Discovery of the fortified town of Saint-Aulaye
Discovery of the fortified town of Saint-Aulaye
200 m - Saint Aulaye
Culture and Heritage
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English
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SAINT-AULAYE TOURIST OFFICE – DISCOVER THE UNEXPECTED PÉRIGORD
Discover the Saint-Aulaye Tourist Office, its services, the Périgord Vert, the Dronne valley and all the local activities combining nature, heritage and events.
Presentation of the tourist office and its services
The Saint-Aulaye Tourist Office is an essential starting point for planning a stay in the heart of the Périgord Vert. Located in the west of the Dordogne, it helps visitors discover a region that is rural, historical, and vibrant.
This tourist office offers comprehensive information on accommodation, restaurants, leisure activities, and local events. It also provides maps, hiking trails, and sightseeing suggestions to suit all tastes.
The role of the Saint-Aulaye Country Tourist Office extends to the promotion of local heritage, in connection with the municipalities of Saint-Aulaye-Puymangou, La Roche-Chalais, Parcoul-Chenaud and Saint-Privat en Périgord.
A territory between river, forests and heritage
The Pays de Saint-Aulaye is characterized by a great diversity of landscapes, between the forests of the Double, the limestone lands and the valley of the Dronne, which marks the natural border with the Charente.
The bastide of Saint-Aulaye, founded in 1288, is a central element of the local heritage. It is the only bastide in the Périgord Vert and offers an architectural ensemble composed of a Romanesque church, ramparts and old alleyways.
The territory is also distinguished by its many hiking trails, wash houses, Romanesque churches and themed circuits such as the Route of Arts and Gastronomy or the routes inspired by the Harrison Barker trail.
The presence of water, in the form of rivers or ponds, promotes activities such as canoeing, fishing or nature walks.
Activities and events from April to September
The Pays de Saint-Aulaye offers a rich program of local events, spread over several months.
In spring, events begin with the Night of the Owl and farmers' markets. The Châteaux en Fête (Castles in Celebration) event also kicks off the season: on this occasion, the castles of Saint-Aulaye and Puymangou open their doors and offer various activities (guided tours, shows, games, etc.). The program continues with the Latière Fair, the Rando de la Double (Double Hike), and local festivals. Flea markets, open workshops of artisans, and the bread festival contribute to the vibrancy of the region.
June is marked by cultural events such as the La Roche-Chalais Book Fair, open-air cinemas and music festivals, as well as festive events on terraces.
In summer, the program intensifies with numerous highlights. The Festival au Fil de la Dronne opens the season, accompanied by live performances, gourmet markets and July 14th festivities.
Visitors can participate in guided tours of the bastide of Saint-Aulaye, creative workshops, children's activities, or activities from the Active Summer program such as paddleboarding, archery, climbing or canoeing at dusk.
Night markets, concerts, discovery walks, farm visits and the International Pastel Fair complete this summer offering.
In August, local festivals, flea markets, stargazing nights, and musical events fill the evenings. The season continues in September with the autumn fair, patron saint festivals, and cultural events such as the Science Festival.
A territory that is alive all year round
The tourist season extends into autumn with major events such as Bastide en Fête, which highlights the bastides of Dordogne and in particular that of Saint-Aulaye, through entertainment and guided tours.
In winter, the area also offers various activities such as Christmas markets, light festivals, shows and theatre, contributing to a dynamic local life all year round.
The Saint-Aulaye Tourist Office promotes an active territory, where local traditions, markets, local produce and cultural events structure local life.
Initiatives around crafts, agriculture and culture help to maintain a tourism dynamic linked to the identity of Périgord Vert.
What to discover nearby
Within a 30 km radius, the Saint-Aulaye region offers numerous opportunities for exploration. Hiking and cycling trails wind through the Double forest and along the Dronne valley. Villages like La Roche-Chalais and Saint-Privat-en-Périgord boast accessible heritage sites and regular local markets.
Visitors can explore natural sites, enjoy water sports, meet local producers, or discover gourmet markets. This area is an ideal starting point for discovering a more secluded side of the Périgord, where nature, heritage, and rural traditions intertwine.
List of activities and events in the Saint-Aulaye region
The Saint-Aulaye region offers a structured program of local events, ideal for planning a stay in the Périgord Vert. Here is a detailed list of the main events, arranged by period.
April/May – Spring activities and local traditions
- Castles in Celebration (spring): opening of the castles of Saint-Aulaye and Puymangou with guided tours, shows and activities
- Night of the Owl and Producers' Market in Parcoul-Chenaud (April 30)
- Latière Fair in Saint-Aulaye-Puymangou (April 30th and May 1st)
- Hike from La Double to Parcoul-Chenaud (May 3rd)
- Saint-Aulaye local festival (May 8-10)
- Flea market and spring festival in Saint-Privat en Périgord (May 10)
- Garage sale in Saint-Antoine Cumond (May 14)
- Ascension of the Arts and Crafts in Saint-Aulaye (May 14-16)
- Introduction to wildlife photography (May 16)
- Open house at a craft workshop in Parcoul-Chenaud (May 16)
- Bread Festival in La Roche-Chalais (May 16)
- The Doublorigènes are putting on their circus in Saint-Vincent-Jalmoutiers (May 30)
- Spring market and flea market in Parcoul (May 31)
June – cultural and festive events
- Charlemagne Hike in La Roche-Chalais (June 7)
- Open-air cinema in La Roche-Chalais (June 12)
- Book Fair in La Roche-Chalais (June 14)
- Music Festival in La Roche-Chalais (June 19)
- Feet on the Terrace in La Roche-Chalais (from June 19th to August 19th)
- Music Festival in Saint-Privat en Périgord (June 20)
July – summer season and tourist activities
- Garage sale organized by the Archers of La Double (July 5th)
- Farm visits and agricultural discovery in Saint-Aulaye (July 7)
- Festival along the Dronne River – opening (July 8)
- Live performance “about the lost castle” in La Roche-Chalais (several dates)
- Children's workshops – recreational Wednesdays (origami, creative activities)
- Gourmet markets and night markets (multiple dates)
- July 14th festivities in La Roche-Chalais and Saint-Aulaye
- Guided tours of the fortified town of Saint-Aulaye (several dates)
- Jazz and Wine Festival in Double (July 17 and 18)
Active Summer Program:
- Paddleboarding at the marina
- Target archery
- Mobile tower climbing
- Canoeing at dusk
- Animated storytelling and themed walks
- Discovery walks in and around La Roche-Chalais
- Farm visits and meals on the farm
- International Pastel Exhibition in Saint-Aulaye (July 25 to August 23)
August – local festivals and evening entertainment
- Rock concert in La Roche-Chalais (August 1st)
- Cumond Flea Market (August 2nd)
- Festalemps festival in Saint-Privat en Périgord (August 7-9)
- Guided discovery walks (several dates)
- Starry Night in Parcoul-Chenaud (August 9)
- Animated stories about local heritage
- Visits to educational and artisanal farms
- Parcoul local festival (August 21-23)
- Night market with fireworks
- Flea market and traditional threshing festival
- Summer concerts and musical entertainment
- Village festival in La Roche-Chalais (end of August)
September/October – extension of the tourist season
- Autumn fair at Latière in Saint-Aulaye (September 12)
- Garage sale in Saint-Vincent-Jalmoutiers (September 20)
- Patron saint festival in La Roche-Chalais (September 26 and 27)
- Science Festival in La Roche-Chalais (October)
- Bastide Festival (autumn): activities and guided tours around the bastide of Saint-Aulaye
Winter – end-of-year activities and festivities
- Christmas Markets
- Festival of Lights
- Shows and theatre
- Local winter activities in the municipalities of the territory
This program of events in the Pays de Saint-Aulaye illustrates the richness and diversity of events in Périgord Vert, including markets, festivals, sporting activities, cultural visits and meetings with local producers.
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