Cultural - Exhibition
While strolling through the streets of the bastide, I discovered several exhibition spaces that brighten up the local cultural scene. Whether these spaces are third places, galleries, or workshops, don't hesitate to stop by to discover local artists!
The Coeur de Bastide exhibition space
All homes know Heart of Bastide but it was time to highlight the association's exhibition space. The latter hosts local and regional professional or amateur artists experienced in various artistic expressions: painting, engraving, photography, etc. Each new exhibition is inaugurated with a friendly opening one Saturday per month, on market day. It must be said that it is the ideal time to host such an event!
Beyond exhibitions, Cœur de Bastide organizes and supports a multitude of cultural events throughout the year. Cultural initiatives include "La P'tite Librairie," created by leveraging the "La Colline aux livres" bookstore in Bergerac to address the lack of this type of business in the bastide. An annual event in July, "Les Reclusiennes," brings together researchers, writers, artists, and residents around cultural and social themes.
I enjoyed discovering this innovative and unique place serving everyone, professionals, passing visitors and residents!
Information: Coeur de Bastide Association – 44 rue Alsace Lorraine – Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
The Garance Workshop
Well, I admit that the window display caught my eye when I saw these paintings on display! The place was open, so I took the opportunity to discover Atelier Garance.
Photo credit: Pays Foyen Tourist Office
Okay, it's not really an exhibition space like a gallery, but if you want to practice painting or drawing, Bénédicte can accompany you and allow you to exhibit your works!
Bénédicte Demarche has been working as a painting and visual arts teacher since 2000. After a chat, she told me a little about her background: she holds a Master's degree in visual arts and teaches classes in schools. She is originally from Saint-Antoine-de-Breuilh, where she began her career, then decided to settle in the Foy-et-Vilaine fortified town.
During my visit, I took the opportunity to meet some of her students in training! Bénédicte gives advice on all painting techniques: watercolor, gouache, pastel, etc. In fact, she has a slight preference for pastel and oil painting.
As I mentioned, this isn't a traditional gallery, as Bénedicte mostly exhibits her own creations or those of her students. But I was immediately captivated by its soft and colorful atmosphere. The abundance of brushes and paint pots invites you to let your imagination run wild.
Information: Atelier Garance, 41 rue Alsace-Lorraine, Sainte-Foy-la-Grande – +06 15 47 64 28 XNUMX
The Wild Herbs Gallery
I end my walk by finding myself in front of a colorful and attractive storefront!
Opened very recently, in December 2025, the Galerie Les Herbes Folles brings together two friends and visual artists. Sergine and Catherine decided to open a newly vacated space in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande to exhibit and disseminate contemporary art.
In the form of an association, they plan to open the gallery to numerous artists, develop cultural mediation, create events, or even workshops.
Thanks to their artistic backgrounds, the two artists possess numerous technical skills (watercolor, collage, clay) and pedagogical skills (intuitive painting, art therapy, etc.). This gallery has some wonderful surprises and many activities in store for us!
Information: Les Herbes Folles Gallery, 28 rue des Frères Reclus, Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, 06 87 83 39 11
