4 reasons to go to cadillac this winter!

Cadillac is a busy and multifaceted small town in l'Entre-deux mers, which offers lots to do in summer and winter! Go there for a day, a weekend ... It is an ideal holiday place close to the buzzing Bordeaux area, the vineyards, the Garonne River and with lovely local delicacies...Join us with your family or  riends for a tour in the Cadillacais region, let’s go!

1-) The Delicacies of the Cadillac Market

What a beautiful market! Each Saturday morning, the biggest market in the south Gironde fills the whole town. For 8 centuries traders have been bringing their stalls here and this tradition is set to carry on for a long time to come. With consistently high foot traffic, the market is growing and now includes a great variety of organic produce. Going to the market in Cadillac, is also a walk in a town full of charm and History. This medieval bastide founded in 1280, kept its two imposing doors, its fortifications and beautiful houses with arcades. Discover: the 14th century Porte de l'Horloge (the Clock Gate) and its dome roof, the Porte de la mer (The Sea Gate) and its crenelated tower (children love it), the Saint-Martin Church with its funeral chapel, and the solemn cemetery of the forgotten.

Are you wondering if there is a link between the name of the famous luxury American car the Cadillac, and the town of Cadillac in Gironde? There is a link yes but by name only ... to explain... Antoine Laumet, French explorer and adventurer, founded Detroit in North America, the home of the Cadillac car, in the 18th century. Just after arriving in New France, Antoine Laumet changed his name to Antoine de Lamothe-Cadillac (new life, new name...) and in honour of the founder of Detroit, the cars were named after him.

My favourite thing at the market: the succulent cannelés (small French pastry flavored with rum and vanilla with a soft and tender custard center and a dark, thick caramelized crust) from M Canelé & Mme Macaron. Prepared under your eyes, in small copper moulds, the caramelised sugar smells good and  hey melt in your mouth... Yummmmmmmmm

2-) The castle life suits you well!

The 17th century Cadillac Castle is the highlight of the walk! Cross over the small bridge above the moat and enter in the residence of Jean-Louis de Nogaret de la Valette ... who simply levelled a part of the town for this building. An imposing residence, reflecting the character, famous for its personality features. During the 19th century, the Cadillac castle was a prison, then a " young woman’s institution", their sad fate is revealed through emotional explanation boards, in the former refectory.

The various rooms of the castle exhibit huge and majestic period tapestries (they are so fragile very little light is allowed inside the rooms), painted shutters and gigantic fireplaces. A beautiful garden is accessible from the bottom of the castle. To make the visit of the castle more fun for children, an activity booklet is available at the entrance.

Guessing Game: What is Matthieu doing on the photo? Is he sulking or has he be placed in a corner? No! He is testing the astonishing acoustic of the vaulted room, where a whisper in one corner if the room, is perfectly audible from the other corner. A surprising architectural and acoustic experience, children love it!!

Also to visit: La Maison des vins (The house of wines), in a sumptuous 18th century chartreuse, learn about all the wines of Cadillac and Côtes de Bordeaux. From the beginning of May, the winemakers come at the weekends to talk about their profession and the vines.

3-) Books and coffee atmosphere

If you like tea, coffee and books, then you will love the shop “Jeux de Mots”. It is an independent library which has been open 14 years, and which offers all sorts of books (the comic strip corner and the children’s corner are fantastic), but also a large selection of quality hot drinks, games and even some relaxation therapy and massages! All you need for a pleasant moment alone, with your friends or with your family. The library also offers events and exhibitions, Christophe the manager would happily advise you on games or reading materials.

4-) The cherry on the cake

Located few kilometres away from Cadillac is Podensac. Impress your friends (or treat yourself!) by bringing back a special dessert. L'Atelier Sucré is a shop, a delicatessen, and a creative workshop. Its products are as beautiful as they taste: pastries, various breads, ice creams, and chocolates, all the products are of outstanding quality. We opted for a mix of various fruit specialities: the colourful mousses are light and perfumed with delicate yet distinct flavours which explode in mouth. The smoothness of the mousse, the soft texture of the ganaches (brioche)...Is difficult to explain with mere words, you need to taste it! It is a favourite place, where I go to each of the visit in the region. François and Marie Dussourd also have a shop in the town of Latresne.

You have now 4 good reasons and hopefully a strong desire, to come to Cadillac! Do send us your photos for our Facebook page ;)

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