The Libournais and Saint Émilion

Libournais, land of vines

Libournais is first and foremost a wine destination, with prestigious wine appellations - Pomerol, Lalande de Pomerol, Saint Emilion... the region has developed around the wine trade. Today, you can share visits to wine cellars and tastings with the many owners who open their estates in a friendly atmosphere. Wine tourism, which has developed strongly, invites you to discover the world of wine and its secrets.

The landscapes of Libournais are made up of vineyards, limestone and wooded valleys, crossed by the Dordogne and Gironde rivers. They offer as many opportunities for sport and relaxation. The architectural heritage of this little corner of France, especially well preserved, invites you to go back in time.

Saint-Emilion, more than a wine

Castillon la Bataille, a famous battle

About fifteen kilometers from Saint-Emilon, Castillon-la-Bataille is bathed by the Dordogne River. The city is known for its famous battle that pitted the French against the English and ended the Hundred Years' War on July 20, 1453. Bordeaux fell into the hands of the French in October of the same year, and then Aquitaine became French again. A sound and light show brings this important episode in French history back to life every summer.

It was only in 1953, for the 500th anniversary of the victory of Castillon, that the town took its current name. The town is rich in architectural and natural heritage. A few kilometers away, the old fortified town of Gensac, overlooking the valley of the Durèze and the Dordogne, classified as an old village, is not lacking in character. In August, its festival offers beautiful classical music concerts.

Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, a fortified town in the Foy region

It was the brother of Saint-Louis who ordered, in 1253, the construction of the bastide of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande. Today, it is one of the best preserved in France. Its church, built in the 13th century by the Templars, was destroyed, rebuilt and then enlarged. It has one of the tallest spires in Aquitaine. It is pleasant to walk its alleys and stroll on its covered square.

The Tourist Office houses a museum of local archaeology. The town has also dedicated a museum of inland waterway transport, evoking the wine trade transported on gabarres and couraux to Libourne on the Dordogne River, "the River of Hope". 12 km away, the Moustelat water mill, built in 1724, has been completely restored.

Libourne, at the confluence of the Isle and the Dordogne

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

The large stone bridge built in the 19th century with its 9 arches is 220 m long. It replaced the ferry which was the only way to cross the Dordogne.

The city has renovated its port area to accommodate cruise ships. 8 kilometers away, in the town of Vayres, a strange natural phenomenon occurs twice a year, at the time of high tides: the tidal bore. This large wave going up the Dordogne is a delight for surfers and also attracts many curious people.

The Château de Vayres, with its medieval, Renaissance and 17th century architecture, is listed as a Historic Monument. Its gardens and monumental staircase open onto the Dordogne. Its park has been awarded the Remarkable Gardens label. The château belonged to Henri IV. Today, it is a private inhabited property that can be visited.

About fifteen kilometers away, the abbey church of Guîtres, built in the 11th century, was dismantled during the Revolution. All that remains is the Saintonge-style church, restored in the 20th century, housing a majestic organ. Concerts are offered there from July to September.