Discover the charming Port of Enveaux, in the Dordogne Valley

Here is an idea for a very pleasant walk , discover on foot or by bike like us, the Port d'Enveaux , in the town of Saint-Vincent-de-Cosse . In a very pleasant place with a beach for walking or swimming , sports activities such as several canoe bases and a great tree-climbing park , restaurants , tourist accommodation and all this a little outside the tourist circuits but right next to Beynac! On the way !

Saint-Vincent-de-Cosse, a natural commune in the heart of the golden triangle

A few kilometers from the largest sites in the Dordogne Valley , Saint-Vincent de Cosse is part of the community of communes which links it to Sarlat and the Périgord Noir . It is one of the least populated and wildest municipalities in this sector! Saint-Vincent-de-Cosse is nevertheless located in the heart of the golden triangle , that is to say the richest region in terms of culture , gastronomy , history and heritage .

Agricultural territory, it is located between the alluvial plain of the Dordogne , which flows to the south of the town and the hillsides , where once grew hundreds of vines of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It is also viticulture that gave the town its name, Saint-Vincent being the patron saint of winegrowers! On the plain , we still see walnut trees and other fields today, because agriculture is still very present in Saint-Vincent-de-Cosse. North side of the D703 , which leads you to the heart of the Dordogne Valley , nestles the charming little village in old stones and dotted with hiking trails to discover.

It is estimated that Saint-Vincent-de-Cosse has been established as a village, town (formerly attached to Beynac), since the 2nd century, probably by a Celtic tribe, who came to settle there thanks to the beneficial presence of a source . This still supplies the small washhouses in the town that you will discover during a very pleasant walk. Do not miss to go to the old water mill , and to go to observe the porch and the stone path which date from the Gallo-Roman era.

……………….

Need a mode of travel, a Guide for your vacation? Call Christoph, Taxi & Touring à la carte . With Sarissa, his wife, they offer classic taxi services, but also tourist circuits for up to 7 people, with the Mercedes Class V or an electric Tesla.

……………….

sponsored content

There are no less than 3 castles in the town ! The Domaine du Château de Monrecour is sumptuous, with a hotel, a swimming pool, lodges, a restaurant. I recommend that you go for lunch or dinner at La Table de Monrecour, in a dream setting, with a view of the Castle. From the castle, you can also take hot air balloon rides with Vol en Ballon ! An ideal starting point, to quickly have an extraordinary bird's eye view of all the wonders of the Dordogne Valley. In the town is also the Château d'Aiguevive (private), as well as the Château de Panassou which is located at the top of the village and can be visited with the owners, on the occasion of heritage days.

Monrecour castle

sponsored content

The Port d'Enveaux, a pleasant stroll away from the tourist trails

The Port d'Enveaux (or d'Envaux, both spellings exist), is located south of the D703 road. A simple sign indicates it to you with humility, but it reveals nothing of the natural charm and the bucolic character of the place! On the banks of the Dordogne , the Port d'Enveaux was in fact frequented by barges , who docked here, coming from Corrèze and heading for Saint-Foy-la-Grande and (for barges equipped with a mast allowing to go up the Garonne), towards Bordeaux. While walking along the road, you will see “ Couasnes ”, they are the backwaters of the Dordogne (old beds), a particular and very interesting ecosystem . When the water rises during heavy rains or depending on the activity of the hydroelectric power stations upstream, the couasnes become engorged and the fish circulate in these backwaters which serve as nurseries: they are spawning grounds.

The Port d'Enveaux is today the main tourist attraction in the town of Saint-Vincent-de-Cosse. There are several canoe bases there , to set off on a pilgrimage on "the river of hope". Rent your canoe at Canoë Détente for example, for excursions of 1 to 5 hours, with a trip by mini-bus to return to the base or to go up the river.

………………….

Are you looking for accommodation in Port d'Enveaux? We recommend the guest rooms at La Ferme du Port d'Enveaux.

………………….

Thrill-seekers and children love the Airparc Park . It is above all a tree climbing park, with circuits suitable for the whole family, but it is also a playground set up on a charming almost island, in the middle of the Dordogne! We cross a footbridge and access a whole world of games , with a giant hammock to rest, a sensory course to be performed barefoot , wooden games , an ecological garden and a whole nature walk to do on the island, like adventurers.

As you walk around the Port d'Enveaux, you will also see a former lignite brickyard (a sedimentary rock used for heating or electricity production), near a children's play park with a skate ramp . For sports enthusiasts, don't forget to bring your equipment to enjoy the Nordic walking course on the banks of the Dordogne!

Hugo and I did a bicycle route , a loop of 5-6 km, from the parking lot next to the church of Saint-Vincent-de-Cosse, all around the Port d'Enveaux. A pleasant and entertaining walk for the whole family (it's flat!). Other mountain bike loops to do in the area, click!

sponsored content

To do near Port d'Enveaux

Discover the Château des Milandes , where Joséphine Baker lived! It is a heavenly place, with magnificent gardens on several floors, a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside, aviaries , a bird of prey show and of course, a visit to the Castle ! Enjoy this place with family or friends, there is a charming refreshment bar and a snack bar. See the fact sheet to learn more.
>>>> Watch our article report at the Château des Milandes

Not far from the Château des Milandes is the Ecomusée de la Noix . Lovers of the small sacred fruit of Périgord will be able to understand the methods of production , drying and processing of this oilseed. There is an old stone millstone on site, you will see a demonstration of crushing nuts to extract the oil, you can taste and buy products. A small museum can be visited to understand everything about the nut and its various varieties. Read and watch our report at the Ecomusée de la Noix.

Visit the pretty village of Beynac-et Cazenac, look up from the road as the old village is steep. Park in the car park and go up to the castle, the view is splendid. At the top of the village is a superb viewpoint, after leaving the village at the top left, along the cemetery!

Visit the Château de Beynac , a very authentic medieval fortress, with a keep towering 150m above the river.

You liked our report, find others on the BLOG . Find us on the Facebook page of the Guide du Périgord and on Instagram @guideduperigord

Back to "Family Time"