Lalinde Bastide

The bastide of Lalinde welcomes me today. I park not far from the Place de la Halle and I head towards the heart of the village. The unique thing about the market hall is that it is used as a terrace for the surroundings restaurants. The bastide is not very big but there are few stone houses and I spotted a halftimbered one. Quickly I come to understand that I need to look carefully at each building and each corner of a street where there is often a hidden surprise. In front of the covered market, there is a square with a War Memorial. At the far end, a few benches allow me to rest and look at the river. The flow of the Dordogne River cradles me, a dozen of swans wander peacefully on the river. Just like a picture postcard!!! Just ahead, a chapel overlooks the valley. Is this possible to go there? Good question and you will find the answer in the article below. I carry on my walk through the parallel streets of Lalinde. There are many shops, restaurants and tearooms. Each has a speciality and the local products are highlighted.

I arrive at the Tourist Office which has a lovely park: various flowers, a fountain and especially, another view over the Dordogne River. By taking the stairs on your right hand-side you can go down on the lower terraces. I pass the stone porch and get closer to the edge. The buildings on that side are really beautiful, a certain Renaissance style stands out of the walls. It is a peaceful atmosphere, the road is located much further, we cannot hear the noises from the cars. From here I can see the bell tower of the Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens Church. On my right, I can see the Lalinde Castle located on the War Memorial’s square.

The building next to the Tourist Office holds a free painting exhibition. Lalinde is a Town of Art and History! I arrive in front of the church, its bell tower is imposing, it seems to touch the sky! However, the inside of the church is rather dark.

I am now heading back to the centre of the bastide where the restaurants are busy. Walking in a street, I found a body of water. A flowered bridge reflects into the water, the swans paddle peacefully. The lock is not very far. The setting is really bucolic!

I decide to go to see more closely this chapel which has fascinated me since the beginning. I drive pass the front of the church, then cross the bridge heading in the direction of Sarlat and I take the small climbing street on the right. There is a path to access the chapel, you need to follow the red dragon. The shady path is in the heart of the forest, it is easily accessible but it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes. If you do not like hiking, follow the path by car and follow the signs « falaise de Saint-Front de Colubri ».

That’s it, I am there! The view is breathtaking on the Dordogne River and on Lalinde. The chapel is charming and built in stone. The chapel is rumoured to have the remains of the mythical dragon killed by Saint-Front many centuries ago! It is an excellent place to meditate on the top of the bastide, in a quiet setting!

Lalinde is a rather small bastide but which hides many surprises. It is not overcrowded and the atmosphere is rather convivial. The oldest folks talk about the village’s life, children run between the tables on the terraces and there are these useful small shops for great holidays Lalinde is an ideal place for a few days stopover, there are few hiking paths and many tourist sites in the surroundings. It is a flowered bastide which loves its heritage. Heading back to my car, I discovered a Roman vestige called « The Door of Bergerac ». I am amazed from beginning to end!

Have a great visit in this charming bastide !

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