The Libournais and Saint Émilion

The Libournais region, land of vineyards

The Libournais region is first and foremost a wine-growing destination, boasting prestigious appellations such as Pomerol, Lalande de Pomerol, and Saint-Émilion. The region developed around the wine trade. Today, visitors can enjoy convivial cellar tours and tastings at the many estates that open their doors to the public. Wine tourism, which has grown significantly, invites visitors to discover the world of wine and its secrets.

The landscapes of the Libournais region are made up of vineyards, limestone valleys, and woodlands, crossed by the Dordogne and Gironde rivers. They offer numerous opportunities for sports and relaxation. The architectural heritage of this little corner of France, particularly well preserved, invites you to step back in time.

Saint-Emilion, more than just a wine

You can spend hours wandering the narrow, steep streets of the medieval town of Saint-Émilion, founded in the 8th century by the monk Emilian. Linger in its small squares or browse the many shops, savor macarons, the local specialty, and discover the remarkable diversity of its historical monuments. These include the troglodytic church of Saint-Pierre, the monolithic church with its bell tower, the collegiate church and its cloister, the great wall, a vestige of a Dominican monastery, beautiful private mansions, underground galleries, the Cordeliers convent, the ramparts and the Brunet gate, the ruins of the Cardinal's Palace façade, its King's Tower, its wash houses, and its market hall.

A full day won't be too much to soak up the atmosphere of the city and its many monuments, a true architectural treasure. You can admire the surrounding area from the King's Tower, which overlooks the city and the vineyards. The tourist office also offers numerous suggestions for exploration and themed walks, including a visit to hidden and underground heritage sites.

It is worth noting that it was John Lackland, in 1199, who granted Saint-Emilion the status of a town, which became a jurade (a type of municipal council). Its wine brought it great renown, still recognized throughout the world today.

The jurisdiction of Saint-Emilion has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. For the first time in the world, a wine-growing landscape has been admitted to this prestigious inscription, covering 8 communes and 5,000 hectares of vineyards.

Castillon la Bataille, a famous battle

About fifteen kilometers from Saint-Émilion, Castillon-la-Bataille lies on the banks of the Dordogne River. The town is known for its famous battle, fought between the French and the English, which ended the Hundred Years' War on July 20, 1453. Bordeaux fell to the French in October of the same year, and Aquitaine subsequently returned to French control. A sound and light show brings this important episode in French history to life every summer.

It was only in 1953, for the 500th anniversary of the victory at Castillon, that the town adopted its current name. The municipality boasts a rich architectural and natural heritage. A few kilometers away, the ancient fortified town of Gensac, overlooking the Durèze and Dordogne valleys, is a designated historic village and full of charm. In August, its festival offers excellent classical music concerts.

Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, a fortified town in the Pays Foyen

It was the brother of Saint Louis who ordered the construction of the bastide of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande in 1253. Today, it is one of the best-preserved in France. Its church, built in the 13th century by the Knights Templar, was successively destroyed, rebuilt, and enlarged. It boasts one of the tallest spires in Aquitaine. It is pleasant to wander through its narrow streets and stroll in its covered square.

The Tourist Office houses a local archaeology museum. The town also has a river navigation museum, evoking the trade of wine transported on barges and flat-bottomed boats to Libourne on the Dordogne River, "the River of Hope." 12 km away is the Moustelat watermill. Built in 1724, it has been completely restored.

Libourne, at the confluence of the Isle and Dordogne rivers

Libourne is an old fortified port town that owes its prosperity to the wine trade. The central square, with its arcades and houses dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries, bears witness to the city's past.

The large stone bridge, built in the 19th century, with its nine arches, is 220 meters long. It replaced the ferry, which was the only way to cross the Dordogne River.

The city has renovated its port area to accommodate cruise ships. Eight kilometers away, in the town of Vayres, a strange natural phenomenon occurs twice a year during spring tides: the tidal bore. This large wave traveling up the Dordogne River delights surfers and also attracts many onlookers.

Vayres and its castle

The Château de Vayres, with its medieval, Renaissance, and 17th-century architecture, is a listed historical monument. Its gardens and monumental staircase overlook the Dordogne River. Its park has been awarded the "Remarkable Gardens" label. The château once belonged to Henry IV. Today, it is a privately owned residence open to the public.

About fifteen kilometers away, the abbey church of Guîtres, built in the 11th century, was dismantled during the French Revolution. Only the church, in the Saintongeais style, remains, restored in the 20th century, and houses a majestic organ. Concerts are offered there from July to September.