Discovery of the fortified town of Saint-Aulaye

It is the only bastide in the Périgord Vert! Founded in 1288, Saint-Aulaye-Puymangou is a charming town on the banks of the Dronne (and the Rizonne!), which offers many attractions for holidays or a day of pleasure. On the edge of the Charente, not far from Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, it is a quiet village where life is good, sitting at the terrace of its central café or strolling through its charming streets. It is the Communauté de Communes Dronne Belle, which manages the Saint-Aulaye sector

Photos from the report: Périgord Guide

Stroll through Saint-Aulaye

Saint-Aulaye is a bastide, that is to say a new town, whose construction respects a grid plan with a central square. Bastides are medieval towns also designed to facilitate trade and growth. The weekly market takes place on Saturday mornings in Saint-Aulaye and it is an excellent time to visit the bastide and reconnect with its commercial past!

To visit the city, we recommend you take the Discovery Trail, which can be found on the city hall website, at the Tourist Office, but which can also be enjoyed simply by walking. Follow the signs with Sir Fox!

The Gallo-Roman and Merovingian origins of Sancta Eulalia (its first name) are attested near the Dronne and the Rizonne, which both cross the town before joining at a confluence at the leisure center. This is one of the town's strengths: its fish resources to feed the population. Mills also thrive on the rivers to grind flour and make walnut oil. The river also allows the cultivation of rushes for basketry (thanks to its water for irrigation), to prepare hemp to make fibers for weaving, and to develop a tannery. Note that one of the mills, equipped with a turbine in 1895, is still in operation!

The Sainte-Eulalie church is part of the village's remarkable heritage. It dates from the 12th century and predates the founding of the bastide. Its Romanesque-style façade is reminiscent of the neighboring Saintongeais style.

We continue towards the castle perched on the hill, also predating the foundation, it dates from the 10th century and was remodeled, notably in the 19th century with neo-classical additions. It is a medieval-looking castle, which has suffered the ravages of time and the development of the commune, a traffic lane has also pierced its walls. Today, it belongs to the commune and part of its building houses the Town Hall.

Continuing the visit you will see the old fortification system, the city walls which remain imposing and protect the original castrum and the new city.

In summer, Saint-Aulaye comes alive with a leisure center located on the banks of the Dronne. There's a good restaurant and inflatable games for children, slides, and a swimming pool with a treetop adventure park and the possibility of renting canoes and kayaks to go down the Dronne.

Things to do around Saint-Aulaye

Between the Périgord Vert, the Périgord Blanc and the proximity to the Charente, Saint-Aulaye is well located for nature and family holidays.

• Visit the Abbey of Echourgnac to discover one of the best cheeses in Périgord: La Trappe d'Echourgnac (a version matured with walnut liqueur, it's the best of the best)
• Take a trip to the Grand Etang de la Jamaye for swimming, fishing, water sports or just relaxing
• Visit a traditional farm in the Double forest, at the Ferme du Parco, with its interpretation trail!
• Visit La Tour Blanche-Cercles, to discover its windmill, lovingly restored, and its miller's path.

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