouse.
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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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Grand Maison de Maitre For Sale - REF 3515516, Saint Emilion
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.
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Chateau For Sale, Langon - Ref.0473
Near Langon, in a privileged environment and a fabulous 360o view, this beautiful Chartreuse 550 m2 is in the middle of 10ha42 of which 7ha are AOC Bordeaux vines.
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Gironde Chateau For Sale - REF 2305312, Bordeaux Region (Gironde)
One of the most extraordinary Chateaux in the Gironde located in the countryside within half an hour of the beautiful city of Bordeaux with its international airport and TGV links. Twenty minutes to Saint Emilion and close to a charming town with a range of shops and restaurants.
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Bordeaux Estate For Sale, Bordeaux Area
Owned in the same family for several generations and with a history of excellent wine making including, Bordeaux red, white and rose as well as sweet white wines.
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Villa For Sale, Saint-Andre-de-Cubzac - Ref.04790
With an open view this house/villa of 236 m2, built in 1900, with a land size of 5082 m2 comprises 7 rooms including 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 shower room and 2 toilets.
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House For Sale, Saint-Andre-de-Cubzac - Ref.04423
In a quiet environment , this house/villa of 106,98 m2, built in 1980, with a land size of 2000 m2 comprises 6 rooms including 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and 1 toilet.
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