The Bastide of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande

Nestled on the banks of the Dordogne, Sainte-Foy-la-Grande is a country house emblematic of the Southwest, founded in the 13th century. With its straight streets and its square lined with arcades, it bears witness to the typical architecture of medieval bastides and offers a rich heritage and alive to discover.

The charm of a historic country house

Nestled on the banks of the Dordogne, Sainte-Foy-la-Grande is one of the oldest bastides in Gironde, founded in 1255 by Alphonse of Poitiers. Extending over only 51 hectares fully urbanized, the bastide retains a characteristic orthogonal plane : straight streets that intersect at right angles, with a off-center central square surrounded by cutlery, and the church built on one of the corners of the square. Originally, the city was surrounded by walls ; the gates and ramparts have disappeared today, but the medieval charm of the bastide endures through his half-timbered houses and its picturesque alleys.

The Sainte-Foy-la-Grande market: an unmissable event

Each Saturday morning, more than 150 exhibitors come together to offer local and artisanal products : seasonal fruits and vegetables, cheeses, breads, wines, flowers and delicacies from the Southwest.
In summer the the market comes fully alive; in winter, it retains its warm atmosphere, with the possibility of strolling quietly and enjoying the restaurants, cafes and shops downtown.

A city thrives on wine

Sainte-Foy-la-Grande experienced a significant economic development thanks to the wine trade. Since the English era, wines were shipped on barges to Libourne or Blaye, before being embarked towards the British IslesToday, the city is at the heart of the appellation. Sainte-Foy Côtes de Bordeaux, And the House of Wines allows visitors to discover and taste local wines, reflecting centuries-old winemaking expertise.

The Dordogne, a natural asset

The country house benefits from a prime location on the banks of the Dordogne, offering magnificent panoramas and opportunities for walks along the waterThe river has shaped the history and commerce of the city, and even today it invites visitors to nautical activities and moments of relaxation.

Culture and famous figures

Sainte-Foy-la-Grande saw the birth or welcome prominent personalities, like the geographer and naturalist Elisha ReclusOther figures who have left their mark on local history include Elie FAURE (1873-1937), author of a famous four-volume History of Art, and doctors such as Louis Pierre GRATIOLET (1815-1865) and Paul BROCA (1824-1880).

Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, a stopover on the Way of St. James

Sainte-Foy-la-Grande is crossed by the famous Way of Saint-Jacques de Compostelle via the Vézelay route (GR654), offering pilgrims and hikers an ideal stopover. 2025, the city was labeled “Saint-Jacques de Compostelle Halt Municipality”, recognizing its welcome, its adapted infrastructure and the quality of its heritage. This distinction allows visitors to discover the bastide, its shops and its markets, while enjoying a friendly and revitalizing resting place on the pilgrims' route.