Bureau d'Information Touristique de Branne Discovery of Branne between Dordogne and Saint Emilion

Ideally located on the edge of the Dordogne and 20 minutes from the D936, linking Bordeaux to the Dordogne, Branne is an essential place to visit. Its proximity to the A89 and Saint-Émilion, only 12 km away, makes it a popular destination. Its tourist office, located on the riverbank in a wooden building in the shape of a fishing hut, perfectly reflects the charm of the region.

BRANNE: its history

Branne will delight you with its rich history ! It owes its growth to the river trade that developed in the ^17th century with the navigation of beautiful barges on the Dordogne. Until the ^19th century, the port of Branne maintained significant economic activity, thanks in particular to the wine trade and that of cut stones transported from the surrounding quarries (such as those of Lugaignac and Daignac).
In the ^19th century, the town was transformed: the quays were renovated, and the construction of several important buildings was decided: the new market hall which dates from 1895, the Saint-Étienne church in neo-Gothic style, was completed in 1877 (in place of a small Romanesque church) and consecrated in 1878, and the new town hall was built.
In the 20th century, Branne didn't stop there! The impressive metal bridge, rebuilt in 1911, is a true monument to discover. If, in the Middle Ages, a wooden bridge already existed with a toll (abolished in 1890), the metal bridge was erected and despite its destruction by the Germans in 1944, it was restored, embodying the tenacity of Branne.

LANDSCAPES AND SURROUNDINGS: Terroir and heritage

The landscape of Branne and its surroundings is cut by hills, valleys, forests, magnificent vineyards and rich testimonies of the past, going from prehistory to today. The remains of Gallo-Roman villas as well as those of prehistory like the Dolmen of Curton will plunge you into a distant past. The Romanesque churches having survived the Hundred Years' War, the Wars of Religion and the Fronde are all testimonies to the religious heritage of the region. Finally, the numerous castles attest to the wealth and nobility of the surroundings, in particular those dating from English Guyenne, splendid for their sobriety and elegance. To name but a few: the Château de Blaignac in Cabara, that of Mouchac, the Château Rebullide in Guillac or even the Château Reynier!

The diversity of the landscapes, the variations of the soils made up of a limestone plateau covered with a layer of clay soil is the same as that of its prestigious neighbor Saint-Émilion and offers wines whose quality is no longer in doubt.

This part of the Entre-deux-Mers was crisscrossed by roads converging towards the Abbey of Sauve Majeure, a major gathering place and departure point for Santiago de Compostela.

Today our beautiful region is dotted with hiking trails and cycle paths.

Whatever path you take, the vines , the rivers , the architectural heritage constantly accompany your steps and if at the bend in the road, a wine estate appears, do not hesitate to take a little tasting break there... always in moderation !