town hall of Sainte-Foy-la-Longue

The town hall of Sainte-Foy-la-Longue is the seat of local government for a small village in the Gironde department, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France. The building stands at 1597 route de Damis, right in the heart of the Entre-deux-Mers wine country south of Bordeaux. It's where residents — known locally as Foyens and Foyennes — handle municipal affairs, and where Mayor Henry Joanchicoy, in office since the 2020 municipal elections, represents the commune.

Where exactly is Sainte-Foy-la-Longue?

The commune sits in the southern part of the Gironde department, within the Sud-Gironde micro-region and the Communauté de Communes du Réolais en Sud-Gironde. The area belongs to Entre-deux-Mers, the historic strip of land between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers known for rolling hills, stone villages, and vineyards stretching to the horizon. The nearest town of any size, La Réole, is just a few kilometers away, and Bordeaux is under an hour's drive.

What is the village itself like?

Sainte-Foy-la-Longue is one of those French communes that has kept the scale and pace of village life from decades past. It counts around 122 residents spread across 9.38 square kilometers, giving it a population density of only a few dozen people per square kilometer. Vineyards dominate the landscape: of the commune's 937 hectares, roughly 600 are planted with vines, firmly rooting the village in the winemaking traditions of Bordeaux. Walking the surrounding lanes means passing rows of vines, farmhouses, and the modest rural architecture typical of the Gironde countryside.

What's the history behind it?

The parish of Sainte-Foy first appears in records in 1497, when Franciscan friars from Saint-Macaire and La Réole reached an agreement dividing the territories in which they collected alms for their respective monasteries. That record is among the earliest traces of the settlement in its present form. The local church is built in a neo-medieval style, with a distinctive gable bell tower (clocher-pignon) typical of the region's modest rural churches. The town hall itself, though small, now serves as both the administrative center and the symbolic heart of the commune, linking that old parish history to today's local government.

Why is it worth a stop?

Sainte-Foy-la-Longue won't show up on a typical must-see list, and that's exactly its appeal. It's a destination for travelers who want a look at working, authentic wine-country France without the crowds or commercial polish. The area is well suited to a leisurely cycling or driving route through Entre-deux-Mers, with stops at nearby vineyards, in La Réole, or along the banks of the Garonne. The town hall, as a landmark within the village, makes a natural starting point for exploring the surrounding heritage sites and wine estates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the town hall of Sainte-Foy-la-Longue located? At 1597 route de Damis, 33490 Sainte-Foy-la-Longue, in the Gironde department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

How many people live in Sainte-Foy-la-Longue? The commune has around 122 residents, making it one of the smaller villages in the Sud-Gironde area.

What is the area known for? Mostly winemaking — vineyards cover most of the commune and form part of the Entre-deux-Mers and wider Bordeaux wine traditions.

How far is it from Bordeaux? Bordeaux is roughly 50 kilometers away, about a 45-minute to one-hour drive.