La Dordogne, which crosses the Pays Foyen and the city of Sainte-Foy-la-GrandeIt is much more than just a waterway. Classified UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, it offers a exceptional biodiversity, unique historical heritage and many leisure and water sports activities.
Discover the most beautiful river in France, from the mouth to the estuary!
The Dordogne River is one of the best known in France, offering an exceptionally well-preserved setting. With a total length of 483 km, the Dordogne river crosses six departments, Puy-de-Dôme, Cantal, Corrèze, Lot, Dordogne and Gironde. And thus three regions: Auvergne Rhône Alpes, Occitanie, and New Aquitaine.
The Dordogne flows into the Gironde at the Bec d'Ambès, the estuary it forms with the Garonne. It is the only river in France whose entire basin has been designated a protected area. UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve et natural Park registered in Natura 2000.
The Dordogne river is a source of great wealth and activities, with fishing, then with the construction of mills, and then thanks to the transport of goods on flat-bottomed boats called gabares. Swimming and canoeing are practiced there during the summer season as well as duck hunting in winter. Many marked trails also constitute a real network of bucolic walks on foot or by bike.
The biodiversity of the Dordogne river
Le Pays Foyen, with its preserved banks and wetlands, is home to a exceptional fauna :
- On eels they go upriver thanks to thefish lift at the Tuilières dam, near Lalinde.
- On birds such as the egret, Kingfisher or little ringed plover They take advantage of these protected areas to feed and reproduce.
This natural wealth makes the Dordogne in Pays Foyen a real paradise for nature and bird lovers.
Gymnocephalus cernua - Ruffe - Ruffe 
Lamprey 
Silurus glanis
Aigrette 
Kingfisher 
Small plover
Be careful not to encounter the terrifying Coulobre, a giant (and thankfully mythical!) snake of the Dordogne, which was causing the disappearance of the bargemen.
History and heritage of the Dordogne
For centuries, the Dordogne in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande and in the Pays Foyen has been a major focus of commerce and navigation :
- On barges transported wine and local produce down the river, linking the vineyards of Pays Foyen and from Bordeaux.
- On wines from the Pays Foyen and the Sainte-Foy-la-Grande region prospered thanks to the river and its economic role.
- On floods of the Dordogne have shaped the landscape and history of the riverside villages, marking the lives of the inhabitants for centuries.
Banks of the Dordogne 
Dordogne Riverbanks, Sainte-Foy-la-Grande 
Fishing
The Dordogne Riverboat Museum
À Port Sainte-Foy and Ponchapt, Dordogne Riverboat Museum immerses you in the river history of Pays Foyen :
- Discover barges and their role in the wine and merchandise trade.
- Relive the life of boatmen and the maritime history of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande.
- Exhibitions and activities tell the story cultural and river heritage of the Dordogne.
Water sports and leisure activities on the Dordogne
La Dordogne in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande and in the Pays Foyen offers numerous activities for young and old:
- Canoe and kayak to explore the natural landscapes and meanders of the river.
- stand up paddle, to glide on the water and admire the green banks.
- Fishing, ideal for discovering local species such as eel, pike-perch or pike.
Explore the Dordogne in the Pays Foyen
Between protected biodiversity, river history, cultural and wine heritage et nautical activities, Dordogne in Pays Foyen and Sainte-Foy-la-Grande is an invitation to experience a unique experience in the heart of the Bordeaux region.
Walk along its banks, observe the birds, discover the barges and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this river classified by UNESCO.
