Things to Do
The area around Sainte-Foy offers such a wide variety of activities that we feel duty-bound to remind you to stop, chill out and enjoy the views and the easy pace of life that France offers.
For those keen on shopping and soaking up local colour there are numerous markets, both day-time and the very popular night markets
(click here for a schedule). There are also plenty of antique shops, (brocantes in French), where the discerning shopper can pick up some wonderful treasures.
Those who enjoy wine will never be at a loss for something to do, as vineyards and vintners abound (purportedly, Bordeaux produces more than 7 million hectolitres of wine each year!). Many offer guided tours and tastings.
The vineyards are busy year-round, with the winter activity focused on pruning and preparing the vines for the new years growth. The busiest time is the vendage. You can expect to find yourself in a line of slow-moving traffic stuck behind tractors and trailers loaded with grapes .......... While it may be frustrating, take the opportunity to enjoy the scenery!
One can't possibly have wine without food (or is that can't have food without wine???), and the region is renowned for its production of foie gras and other goose & duck-related products. It is also one of France's main truffle producing regions. The Atlantic coast produces some superb oysters and ought not to be missed.
There are many farms producing foie gras and pates, most of which offer tastings (degustation).
For those who have a love of history may we suggest that staying for a year or two might be enough time for you to scratch the surface of what the area has to offer. An hour-and-a-half's scenic drive along the Dordogne will bring you to Les Eyzies, where "Cro-Magnon Man" was discovered. The museum here is excellently laid out and has very informative video panels showing how pre-historic tools and art work were created. Drive a little further east to Montignac and take in the fabulous Lascaux Caves. The beauty of the paintings is indescribable. The two sites make an excellent day trip from Sainte-Foy.
This is the region in which the 100 years war was fought and there is an abundance of sites and chateaux to visit.
Sporting enthusiasts will find rowing & canoeing, golf, cycling, walking/hiking (the area is home to the largest forest in Europe), fishing and equestrian activities to occupy their time. There is also the fun of boules, volleyball (if you rent the entire house you have the makings for your own tournament!) and the simple pleasure of taking stock of the area on foot - walking up and down the streets of the town you can encounter some wonderful views and gain a unique perspective of life in the town.
Across the river in Porte-Sainte-Foy you will find a small airstrip and flying club where they fly not only small aircraft, but also gliders and model planes.