Saint-Vivien offers several focal points for a stay: a wine-growing plateau between the Estrop and Lidoire valleys, walks through the countryside and local architecture. When looking for a holiday rental, consider whether hiking, wine or heritage will shape your stay. The details below will help you make your choice.
Wine Landscapes and Walks
The plateau defines Saint-Vivien’s setting; on walks, you’ll come across vineyards, meadows, ponds and forests. The landscape therefore extends beyond wine-growing. If you enjoy exploring on foot, you’ll find other distinctive features of the surrounding area as well as vineyards. The AOC Montravel and Bergerac wines also give the village a direct connection to wine-growing. You can therefore consider the landscape and wine as different themes for your stay: one to discover on a walk, the other through local wine production and tasting opportunities.
Hiking from a Set Starting Point
The Boucle de Saint-Vivien is an 8.2 km hiking route. It starts at the information board on Place du Monument aux Morts. This gives you a specific starting point for planning a day of hiking. As the signposting may change, check before setting out that this landmark is still in use. The route’s length gives you a concrete reference point for planning your day.
Church, Statue and Moulin
The vaulted church in Saint-Vivien dates from the 13th century. The church in Saint-Vivien-de-Vélines houses the statue “Vierge à l'Enfant”, a carved wooden sculpture from the 18th century. It is polychrome and gilded, and was restored in 2022 by Nathalie Mèmeteau. Polychrome refers to multicoloured painting; together with the carving and gilding, the term describes the statue’s craftsmanship. The Moulin is another notable building that forms part of Saint-Vivien’s architectural heritage.
Wine and Visits
Wines from the AOC Montravel and Bergerac are produced in Saint-Vivien. Visitors can taste and buy local wine in wine cellars or at the cooperative winery. Check the current arrangements before visiting. Château de la Reynaudie is run by a winemaking family in its fourth generation, connecting the theme of wine with a family history of wine-growing.
Visits to Château de la Reynaudie are available with or without a guide, by appointment only. Arrange your visit with the château in advance, whether or not you want a guided tour. This gives you different options for planning your trip: the hiking route with its named starting point, walks through the countryside, architectural heritage, or wine-growing and visits by appointment.
Discover more destinations: Siorac-De-Ribérac, Saint-Estèphe, Saint-Germain-Des-Prés, Génis, Saint-Médard-De-Mussidan, Grèzes, Groléjac, Beauregard-de-Terrasson.
View the wider travel guide: Dordogne.
