The small river village of sailors, fishermen, artisans and wine producers is a deep water port and reached its apogee with the golden age of river transport when the quays bustled with activity and were lined with warehouses and barrel halls.

Today, public footpaths, Romanesque churches and mills, sporting facilities (including canoeing/kayaking, rowing and tennis) and the River Museum, with its magnificent view over the Dordogne, ensure that tourism flourishes in Port St Foy and Ponchapt.