The most beautiful villages around Bordeaux, Gironde
Entre-deux-Mers and South Gironde
I've decided to start my list with the Entre-deux-Mers and Sud Gironde regions, as these are usually my favorite places to visit when I feel like visiting beautiful medieval villages. It's one of the most beautiful parts of south-west France, embodying the region's rich history and culture. Most of the villages on my list are close to each other, so you can visit them all in a weekend. Public transport isn't very well developed in this part of Gironde, so it's best to get around by car, or by bike if you like cycling. I have, however, added the public transport routes to complete the picture.
Saint Macaire
First on my list is Saint Macaire, a small medieval village on the banks of the Garonne, about 50 km from Bordeaux. Saint Macaire is a very attractive destination for those interested in history and fine architecture. What today seems a quiet town in the Entre-deux-Mers appellation was once an important city under English rule, declared a "Royal City of England" in 1341. In the 13th and 14th centuries, it was one of the most prosperous towns in Aquitaine, thanks to its important agricultural and commercial activities.
Visiting Saint Macaire can be an excellent half-day outing if you take the time to discover its rich heritage, narrow streets and beautiful old houses and monuments. Place Mercadiou, surrounded by beautiful medieval houses, is the village's main square, where the market is held every Thursday morning. Another monument not to be missed is the Porte de la Benauge, the main gateway to the old town, whose historic center is surrounded by ramparts. Probably the most important monument in Saint Macaire is the Church of Saint-Sauveur and Saint-Martin. The large church, built between the 12th and 15th centuries, boasts impressive frescoes that are well worth a visit. Every year at the end of August, Saint Macaire hosts one of the best medieval festivals in the region.
How to get there :
It's a bit tricky to get to Saint Macaire without a car, as there's no regular direct public transport from Bordeaux (only one train a day goes there). You can, however, take a train to Langon, then cross the Garonne to the other side and cycle or even hike along the river to Saint Macaire.
Cadillac
Cadillac is a small town on the right bank of the Garonne, in the Entre-deux-Mers wine region. It's a fairly popular destination, attracting many tourists, especially in summer. Cadillac is hard to miss if you take the D10 to the south of Gironde. You'll be greeted by a large defensive wall and the main gate leading to the medieval center, built in the 13th century. Its most famous monument, however, is the Château des Ducs d'Épernon, built in the 17th century by the Duc d'Épernon. This impressive château is best known for having been a women's prison from the French Revolution until 1950. Today, it serves as a museum, focusing on the lives of the royalty who occupied the estate before it was turned into a prison. On the top floor, you can still see the cells and a small exhibition dedicated to the prison.
The town is also famous for its wine, the Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. You can visit the Maison des Vins de Cadillac to learn more about the wines of this region and, of course, taste them.
How to get there :
You can get to Cadillac by bus number 501 from the Bastide district of Bordeaux (see timetables here).
Let's laugh
About 5 km from Cadillac, you'll find Rions, a small medieval town on the banks of the Garonne. Like other towns in the region, Rions is characterized by its pretty narrow streets and medieval houses. During the Middle Ages, it was an important town that suffered greatly from the Hundred Years' War between France and England. In 1295, Rions, then under English rule, was conquered by Charles de Valois, who had its defensive walls demolished. In 1313, England recaptured the town and surrounded it with ramparts, making it one of the English fortified towns in southwestern France (Guyenne). It became French again just before the end of this long war. Despite all these upheavals, it has retained its impressive architecture and charm, perfect for a visit of just a few hours. To make the most of your excursion, you can take a 5 km hike to discover the beautiful surroundings of this medieval town. (For more information on this trail, see my article on hiking around Bordeaux).
How to get there :
You can take bus number 501 from the Bastide district of Bordeaux (see timetables here).
Castelmoron d'Albret
Castelmoron d'Albret is the smallest village in France and, in my opinion, one of the most charming in the South-West. This tiny medieval village is bursting with charm! Almost every house is covered with colorful roses and other beautiful flowers overflowing from eclectic pots made in the village. No two houses are alike, and every window and door is unique. There's almost no sign of modern life here: no cars, no sidewalks, just a beautiful village frozen in time. There are around 50 inhabitants and only three shops in the 3.5-hectare village, making the atmosphere incredibly peaceful. I think my children were the noisiest thing this village has seen in a long time.
It's a picturesque hour's drive from Bordeaux, through the hills and vineyards of the Entre-deux-Mers region. If you want to combine the visit with another activity, I recommend the impressive bastide town of Sauveterre-de-Guyenne, just a few minutes' drive away. There are also several hiking and biking trails in this part of Entre-deux-Mers. Here's a link to two beautiful hiking trails starting from the village.
How to get there :
Getting here by bus is rather complicated, so I recommend taking the car. The nearest train station is La Réole, but buses to Castelmoron d'Albret are not very frequent.
La Réole
La Réole is a small, hilly town on the banks of the Garonne, about 50 km from Bordeaux. Although the town grew up around a monastery founded in the 7th or 8th century, its golden age was in the Middle Ages, when it became the second-largest city in the region after Bordeaux. Even today, it is one of the largest towns in the southern Gironde, with many interesting events and a lively market every Saturday. There are many impressive houses and monuments to see, including the historic 12th-century town hall, Saint-Pierre church and Benedictine abbey, as well as the town's ancient ramparts. Lose yourself in the charming alleyways of the historic center and let yourself be transported by the beautiful architecture. If you arrive when the tourist office is open, don't hesitate to pick up a map of the town's monuments.
How to get there :
It's an excellent destination for those without a car. You can reach La Réole in 40 minutes by train from Bordeaux's Gare Saint-Jean, with a train every two hours.
Bazas
Bazas is one of my favorite towns in southern Gironde, not only for its beauty but also for its rich heritage, which embodies Gascon culture. It lies on the eastern edge of the Landes de Gascogne forest, around 65 km from Bordeaux. A stroll through the historic center will reveal the town's impressive architecture and its past as the seat of an important bishopric. In the main square, you'll find the famous Gothic cathedral of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you stroll through the center, don't miss the charming old houses in the side streets and gardens.
Architecture isn't the only attraction in Bazas, the town is also renowned for its gastronomy, especially its meat. You can sample Bazadaise meat in one of the restaurants in the main square. Meat lovers can also buy directly from the many butchers in the center. For a complete gastronomic experience, there is a "farm to table" tour organized by Anne, an American living in Bazas, who knows all the local farmers and chefs. Her tours are a
