|
IN BRIEF
|
In Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, the tourist office of the Foyen Country has just obtained its second star, confirming the classification in category 2 by prefectural decree. This national label recognizes the attentive welcome, the diversity of services, and the actions taken to promote the territory to both visitors and residents. Two information points — in the heart of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande and in Pellegrue —, extended summer hours, a dedicated team, and continuous improvement tools characterize a human-scale destination focused on quality.
The official renewal of the classification in category 2, obtained in July by prefectural decree, confirms the progress of a public structure that has been part of the Community of communes of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande since 2012. At the national level, this distinction recognizes tourist offices of intermediate size that rely on a structured management, a coherent tourist basin, and a comprehensive service offering while carrying out targeted promotion and deploying tools to listen to users.
Specifically, the category 2 rewards both the quality of the welcome at the front office and the internal organization: satisfaction measurement systems, continuous improvement, monitoring of user expectations, coordination with economic and cultural stakeholders, and highlighting local specificities.
What this “second star” changes for visitors and residents
For the public, this “second star” translates into personalized advice, good deals tailored to the season, ideas for outings, and updated information on the local agenda. National recognition ensures high welcome standards, clear signage, reliable content, and support in discovering the territory — from the bastide to the river, from markets to vineyards.
For residents, the office reinforces its role as a local service desk: a relay for events, dissemination of practical information, connecting with associations and partners, and promoting local know-how.
Two complementary reception points to link the territory
In the heart of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
The main office welcomes you at 102, rue de la République, in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande. In August, it is open from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 AM to 1 PM and from 2 PM to 7 PM, as well as on Sundays and public holidays from 10 AM to 1 PM and from 2 PM to 5:30 PM. Information at 05 57 46 03 00.
A branch in Pellegrue for local reception
The bastide of Pellegrue has a tourist information point at 21, rue de la République. In August, the branch is open from Tuesday to Friday from 2 PM to 5:30 PM, and on Wednesday from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM then from 2 PM to 5:30 PM. Contact: 05 56 61 37 80.
A dedicated team at the service of visitor experience
This distinction is also that of a team recognized for its professionalism: the director Marie Preuilh, surrounded by Ludovic Bagilet and Franck Chaume, coordinates the information offer, the relationship with partners, and the quality of service on a daily basis. Their discreet and constant work is reflected in the fluidity of the welcome, the relevance of recommendations, and the consistent distribution of information throughout the Foyen Country.
Services, tools, and a recognized quality approach
In line with the expectations of category 2, the office offers a range of services: thematic documentation, ideas for visits and activities, advice on accommodations and dining, gentle itineraries, and support for providers. The team relies on listening and continuous improvement tools — feedback, attendance observations, monitoring — in order to adjust the offering and maintain a high level of satisfaction.
Online presence, through the official site tourisme-dordogne-paysfoyen.com, facilitates trip preparation, access to the agenda, and discovery of the highlights. On-site, relational quality, availability, and deep knowledge of local stakeholders enhance the experience of visitors.
A clear positioning: a coherent and welcoming territory
The Foyen Country asserts itself as a human-scale territory, readable and accessible, where one can easily travel between bastides, vineyards, Dordogne landscapes, and local crafts. This network, typical of category 2 offices, allows for targeted promotion, close partnerships with associations and tourism operators, and finer seasonal animation, with particular attention to the summer peak.
Trends, inspirations, and feedback
This distinction is part of a national dynamic where offices modernize their practices. As an inspiration, the reflection on a new era for tourist offices sheds light on the evolution of professions and visitor expectations. Cultural valorization, exemplified by an original exhibition in Réquista, shows how events can boost attendance.
Field feedback on summer activities, like in Saint-Florentin, inspires seasonal programming. Initiatives for tourism revitalization offer avenues to enhance the attractiveness of town centers. Finally, best practices in hygiene and aggression management remind us of the importance of continuous training and relational quality at the counter.
Practical information and access
Tourist office of the Foyen Country — main reception point: 102, rue de la République, 33220 Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, tel. 05 57 46 03 00. Branch of Pellegrue: 21, rue de la République, 33730 Pellegrue, tel. 05 56 61 37 80. Up-to-date information, outing ideas, and personalized advice: tourisme-dordogne-paysfoyen.com.
In August, the extended hours in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande and the scheduled reception in Pellegrue ensure an optimal distribution of tourist information and support that is as close as possible to needs, whether one is a passing visitor, a weekend traveler, or a resident in search of new experiences.
