The Bordeaux Wine Routes

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  • The Bordeaux Wine Route in Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Fronsac

    The Bordeaux Wine Route in Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Fronsac

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    Rich in wines whose worldwide reputation is well established, the "Bordeaux Wine Route in Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Fronsac" takes up the right bank of the Dordogne, between Bordeaux and Bergerac, and the northern part of l'Entre-Deux-Mers.   The road takes its name from the organic group combining three AOC of the same name, organized around the city port of Libourne, and form today the Greater Libourne Region.   The jewel of the territory is the magnificient medieval town of Saint-Émilion, classified as World Heritage by UNESCO for its "Cultural Landscape". It's one of the most famous example of the Bordeaux vineyard.   The "Bordeaux Wine Route in Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Fronsac" stands out thanks to its large homogeneity of landscapes, its geology (subsoil with mainly limestone), its concentration of vineyards, and the importance of family farms (small and medium properties), which contrast with the main domains of "Bordeaux Wine Route in the Médoc."     THE JURISDICTION OF SAINT-EMILION   In the heart of Grand Libournais, in a region constituted of soft wine hills and green copses, this magnificient medieval city settled on a limestone hill benefits from its location at the crossroads of Bordeaux, Saintonge and Perigord.   The city has an important architectural and religious heritage (hermitage, monolith church, collegiate church, palace of archbishops, opulent-looking buildings and vestiges of fortifications) which offers a variety of little streets and shady squares, but also takes advantage of the reputation of his wine-making heritage (vineyards of Saint Émilion) whose wines are among the most wanted in the world.     The medieval city and its "jurisdiction" is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1999 as a "Cultural Landscape". This constitutes "the remarkable example of an historic vineyard landscape that has survived undamaged" and "illustrates in an outstanding way the intensive culture of vine at wine into a region delimited with precision".        LIBOURNE, RIGHT BANK OF BORDEAUX   This old fortified port founded in the thirteenth century by Roger de Leyburn, in the centre of a rich wine-producing region and at the confluence of the Dordogne and Isle, was designed to be the natural outlet of wines and wood from the Dordogne valley - wines of Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Bergerac, etc. - Exported to England.   For a long time the second northern city of Guyenne after Bordeaux, Libourne maintains with it ambivalent relationships : "goddaughter" of the Aquitaine capital during the short reign of the Black Prince, it is also her rival in trade or tax law.     The kings of England gave to the city of Libourne, just as they had done for Bordeaux, a "custom" exempting from customs duties the export of these wines.   As a point of interest, it is said that the paving of the harbour is in english stone carried on boats that came for the wine. Indeed, they can not came from England empty, they must to ballast the ships so they can sail the Atlantic.   THE FOYEN AREA AT THE GATES OF PERIGORD   Sainte-Foy-La-Grande is the oldest bastides of Gironde and located in the heart of the Foyen Area. It was founded in 1255 on the banks of the Dordogne river by Alphonse de Poitiers, Count of Toulouse in paréage with Abbaye Sainte- Conques.   Also named "Porte du Périgord", the Foyen Area is at the heart of the AOC vineyard of Sainte-Foy-Bordeaux. Sainte-Foy-La-Grande is one of the smallest villages in France: it goes over 51 hectares almost entirely urbanized ; and is located at the eastern end of the Gironde, one hour from Bordeaux, at the confluence of the departments of the Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne.     From the Middle Ages, Sainte-Foy-La-Grande benefits from prosperity thanks to the wine trade, whose scene is the harbour well away from the city, as well as activities linked to the main local production : coopers and shipwrights of the navy who installed their workshops along the river.   Under English superiority until 1450, the wines of the sector were dispatched on barges to Libourne and Blaye to be embarked on the high sea ships going to the British Islands.   CASTILLON-LA-BATAILLE AND ITS ANGLO-WINE-PRODUCING HISTORY   The true wine-making rise of Castillon-la-Bataille begins in the Middle Ages, especially with the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henri Plantagenêt. The town becomes a real harbour stage and an important fortification is built on the banks of the Dordogne, which allowed the export of its wines to England as well as to Holland.   According to Bernard Ginestet : "In the 13th century, these wines were highly valued and were loaded by whole freights to England. They were also distributed locally at retail and constituted the wealth consumption of the Bordeaux aristocracy”.   Due to royal marriages, Aquitaine became a rich English province, attracting the covetousness of the French Kings, which contributed to the beginning of a long conflict : the Hundred Years’ War.   In 1453, the last battle of this war on the hills of Castillon, put an end to the English domination after 300 years of reign. It marks the death of the famous General Talbot and the reconquest of Aquitaine by Charles VII.   In this way, Castillon remains the symbol of the end of the English presence in Aquitaine.     Before the creation of Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in 1935, the wines produced in this region of Libournais were for a long time commercialised under the name "Près Saint Émilionnais". Today, the appellation of this region is "Castillon - Côtes de Bordeaux".   THE HILLSIDES OF FRONSADAIS   At a crossroads of fluvial and land routes, the Fronsadais, and especially the Tertre de Fronsac, has always occupied a strategic position : the Gallics had an important market there, the Romans have built an altar there, and in the year 770 , Charlemagne built a powerful fortress there.   Later, during the three centuries of British occupation, the wines of Fronsac were largely exported to England. In 1663, the Duke of Richelieu decided to acquire the lands of the Duchy of Fronsac, and there built an "extravagance", the scene of the courtship parties whose the echo spread to the court of Louis XIV. Since then, the notoriety of the wines of Fronsac will not cease to spread.     In the 18th century, the qualitative revolution of the Libournais wines takes place here and the rise of the world maritime trade will contribute greatly to establishing the vineyard of Fronsac among the most nobles of Bordeaux vineyard.   In the 18th century, the wines of Fronsac and Canon Fronsac get the highest reputation among the Libournais wines, Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, honoring themselves with the highest prices. Likewise, in 1750, they are three public figures of Fronsac and Canon Fronsac, Mr. Lafon, Mr. Boyer and Mr. Mathieu, who are the first to initiate a wine-making revolution, transforming the vineyard before made up of small “farms buildings” into small “vintages” ( ancestor of the Chateaux of today ").   VAYRES, AN OTHER EYE ON THE DORDOGNE   Vayres is an old city inhabited since the antiquity, located on the Roman road connecting Bordeaux to Périgueux. It was at the same time harbour, camp and market. Its activity was developed thanks to its geographical situation : a rocky peak that overhangs the confluence of the Dordogne and Gestas, on which was built the castle of Vayres.   From the middle of the 19th century, the red and white wines of the Graves-de-Vayres appellation were renowned, as Cocks and Féret mentioned in their book "Bordeaux and its wines" : " Without claiming to compete with the Médoc or Saint-Émilion, the red wines of Graves-de-Vayres are nevertheless full of delicacy. The first vintages are highly sought after for their body and their finesse and can be ranked among the best wines of Libournais, immediately after the second vintages of Pomerol. "     In Saint-Pardon, the harbour of Vayres, the tidal bore, a phenomenon of sudden elevation of the water of a river, here the Dordogne, "passes" twice a day, when the tide passes from descending to rising , during the full and new moons. It is like a long wave up the river. By large tidal bore, surfing can be practiced for at least twenty minutes continuously.   BRANNAIS, THE GATEWAY OF ENTRE-DEUX-MERS   The territory of the Brannais extends from the banks of the Dordogne to the plateaux of Entre-deux-Mers, in the south of Saint-Émilion, between the bastides of Libourne and Sainte-Foy-La-Grande.   The diversity of its landscapes interspersed with hills, small valleys, natural woods and large vineyards are the wealth of this region.   The viticulture is here, as in the whole Great Libourne, very old. The French Revolution, by restoring freedom of culture, by dividing the goods of the Church and exiled nobles, by assembling land ownership with the right to exploit, has also deeply disrupted the viti-viniculture landscape. The Brannais mainly cultivates the Bordeaux & Bordeaux Supérieur appellations, as well as the AOC Entre-Deux-Mers.   The Brannais is also rich of past’s testimonies. From Prehistory to the XIXth century, discover the vestiges of Gallo-Roman villas ; the abundant Romanesque churches that survived to the Hundred Years War, saved thanks to restorations made over the centuries ; dovecotes, fortified mills, proofs of the diversity of heritage ; as well as the numerous castles dating from the 14th to the 18th centuries and English Guyenne, real testimonies of the strategic importance of the region during the differents wars.  
  • The Remarquable Architecture Route

    The Remarquable Architecture Route

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      To discover the vineyards of the Grand Saint-Émilionnais in a new way, take the time to discover the amazing architecture of châteaux or hotels in our local area !    To facilitate your travels in the Greater Saint-Emilion, we propose an interactive map geolocalising all the actors of tourism labeled Vignobles & Découvertes.     Click on the theme that interests you to view our partners and find their location.    Discover our interactive map >      WINE ESTATES ACCOMMODATIONS Château Beauregard Château de Ferrand Château de Sales Château Faugères Château Jean Faure Château La Croizille Château de la Dauphine Château La Dominique Château La Rose Perrière Château Saint-Georges Château Soutard Hôtel Restaurant Grand Barrail
  • The Ecological Route

    The Ecological Route

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    Many local tourism actors have adopted an ecological approach in recent years, using organic farming or other methods... Take the time to discover them!    To facilitate your travels in the Greater Saint-Emilion, we propose an interactive map geolocalising all the actors of tourism labeled Vignobles & Découvertes.     Click on the theme that interests you to view our partners and find their location.    Discover our interactive map >    WINE ESTATES ACCOMMODATIONS Château Bernateau Château Corbin Château Coutet Château Croque-Michotte Château Grand Corbin-Despagne Château Gueyrosse Château Haute-Nauve Château Mangot Château Moulin de Lagnet Château Rol Valentin Château Trapaud Château Vieux Mougnac Camping du Vieux Château*** Château Franc Pourret Les Abris de Saint-Sulpice Saint-Émilion***      
  • The Family Property Route

    The Family Property Route

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      Take time to meet these local actors who make our territory and who creates our history on a daily basis when you come to Grand Saint-Emilion. You will listen to some amazing stories in those Châteaux !     To facilitate your travels in the Greater Saint-Emilion, we propose an interactive map geolocalising all the actors of tourism labeled Vignobles & Découvertes.     Click on the theme that interests you to view our partners and find their location.    Discover our interactive map >   WINE ESTATES ACCOMMODATIONS Château Beaurang Château Bellevue Château Bozelle Château Champion Château Cantenac Château Du Tailhas Château Grangey Château Haut Goujon Château Haut Veyrac Château Haute-Nauve Château La Rose Monturon Château Petit Bouquey Château Rozier Château Queyron Pindefleurs Château Saint Christophe   Auberge de la Commanderie**  
  • The Foody Route

    The Foody Route

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      Ever thought of discovering the Greater Saint-Émilion with a gourmet approach? Our châteaux, restaurants, B&Bs and hotels as well as shops and events are waiting for you!     To facilitate your travels in the Greater Saint-Emilion, we propose an interactive map geolocalising all the actors of tourism labeled Vignobles & Découvertes.     Click on the theme that interests you to view our partners and find their location.    Discover our interactive map >   WINE ESTATES  ACCOMMODATIONS RESTAURANTS  Château de Candale Château Laniote Château Pas de l'Ane   Château La Mothe du Barry Clos de la Barbanne La Maisonnée Girondine Les Secrets de Tifayne *** Château Fleur de Roques La Terrasse Rouge Logis de la Cadène * Le Bis By Baud & Millet Le Médiéval   ACTIVITIES & EVENTS  SHOPS Déjeuners Créateurs d'Accords Tasting Lounge Portes Ouvertes dans les Châteaux Maison du vin de Castillon  
  • The unsual route

    The unsual route

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    Enjoy your time in our local area and discover it in an unsual and unique way! Hot air balloons, tree houses, original visits: our partners will do everything to astonish you.   To facilitate your travels in the Greater Saint-Emilion, we propose an interactive map geolocalising all the actors of tourism labeled Vignobles & Découvertes.     Click on the theme that interests you to view our partners and find their location.    Discover our interactive map >   WINE ESTATES ACCOMMODATIONS  ACTIVITIES & EVENTS   Château Cormeil-Figeac Château de Courtebotte **** Le Bassin du Tertre Yelloh! Village Saint-Émilion **** Wine school Escape Wine Festival Philosophia La Ferme du Ciel Tasting for dummies The Winemaker Apprentices Les Rouleurs de Barriques de Lussac Saint-Émilion    
  • The underground route

    The underground route

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    The Greater Saint-Emilion is renowned for its underground world ... take the time to dive into the mysteries of the limestone of our area.  Châteaux and famous monuments await you!   To facilitate your travels in the Greater Saint-Emilion, we propose an interactive map geolocalising all the actors of tourism labeled Vignobles & Découvertes.     Click on the theme that interests you to view our partners and find their location.    Discover our interactive map >    WINE ESTATES ACCOMMODATIONS POINTS OF INTEREST  Château Guadet Château Lapelletrie Château de la Rivière Château Villemaurine Château de la Rivière Les Cordeliers       
  • The route of unmissable views

    The route of unmissable views

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      Vineyards, combes, small built heritage: the Greater Saint-Emilion offers incredible landscapes! Come and discover them from the unavoidable points of view that we have selected for you in vineyards, bed and breakfasts, hotels or restaurants!   To facilitate your travels in the Greater Saint-Emilion, we propose an interactive map geolocalising all the actors of tourism labeled Vignobles & Découvertes.     Click on the theme that interests you to view our partners and find their location.    Discover our interactive map    WINE ESTATES  ACCOMMODATIONS RESTAURANTS  Château Gaby Château Tournefeuille Château Tour Saint-Christophe Château De Sanse *** Hostellerie de Plaisance ***** Château Prieuré Marquet  Amelia Canta L'Atelier de Candale Les Marronniers Table de Plaisance **  
  • The route of amazing gardens and parks

    The route of amazing gardens and parks

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    Come and admire the remarkable parks and gardens of the Grand Saint-Emilionnais! Centuries-old trees, majestic parks, olive trees dating back to the first century: there is so much to discover in our area!    To facilitate your travels in the Greater Saint-Emilion, we propose an interactive map geolocalising all the actors of tourism labeled Vignobles & Découvertes.     Click on the theme that interests you to view our partners and find their location.    Discover our interactive map >   WINE ESTATES  ACCOMMODATIONS  POINTS OF INTEREST Château Fombrauge Château Haut-Chaigneau Château Haut-Sarpe Domaine du Lacarès *** Château De Vayres    
  • The route into the heart of the land

    The route into the heart of the land

    To know more about
      Discover the Saint-Emilion region by meeting the castles, restaurants, bed and breakfasts and hotels or shops of the territory!   To facilitate your travels in the Greater Saint-Emilion, we propose an interactive map geolocalising all the actors of tourism labeled Vignobles & Découvertes.     Click on the theme that interests you to view our partners and find their location.    Discover our interactive map >     WINE ESTATES  ACCOMMODATIONS Château Clarisse Château de Chambrun Château Grand Corbin Manuel Château Haut Fayan Château Haut Jamard Château La Grâce Fonrazade Château La Renommée Château La Rose Monturon Château Maillet Château Rol Valentin Château Rozier Château Yon Figeac Union de Producteurs de Saint-Émilion Camping Le Pressoir *** Château Des Faures Clos Mauvinon*** Hôtel Kyriad Libourne Saint-Émilion *** La Maisonnée Girondine Les Ambèles Manoir d'Astrée     RESTAURANTS COMMERCES Brasserie Le Pressoir     Maison du Vin de Saint-Émilion  
  • The historical route

    The historical route

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      The Greater Saint-Emilion is full of places that have marked the history of France or have hosted important characters. Discover these castles or the historical reenactments that come from it when you come!   To facilitate your travels in the Greater Saint-Emilion, we propose an interactive map geolocalising all the actors of tourism labeled Vignobles & Découvertes.     Click on the theme that interests you to view our partners and find their location.    Discover our interactive map >    WINE ESTATES ACCOMMODATIONS  Château de Ferrand Château de Roques Château Fombrauge Auberge de la Commanderie** Château Fleur De Roques*** Hôtel de France ***    EVENTS POINTS OF INTEREST  La Bataille de Castillon Les Grandes Heures de Saint-Emilion Office de Tourisme du Grand Saint-Emilionnais Tour Historique Michel de Montaigne  
  • The label « Vineyards and Discoveries »

    The label « Vineyards and Discoveries »

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    The label " Vineyards and Discoveries " (in French: "Vignoble et Découvertes") distinguishes destinations where tourism and wine are very present, offering touristics products such as visits of castles, accommodation, catering, heritage, tastings, leisure activities, and incoming agencies.   It aims to give more readability to tourists and to the destination, but also lean about national or local quality steps already existing.    With this national label, edited by Atout France for a national and international customer base, the tourists will have access to an additional product offer to discover the Bordeaux vineyards.   Among the associated professionals, you will find wine-making châteaux, charming accommodation in the vineyards, restaurants and wine bars, cultural and natural places, leisure activities and events taking place in the vineyard.   For more information, visit the website of Gironde Tourism.      
  • THE BORDEAUX WINE TRIP APPLICATION

    THE BORDEAUX WINE TRIP APPLICATION

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    Bordeaux Wine Trip is the digital portal of wine tourism in Bordeaux and the unmissable computer tool of the Information Area Wine Routes of the Cité du Vin. It allows to access in real time and remotely to all the information on the Bordeaux vineyards, and to book the wine tourism visits and tours in Bordeaux.   This place presents all the wine-making estates exercising a professional wine tourism activity, but also takes an inventory of accommodations, restaurants, leisure activities or events in the vineyard which are certified “Vineyards and Discoveries”. You can reach in a few click open estates on the very day (or the following weekend), booking your visit online but also create your own itinerary thanks to Wine Trip Planner choosing all the charged or free activities availables : accommodations, tasting workshops, events, sports activities, guided tours...   The reservations on the Bordeaux Wine Trip website are availables from your home, but also in the points of sale of Bordeaux Tourist Office and in the Information Area Wine Routes of the Cité du Vin. For more information, visit the Bordeaux Wine Trip website.