Saint-Aulaye combines the history of its bastide and museums with trails and seasonal activities on the Dronne. When planning your visit, it is worth noting the differences: the Château is not normally open to visitors, while swimming and boat rentals are available only during the summer season. This will help you match your interests and travel dates with the specific offerings in the town.
The history of the bastide and visitor information
The bastide of Saint-Aulaye was founded in 1288 by Pierre Brémond. Another historical trace leads to the medieval Château de Saint-Aulaye: the ruins of a keep attest to its construction by the lords of Saint-Aulaye in the 10th and 11th centuries. Today, the Château houses the town hall and is not normally open to visitors. Exceptions include guided tours in summer and events such as “Châteaux en Fête” and the “Fête des Bastides.” Check the dates if you are planning a visit.
The cobbled lanes are also part of the historic townscape; they lead to a 12th-century Romanesque church. Two named routes offer another perspective on Saint-Aulaye: the Via Turonensis, the pilgrimage route from Tours to Santiago de Compostela, passes through the area. Harrison Barker’s land and water route also passes through Saint-Aulaye.
Two museums, different themes
The Musée du Pastel is devoted to pastel painting. Its permanent exhibition includes paintings acquired by the municipality. Temporary exhibitions feature French and foreign artists; reproductions of works by internationally renowned artists are also on display. A film explains how Girault pastels are made. As the exhibition program may change, it is worth taking planned exhibitions into account when arranging your visit.
The Musée du Cognac et du Vin focuses on a different subject: visitors can see an 18th-century still and a double-spindle press. A chronological tour explains the work of the distiller, cellar master, winegrower and cooper. The museums therefore offer two distinct perspectives: pastel art and its production in one, historical equipment and the professions associated with wine and cognac in the other.
The Dronne and seasonal activities
On the Dronne, Plage des bords de Dronne is a landscaped sandy beach with play equipment for children. Swimming is supervised in July and August, and there is a separate bathing area for young children. Facilities are seasonal, so check the dates before your trip. The Dronne is considered rich in wildlife and plant life, and is of interest to anglers and nature lovers.
Activities on the water are also seasonal: HDM Canoë rents canoes, pedal boats and paddleboards in summer, and offers trips on the Dronne. If you are planning one of these activities, check in advance that the seasonal offer matches your travel dates. This lets you consider swimming and a boat trip as distinct options on the river, without conflating them with the cultural attractions described as available year-round.
Compare trails and excursions
There are three cycling routes in the area around Saint-Aulaye, measuring 24, 8.5 and 7.5 kilometres. The distances make it easy to compare the options: one route is significantly longer, while two are shorter. The Circuit de la Bastide is a separate point of interest for hikers and is listed among the “10 most beautiful hiking trails in the Périgord.” The circular route also features a fun treasure hunt by Terra Aventura.
The Foire de La Latière, an excursion destination in the Périgord, is five kilometres from Saint-Aulaye. Check the exact dates before including the fair in your travel plans.
Discover more destinations: Coulounieix-Chamiers, Annesse-Et-Beaulieu, Saint-Médard-De-Mussidan, Parcoul, Saint-Priest-Les-Fougères, Sceau-Saint-Angel, Le Buisson-De-Cadouin, Monmarvès.
For the wider travel overview: Dordogne.
