Saturday market

The Saturday market is the reason to come. It spreads through the whole bastide grid, from the riverside to the church: fruit and vegetables, cheese, bread, fish, oysters from the Arcachon basin, roast chickens, plants, clothes and, in summer, strawberries and melons by the crate. Have a coffee on the Place de la Mairie and let the children pick something for lunch.

The river

The town has a long riverside promenade with views across the Dordogne to the hills of Port-Sainte-Foy. Canoe hire is on the north bank; a gentle two-hour paddle downstream to Pessac-sur-Dordogne is the easiest river trip from the house, covered in our river and canoeing guide. There are river beaches and picnic spots along the way.

Everyday needs

Supermarkets (Leclerc, Intermarché, Lidl), a pharmacy, a hospital, petrol, a laundrette, bike hire and cash machines are all in or around Sainte-Foy, 15 minutes from the house. It is where you stock up on arrival day.

Practical

Park in the squares inside the bastide (free except on Saturday morning, when the riverside car parks are easier). The train station is on the north side of the river at Port-Sainte-Foy.