Entre deux-mers

The Entre-deux-Mers region, between two rivers

Entre-deux-Mers is this vast territory southwest of Bordeaux, enclosed between the right bank of the Garonne to the south and the left bank of the Garonne to the north. It extends to the Bec d'Ambès.

This land of winemaking tradition produces twelve appellations of controlled origin.

In terms of architectural heritage, the Entre-deux-Mers region is distinguished by the preservation of a significant number of bastides and medieval towns, Romanesque churches, castles, fortified houses, and mills, saved from oblivion thanks to passionate individuals. It is an ideal place for sightseeing and cultural excursions, close to nature. The Roger Lapébie cycle path follows the route of a former railway line for 52 km between Sauveterre-de-Guyenne and Latresne.

Cadillac, proud bastide

Built in 1280 and fortified in the 14th century, Cadillac has preserved numerous vestiges from these past centuries, which can be admired while strolling through the town or walking along the ramparts. The Château des Ducs d'Epernon is open to visitors year-round.

It was built on the site of a medieval building that was razed to make way for a sumptuous residence rivaling royal palaces. During the French Revolution, it served as a women's prison until the end of the 19th century. Later, it was a reformatory for girls until the mid-20th century. The Cadillac Wine House houses a museum of vines and wine.

Rions, former stronghold

Today a small medieval village nestled among vineyards, Rions was once the capital of ancient Aquitaine. This fortified town witnessed battles during the Hundred Years' War between the kingdoms of France and England. Remnants of its defensive past can still be seen, such as the Lhyan Tower and the old Seguin keep.

Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, perched village

Perched on its rocky hillside, the village of Sainte-Croix-du-Mont overlooks the Garonne Valley. The limestone cliff, stretching for about a hundred meters, shelters caves filled with countless fossilized oyster shells dating back 22 million years. These caves are ideal for aging the sweet white wine produced by the vineyard.

Saint-Macaire, a medieval town

Surrounded by ramparts, Saint-Macaire is a remarkable medieval architectural ensemble, boasting numerous listed monuments, such as the arcaded Place du Mercadiou and its houses dating from the 13th to the 16th centuries. In the 18th century, underground galleries were dug to extract stone transported to Bordeaux for building construction.

The church of Saint-Sauveur, on the edge of the ramparts, was part of a former Benedictine priory. The Benauge gate, or clock gate, dating from the 14th century, marks the entrance to the city.

Near Saint-Macaire, you can visit Malagar, the family estate of François Mauriac (1885-1970), overlooking the Garonne Valley. The writer and academician's home, located in the heart of a vineyard, is a listed historical monument. It is a vibrant cultural center offering a diverse cultural season from May to October.

La Réole, like a painting

The medieval town of La Réole, a town of art and history, with its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, boasts a rich and harmonious architectural ensemble.

Its 18th-century Benedictine monastery now houses the town's offices. Its 12th-century Saint-Pierre church, later dismantled, was rebuilt in the 17th century. Its Château des Quat'Sos, built in the 12th century on the site of an earlier fortress, with its four corner towers (from which it takes its name), overlooks the Garonne River. Its former town hall is one of the oldest civil buildings in France.

The town experienced commercial growth thanks to river transport and the wine trade. La Réole is home to a remarkable museum of monuments made from matchsticks.

Monségur, bastide and defensive site

Perched high above the hill, the bastide town of Monségur offers a magnificent panorama over the Drot valley. From its medieval past, once encircled by ramparts, the bastide has preserved its square, its typical church, a 15th-century Gothic tower with its parapet walk, its narrow streets, and its half-timbered houses. Its 19th-century market hall, made entirely of glass and cast iron, hosts the local markets.

Today, this historic setting comes alive with cultural and culinary events that make the heart of the city beat. Monségur remains an essential stop for heritage enthusiasts seeking authenticity and conviviality.

Pellegrue, a fortified town with three castles and five churches

Pellegrue is a treasure trove of historical heritage. Perched on a rocky spur, the bastide town was founded in the 13th century, with its characteristic square and right-angled alleyways. It boasts two renovated churches: Saint-André in the town center and Genas, on the road to Duras. Three others are partially destroyed: Saint-Laurent, La Reyre, and Vignoles.

From its rich historical past, three castles remain, situated on hilltops:

• The 15th century Boyrac Ségur castle;
• The Lugagnac castle from the 15th-18th centuries;
• The Château du Puch de Gensac, dating from the 13th century, was remodeled in the 14th and 18th centuries.

Sauveterre-de-Guyenne, an English bastide town

The former bastide of Sauveterre-de-Guyenne, founded in 1281 by King Edward I, changed overlords 10 times before becoming French in 1451. Today it has retained its central arcaded square, its grid-patterned streets, four gates in its ramparts and beautiful, superbly restored half-timbered houses.

In the surrounding area, several architectural gems await visitors:

• The Abbey of Saint-Nicolas de Blasimon, a former Benedictine abbey nestled in the Gamage valley, is a listed historical monument.
• The fortified watermill of Labarthe, built like a fortified house.
• The Haut Benauge mill museum, a windmill built in 1600 and restored in 1970.
• The Abbey of Saint-Ferme, overlooking the village of the same name, is located on the pilgrimage routes to Compostela.
• The village of Castelmon-d'Albret, the smallest village in France, perched on a promontory and surrounded by walls.

Rauzan and its fortified castle

The village of Rauzan is home to a fortified castle built between the 13th and 15th centuries. It is distinguished by an imposing cylindrical keep 31 meters high and a cave, the Grotte Célestine, adorned with very beautiful concretions.

From the top of its tower to the depths of its underground river, Rauzan offers a breathtaking vertical journey through the ages. This unique site invites visitors to explore both the might of its military architecture and the natural mysteries hidden beneath its foundations.

The Abbey of La Sauve-Majeur, a jewel of Romanesque art

It is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of religious architecture in the Gironde region. The building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela. Built in the 12th century, it nearly disappeared forever. The open-air site in the heart of the Entre-Deux-Mers region boasts exceptional sculptures and remains : sculpted capitals, a bell tower, and Romanesque vaults in the choir and chapels.

Climbing its bell tower reveals a breathtaking panorama, encompassing the vineyards and forests of the Entre-deux-Mers region in a single glance. A magnificent experience that combines the exquisite detail of the sculptures with the power of an exceptional natural site.

Creon, famous for its fairs and markets

The bastide town of Créon, of English origin, was the seat of the great royal Provostship of Entre-deux-Mers until the Revolution. It has remained a market town with renowned markets and fairs. The town, designated a "bike resort," boasts an excellent network of cycle paths.

Beneath its ancient arcades, the bastide still pulsates with a joyful effervescence, true to its vocation as a place of exchange and encounter. It is the ideal stop to savor the authenticity of a generous terroir at the turn of a colorful stall.

CASTELMORON D'ALBRET

Perched on a rocky spur, the fortified village of Castelmoron d'Albret is well worth a visit for its charming, winding, and typical old streets, where it's a pleasure to lose yourself. In the warmer months, the streets are adorned with flowers, adding to the village's charm. It also boasts a church restored in the 19th century. The town takes its name from Castelmoron d'Albret to distinguish it from its neighbor in the Lot-et-Garonne department, Castelmoron-du-Lot.