EBetween its museums, monuments, villages, fortified towns and castles, the Gironde is a territory rich in cultural and heritage sites.
But what to do and where to go when visiting Gironde?
Find our top 10 cultural visits not to be missed!
1 - Visit the city of Bordeaux
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visiting the city of Bordeaux is a must in Gironde.
Your camera in hand, it's time to discover its various treasures and its most beautiful panoramas along the banks of the Garonne.
Then head for the heart of the city to stroll through its narrow streets, admire the architecture of the Grand Théâtre and dip your feet in the Water Mirror on Place de la Bourse...
Notice to shopping lovers, in Bordeaux is the longest commercial street in Europe: rue Sainte-Catherine!
For more information, Bordeaux Tourist Office
2 – Discover the secrets of Queen Margot at the Château de Cazeneuve
And if you go for a cultural and nature visit to Cazeneuve Royal Castle ?
We take you to Préchac in the middle of the greenery in South Gironde to discover the former residence of King Henri VI and Queen Margot. In addition to the castle, the bamboo grove and the Natura 2000 listed park, descend to the famous Grotte de la Reine Margot.
You will then see that the Château de Cazeneuve hides many secrets…
3 – Stroll through the city of Saint-Emilion
Vines within sight! If there is one thing not to be missed during your visit to Gironde, it is the village of Saint-Emilion.
This medieval city is full of small cobbled streets with a rich historical past. Here, you can also visit the largest monolithic church in Europe dug into the ground, the Collegiate Church and its cloister. On your way, take the time to stop at each viewpoint to capture snapshots of the village and surrounding vineyards!
Our favorite panorama: the top of the Château du Roy Tower for a 360° view.
As a couple, we love going there at sunset to enjoy a glass of wine….
For more information, Saint-Emilion Tourist Office
4 – Climb to the top of the Cordouan Lighthouse
There are many lighthouses in Gironde, but the Cordouan lighthouse at the mouth of the Gironde estuary remains one of the best known.
For this visit, we leave the car aside and let ourselves be guided aboard a boat from the towns of Verdon-sur-Mer, Meschers-sur-Gironde or Royan. Depending on the weather and the tides, the Cordouan lighthouse can be surrounded by the sea... At low tide, be prepared to get (a little) in the water because it is often on foot that you go there come. And the kids love it!
5 – Discover the ruins of the Abbaye de la Sauve Majeure
We also like to tell you about these little secret corners that make up all the richness of the Gironde. So head toAbbey of Sauve Majeure, a masterpiece of Romanesque art in the heart of the Silva Major forest. In addition to the beauty of the place, there reigns here a real calm conducive to the contemplation of the ruins and the many stone sculptures.
Don't forget to climb the 157 steps to the bell tower for an incredible view of the whole of Entre-deux-Mers.
It is even possible to download the application "The Story Factory" to visit the Abbaye de la Sauve Majeure for children in a fun way!
6 – Attend the sound and light show of Castillon-la-Bataille
To understand the historical past of the Gironde, go to Castillon-la-Bataille, to attend the sound and light show which returns every year in July and August. In addition to being a giant historical reconstruction of the last battle of the Hundred Years War, no less than 600 volunteers including 400 actors and 50 horses take part in this show!
Take advantage of your visit to meet the farm animals and attend dance and theater demonstrations!
7 – Explore the underground passages of the Citadel of Blaye
Head for the Citadel of Blaye and Verrou Vauban which overlooks the Gironde estuary to be amazed! It is spread over 30 hectares of fortifications and by visiting its underground passages, we understand better why the Citadel of Blaye was one of the most impressive military defense buildings in the department...
Find out about theOffice of Tourism to play the explorers in the underground!
8 – Visit the bastide town of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
Come and discover the bastide of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, one of the oldest bastides in Gironde. With its small stone and half-timbered houses, this village will lead you in the footsteps of Alphonse de Poitiers, the XNUMXth century French lord who built it.
But Sainte-Foy-la-Grande also has other advantages! With its charm of yesteryear and its market voted "favorite market of the French", we advise you to go there on a Saturday to stroll among the stalls and do some shopping for local specialties.
9 – Go back to medieval times at Château de Roquetaillade
The Gironde is also a territory with Clementine castles, erected by Pope Clement V. And among all these fortresses, don't miss a visit to the Château de Roquetaillade, restored by the famous French architect Viollet le Duc. From fortified castle to new castle, children will love understanding the evolution of this historic monument and strolling through the park.
Are you staying around? Take the opportunity to discover the other Clementine castles: Villandraut, Budos and Fargues.
For more information, South Gironde Tourist Office
10 – Deciphering the prehistoric drawings of the Pair-non-Pair Cave
Here is an activity that changes and brings together young and old alike! The Peer-no-peer cave is an opportunity to discover the life of prehistoric men and to relive this forgotten era. It's one of the oldest caves in the world and you'll find prehistoric carvings and even flint tools that date back over 30 years! One then imagines the life and the effervescence that there could be in these caves. A must visit in Gironde.