Saint-Aulaye: Bastide, Museums and the Dronne

If you’re looking for a hotel in Saint-Aulaye, you can plan your stay around what interests you most: medieval history, exhibitions or activities on the Dronne. The sites and routes vary in theme and scope, giving you concrete points of reference for planning your trip.

Bastide and architectural history

The bastide of Saint-Aulaye was founded in 1288 by Pierre Brémond. The Château de Saint-Aulaye points to an earlier architectural history: the ruins of a keep show that the medieval castle was built in the 10th and 11th centuries by the lords of Saint-Aulaye. The cobbled streets lead to a 12th-century Romanesque church. The bastide, castle and church therefore represent different historical points of reference that you can distinguish as you explore the town.

The Château now houses the town hall and is not normally open to visitors. Exceptions include guided tours in summer and visits during events such as “Châteaux en Fête” or the “Fête des Bastides.” If you’re planning a visit, check in advance whether a tour or event coincides with your travel dates.

Two museums with different themes

At the Musée du Pastel, you can see a permanent exhibition of paintings acquired by the municipality. There are also temporary exhibitions by French and international artists, as well as reproductions of works by internationally renowned artists. A film covers the production of Girault pastels. Since the temporary exhibition program may change, check what’s currently on show when making specific plans.

The Musée du Cognac et du Vin features different exhibits: an 18th-century still and a double-screw press. A chronological tour explains the work of the distiller, cellar master, winegrower and cooper. This lets you decide whether you’re more interested in paintings and pastel-making or in the equipment and professions featured at the museum.

The Dronne: beach and seasonal activities

The Plage des bords de Dronne is a landscaped sandy beach on the banks of the Dronne, with play equipment for children. Swimming is supervised in July and August, and a separate bathing area is available for young children. Before your trip, check whether the seasonal facilities and lifeguard supervision will be available on your visit date.

During the summer season, HDM Canoë rents out canoes, pedal boats and paddleboards, and offers trips on the Dronne. These activities offer an alternative to a day at the beach: when planning your stay, you can choose between supervised swimming and a trip on the river. Check the seasonal offerings for your travel dates.

The Dronne is considered rich in wildlife and plant life, and of interest to anglers and nature lovers. In addition to the activities mentioned, the river offers a connection with nature for travelers interested in its flora and fauna.

Cycling and walking routes around Saint-Aulaye

Three cycling routes are available for exploring the surrounding area, measuring 24 km, 8.5 km and 7.5 km. Two routes, at 7.5 and 8.5 km, are similar in length; the 24 km route is considerably longer. The Circuit de la Bastide is a walking route and is one of the “10 most beautiful walking trails in the Périgord.” There is also a fun Terra Aventura treasure hunt along the circuit. The distances and route types help you compare cycling routes and the walking trail as different ways to spend your time here.

Two named routes also pass through Saint-Aulaye: the pilgrimage route from Tours to Santiago de Compostela, the Via Turonensis, passes through the area; the land and water route of Harrison Barker also passes through Saint-Aulaye. The Foire de La Latière takes place in the Périgord, 5 km from Saint-Aulaye. If you’re considering a visit to the fair, check the specific dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Pierre-De-Frugie, Varaignes, Saint-Germain-Du-Salembre, Chancelade, Granges-D'ans, Belvès, Sigoules, Monestier.

For the broader travel overview: Dordogne.