Set within a working vineyard, surrounded by 4.5 hectares of vines and only 16km from Saint-Émilion, this 14th century castle is not just a paradise for wine-lovers but any Francophile looking to experience the beautiful Gironde region of south-western France, just to the south of the Dordogne River and around an hour from Bordeaux.
If flying to France you can arrive via Bordeaux or Bergerac Airports whilst the TGV train service heads into Bordeaux Saint Jean (the fastest direct services from Paris Montparnasse to Bordeaux take around 2 hours 10 minutes).
The small local village is just 400m from the château, home to a 12th century church, whilst the next village along, around 2.5km by car, has a boulangerie and small local restaurant. The attractive bastide town of Castillon-la-Bataille (6.5km), by the banks of the Dordogne, has several shops, restaurants and café-bars as well as a bustling market on a Monday morning. If staying in late July or August, look out for the incredible re-enactments of the battle of Castillon which take place on Friday and Saturday evenings – book ahead for this very impressive event.
Castillon-la-Bataille is also home to the nearest train station with departures to Bordeaux (39 minutes), Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (18 minutes) and Bergerac (36 minutes). You could also take the train to Saint-Émilion (6 minutes) if you don’t mind the 20-minute walk up to the hilltop town from the train station.
Whether arriving by train or car, Saint-Émilion (16km) is one of the highlights of this region, an exquisite hilltop town steeped in rich heritage and famous for its UNESCO World Heritage vineyards, some of which date back to Roman times. With its old quarter, Romanesque churches and fascinating catacombs, its beauty will enchant you as you stroll around its labyrinth of narrow lanes. Step into high-end wine shops, pretty boutiques and excellent restaurants including the two Michelin starred La Table de Pavie.
Food-lovers also note that there is a Michelin starred restaurant even closer in Saint-Jean-de-Blaignac (5km) as well as many other wonderful bistros, restaurants and markets where you can experience the very best cuisine of the Dordogne and Gironde regions. Look out for atmospheric markets in places such as Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (28km), Duras (30km), La Réole (30km) and Monségur (27km) as well as the much-loved markets of Bordeaux, Libourne and Saint-Émilion.
Beyond Saint-Émilion , wine connoisseurs can visit the wine areas of Pomerol and Sauternes (47km) or venture slightly further afield to the Médoc peninsula with Pauillac (100km) and Margaux (72km) reached within a 90-minute drive. Perhaps combine with a trip to the peaceful shores of Étang de Lacanau (107km) or the surfing beaches north of Cap Ferret. Sipping white wine accompanied by oysters on Arcachon Bay (110km) is another iconic experience of the Atlantic coastline of France.
The Region
One of France’s most iconic hilltop towns, Saint-Émilion is waiting to enchant wine enthusiasts, gastronomes, keen historians and Francophiles in so many different ways. With its UNESCO World Heritage vineyards, visitors will have the opportunity to sample AOC wines from one of the most famous and historic wine-growing regions in the world.
Start off by exploring the cobbled lanes of Saint-Émilion as you admire its beautiful architecture and churches – its origins date back to the 8th century. One of the most impressive sites is the 12th century stone-carved Monolithic church, the largest of its kind in Europe, a truly astonishing masterpiece – a guided tour of the church and catacombs is a must.
As well as the town’s famous Merlot, try Crémant de Bordeaux at Les Cordeliers, once a monastery that was brought by a winemaker in the 19th century – enjoy a glass of sparkling wine overlooking the cloister garden. Food lovers note there are several excellent restaurants including Michelin star establishments (Logis de la Cadène and La Table de Pavie are two famous names). Look out for French macarons as well - Saint-Émilion claims to be the birthplace of this delicious sweet treat.
Of course, wine tours and tastings can be arranged across the Saint-Émilion wine-growing region. There are so many to choose from, from small family-run vineyards to prestigious wine châteaux, and it’s fantastic to be able to buy such excellent wines directly from local producers. Wine connoisseurs note that the neighbouring Pomerol wine appellation should also be included on your itinerary for longer stays.
Meanwhile, explore the idyllic landscapes by bike, a wonderful way to appreciate the beauty of Saint-Émilion’s vineyards, or enjoy a hot-air balloon ride to capture the scenery below. A little further afield, canoe or kayak along the Dordogne near Castillon-la-Bataille, experience the vibrant markets of Libourne and travel to the great wine city of Bordeaux for another amazing day out in this captivating part of southwestern France.
