Saint-Front-la-Rivière is a town in Dordogne, in Aquitaine region Nova, 8 km southeast of Nontron.
Its territory of about 18 km² is crossed by the course of the Dronne and the village developed on its left bank. As its very name attests, the word "river" is coupled with that of the saint who evangelized the Perigord, the history of the town and its economy are intimately linked to the sub-tributary of the Dordogne which has its source in the Limousin.
Simple parish in the early Middle Ages, Saint-Front-la-Rivière becomes a stronghold of the region under the old regime with its castles and its agriculture and forestry, the Dronne valley revealing heavily wooded.
This heritage interest and the green surroundings are still the main assets of the town, which has about 540 inhabitants, and that proves a step or a place of pleasant resort in the heart of a tourist and gourmet region.
The town has several buildings protected as historical monuments, namely castles to manor vocation or residential and amenity which obviously contributes to its charm.
This is the case of the Castle of Pommier, built in the fifteenth century and rebuilt in the seventeenth. Located south of the town, it consists of a main building formerly with mullioned windows and a square tower reminiscent of a dungeon, but having no defensive elements (or battlements or slots). We also note a corbelled turret on the corner of the house and the tower-dungeon, whose base is 2 m from the ground. The property is private.
Also south of the village, the castle of the Renaudie dates from the thirteenth century and had as Lord John Barry, a Protestant leader during the wars of religion. Despite having received beautification work in the fifteenth century, the strong original castle seeing with Renaissance elements, the building was abandoned after the Revolution. Ruins (important) that remain, emerging Gothic and Renaissance carved decorations. The site is private.
Near the course of the Dronne, in the southwest area of the town, is also ranked Saulnier castle, dating from the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries. Moat were once fed by the river. First stronghold and real castle when the main building was enlarged and equipped with towers and facade pierced by mullioned windows, the building belonged to a time an advisor to King (XVIII). The castle is also identified external enjoyable. Open to visitors (park, turn of the thirteenth century salons where are presented memories of a Napoleonic officer) from 1 August to mid-September except Sundays and Mondays. Free access. Information +33 5 53 60 32 81.
This overview is completed by the castle Caneau. If neither classified nor included in the Inventory, this beautiful building dates from the late nineteenth century and no shortage of pace with his house and its annexes (stables, orangery). Built by a former mayor of the resort, then it belonged to a Cognac merchant.
On the religious level, the village church dedicated to St. naturally Front has Romanesque foundations. We thus note a dome overlooking the choir. The nave is later (XVI) and the bell tower adds to the charm of the building.
Finally, according to the lanes and hamlets, crosses, pigeon and even a surprising public flop (where you once weighed goods) punctuate walks.
For hikers, precisely, wet meadows on both sides of the river, partly classified Natura 2000 for their rich ecosystem, the whole valley and always woodlots land can be interesting journey. Trail maps and information +33 5 53 35 50 24.
Dronne also delights anglers: inquire +33 5 53 06 84 20 to comply with the regulation, the river changing category (first or second) across sectors.
Finally, the territory of Saint-Front-la-Rivière belonging to the perimeter of the Regional Park of Périgord-Limousin, which offers regular events, exhibitions, themed walks, contact +33 5 53 55 36 00 to find out the schedule of appointments.
