Sainte-Foy-de-Longas is a commune in the Dordogne department, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, 19 km west of Le Bugue.
Its territory of 16 km² is located in central Périgord, on the borders of the tourist regions of Périgord blanc (because of its chalky soils) to the north and Périgord rouge (like the color of its vines in autumn), to the south.
Its discreetly hilly landscapes are covered with forests (48% of its surface area), agricultural areas (37%) and arable land and meadows.
Crossed by the course of the Louyre, a sub-tributary of the Dordogne and by a few small streams, the locality was already occupied during Roman Antiquity.
The parish is mentioned in the 11th century and a priory is established there, dependent on the abbey of Brantôme. Only the current church of Romanesque origin (12th century) remains.
At the same period, a noble den was also established to the northeast of the village. Initial property of Cadouin Abbey, it was succeeded by Longas Castle at the end of the Hundred Years' War (15th century).
Nowadays, if it has paid a certain price to the rural exodus (there are less than 250 inhabitants compared to more than 800 in the middle of the 19th century), Sainte-Foy-de-Longas highlights its preserved nature and its heritage. Rural lodges welcome vacationers who take advantage of numerous hiking trails.
In terms of heritage, the small town on the left bank of the Louyre developed (modestly) around its Sainte-Foy church of Romanesque origin. A stained glass window represents this child martyr from Agen (3rd century). Redesigned, the high building has a nave and a transept that are small but nicely vaulted. There is preserved a processional cross in silvered copper where we can see Christ on one side and the Virgin on the other. It is classified as an object.
We also notice, still in the village, a few characterful dwellings which have retained 18th century foundations.
In the north-east, the castle of Longas was built at the end of the 15th century on the foundations of a noble den where peasants took refuge during unrest. It was then held by a new lord, Jean de Larmandie, who abandoned his castle of Miremont for that of Sainte-Foy, digging ditches and providing the domain with a drawbridge (now disappeared). The castle still has certain defensive elements (remains of a rampart walk). The central dwelling, three stories high, is however now damaged, and the "west" part with its large tower is partly ruined.
A corner tower, to the east, remains preserved. History reports that the banister of the castle's main staircase was installed within the Bergerac courthouse.
Still private property, the castle which overlooks the Louyre river and departmental road 22 is not open to the public. Its silhouette which has retained some nobility despite the vicissitudes can however mark out a walk...
During walks, again, in the village, the hamlets and localities, you can also see an old windmill now transformed into a dwelling, wayside crosses, dovecotes (notably in Camberoux, to the west) but also sheds where tobacco once dried and bories (vaulted dry stone huts which served as shelter for shepherds in the era of pastoralism).
These various places and elements of small heritage can be included in the hiking program: the topography of the town lends itself to circuits punctuated by green and hilly landscapes, between woods, fields and meadows. The forest plots are also renowned for their rich wildlife and the village attracts enthusiasts who enjoy listening to the bellowing of the deer in season.
The hillsides of the Louyre valley are protected for their flora (orchids) and fauna (birds).
Finally, note that the town is crossed by a GR de Pays, over ten kilometers, whose route includes the small town and the castle of Longas: maps and information for hikers from the intercommunal tourist office on +33 5 53 27 59 99.
The town and its surroundings can also be explored via pleasant horseback rides (over a few hours or a few days!): contact the Ecuries de Camberoux on +33 5 53 22 61 21.
Finally, a stop at Sainte-Foy-de-Longas allows you to appreciate original know-how. Do not hesitate to stop by the Ressort de Camberoux workshop (upholsterer, upholsterer, contact +33 6 81 97 05 72), the Plein Papiers Shetland pony breeder (animal mediation and production of pony milk soap, information at +33 6 89 89 42 94) or finally at Gaec de la Source au miel, an “organic” beekeeper (contact at +33 5 53 73 55 43).
The third weekend in May, motorcycle and quad endurance race.
The third weekend in July, village festival with gourmet entertainment, concert, ball and fireworks.
Every Saturday at 4:30 p.m., a small market highlights products from the rich Périgord region.
