Vineyards as far as the eye can see!
The Bordeaux region is the starting point for the great Châteaux route that runs nearly 100km through the Médoc.
The Médoc
and the châteaux routeIn north Bordeaux between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde estuary, the Châteaux route takes in countless fields of vines that give character to this picturesque countryside rich in colours and flavours.
Discover the history and the region by wandering through sumptuous landscapes an taking guided tours of sites so precious they have been included on UNESCO’s world heritage list: Roman churches, bastides and abbeys from the Middle Ages, archaeological sites, wine-growing villages, etc. On your way you will be enchanted by numerous castles with unusual architecture.
The Châteaux Route
from BordeauxTake the D2 towards Pauillac or from the hotel, carry on for several kilometres beyond Blanquefort and follow the road along the Gironde towards the Domaine des Margaux. After a stop at Château Siran, you will arrive at Château Margaux.
Further north, the route goes through Saint-Julien (Châteaux Lagrange, Léoville, or Château Talbot). Pauillac, the capital of the Médoc, is home to various châteaux: De Latour, Lafite Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild. In Saint-Estèphe you can visit the famous Château Montrose.
At the intersection of departmental road No2 and RN 125 which heads back towards Bordeaux, discover the Lesparre-Médoc estate and its remarkable vineyards. Before returning to Bordeaux, make a final stop-off at Moulis-en-Médoc to visit the Grand Poujeaux vineyards.
Points of interest along the Châteaux Route: the city of Pauillac, the village of Lamarque, Saint-Estèphe, the square tower of Lesparre, Cordouan lighthouse and more.
The bastides
and wine-growing villages of GirondeThe region’s bastides were built during the Hundred Years’ War and have been remarkably well preserved. Exploring them is a timeless treat. Amble through the streets of Blasimon, Cadillac, Créon, Monségur, Pellegrue, Libourne and Sainte Foy la Grande.
On your way, visit market squares, walls and watch towers, so many architectural treasures that attest to the importance and prosperity of the wine trade in Aquitaine.
After the bastides, discover world-renowned cities and villages such as Saint Emilion, Blaye, Bourg sur Gironde, St Macaire, Bazas, La Réole and more.