Port-Sainte-Foy-Et-Ponchapt

Port-Sainte-Foy-Et-Ponchapt lies on the right bank of the Dordogne. The history of the river, a pilgrimage church and several trails with different features give the town clear points of interest for a stay. If you are planning a visit, you can take your cue from its historical connections, riverside scenery or hiking trails.

The Dordogne and its history

At the Musée de la Dordogne batelière, visitors discover the history, geography, activities and functions of the river world. The museum also covers navigation and the Dordogne in the Pays Foyen. This means the river is seen not only as part of the landscape, but also as part of the town’s history. Port-Sainte-Foy-et-Ponchapt is directly connected with the 13th-century bastide of Sainte-Foy-en-Agenais. Alphonse de Poitiers, brother of King Saint-Louis, founded it in 1255. During the golden age of navigation on the Dordogne, the village experienced a flourishing period of craftsmanship and trade. This historical context complements the view of the river world, which is the museum’s central focus.

Pilgrimage route and church art

The Église de l’Immaculée-Conception is a stop on the Way of St James to Santiago de Compostela via the Via Lemovicensis. Above its entrance is a bas-relief bearing the coat of arms of Pope Pius IX, including a papal tiara. Another distinctive marker lies at the intersection of Rue Notre-Dame and Rue Jacques-Jasmin: a metal snail is set into the road surface there. The church, relief and trail marker each provide a tangible point of reference for the pilgrimage connection within the townscape.

Hiking along the Dordogne

The Circuit de La Peyrute is a 5.5-kilometre hiking loop starting in Port-Sainte-Foy-et-Ponchapt. The route is listed as taking one hour and 50 minutes and having a moderate difficulty level. Quays and a towpath pass a variety of flora and fauna, including fish, swans, coots and herons. On the botanical trail, you can discover nature and the rural history of local trees, shrubs and plants. At the Moulin de la Ferraille, the circuit offers a viewpoint over the entire valley.

The other routes also each have their own points of reference. The Boucle de la Plage follows the towpath along the Dordogne. The Boucle du Moulin de Ponchapt starts at the church square in Ponchapt and follows the yellow trail markers. Together with the Peyrute, these route descriptions offer several specific points of reference: a stated hiking time and difficulty level, a route along the river, or a named starting point with trail markers.

Summer at the beach and on the water

La Plage des Bardoulets beach is lifeguarded every afternoon in July and August. Check the bathing dates for the relevant year before visiting. In summer, sports and cultural events are also held there as part of the CAP 33 programme; the current events calendar is the best guide for planning.

The Port-Sainte-Foy canoe and kayak club invites visitors to enjoy activities, events and outings on the river from the nautical centre. If you are planning one of these activities, confirm current availability directly with the club. This helps you weigh up the different highlights of a stay: river history and pilgrimage connections, a described hiking route, or seasonal offerings on and by the water.

Discover more destinations: Carsac-Aillac, La Chapelle-Aubareil, Saint-Front-Sur-Nizonne, Quinsac, Saint-Capraise-D'eymet, Marcillac-Saint-Quentin, Fleurac, Trélissac.

For the regional travel overview: Dordogne.