Castle to Rent - Days Out
Bordeaux (20 Minutes away)
Surrounded by the green of the vineyards, near the ocean, the forest and the mountains, Bordeaux rises proudly on the banks of the Garonne. Text taken from Discover Bordeaux -http://www.bordeaux-tourisme.com/
Discover Bordeaux, a prestigious city of art and history in the heart of the largest fine wine producing region of the world. click here for more>>
Marvel at the historic town of Arcachon. The magnificent 19th century "Ville des Quatres Saisons" on the bay, with its sandy beaches, fishing villages and oyster ports. click here for more>>
The medieval citadel of Saint Emilion, a unique site in the heart of one of the world’s most beautiful vineyards. click here for more>>
The Port de la Lune unites the heart of the city around its crescent shape (its shape inspired the Bordeaux coat of arms). And while most of its commercial activity and installations have been transferred downstream to the estuary (the largest in Europe) to accommodate larger vessels, the harbour now attracts a growing number of cruise liners and pleasure craft.
Place de la Bourse - Bordeaux, France
Arcachon & The Atlantic
Less than an hour away lies the Atlantic Oceanand its endless beaches of white sand (dominated by the Pyla Dune, the highest in Europe, which marks the entrance to the Bassin d'Arcachon). These give way to the immensity of the Landes forest, the largest forest in Europe and a haven of peace that offers endless opportunities for walkers and hikers.
In turn, the forest gives way to the vineyards and their 4,000 castlex - with grape vines omnipresent. Surrounded by the Médoc and the Côtes de Bourg et de Blaye to the north, Saint-Emilion, Pomerol and Entre-Deux-Mers to the east and, finally, by Graves and Sauternes to the south, Bordeaux even has flourishing vineyards that encroach on the Metropolitan area itself, where there are still a few prestigious wine-producing castlex.
Saint Emilion
Home to some of the finest Red wine in the World, it Is located 20km from castle Lagorce. This beautiful mediaval town stands proudly at the top of a hill overlooking the Dordogne valley, and was built in the shape of an amphitheatre. Saint Emilion is an incredible open air museum with only footpaths in the vilage centre. The most surprising remains with no doubt are the undergournd monuments. Here you will find a monolithic church dug out of solid limestone as well as underground galleries covering more than 7O hectares. A fascinating Romanesque church and ruins streching all along the steep and narrow streets. The soft ochre colour stones somehow symbolise the town's spirit.
Any holiday to the Dordogne has to be accompanied with a visit to Saint Emilion.
Les Cordeliers, Monastery and Cloisters
The chapel and cloisters of this monastery, built for the Franciscan Cordeliers, a lesser order, dates from the end of the fourteenth century. It is well worth a visit and the atmosphere invites you to take your time. The ivy and plants which cover the entire former monastery are also quite attractive.
The Collegiate Church, Organ and Cloisters
A collegiate church was established in the eleventh century in order to restore discipline to the Saint-emilion religious community. A convent with cloisters was therefore built, as well as a Romanesque church which later became the Collegiate Church. Built in the twelfth century, the nave and the porch, topped by the remains of a church tower, have retained their Romanesque style. The chancel dates back to the fourteenth century and houses a listed organ. This unique instrument was built in 1892 by Gabriel Cavailleè-Coll, son of the famous nineteenth century organ builder, Aristide Cavaillè-Coll. The Cloisters were rebuilt in the fourteenth century on the ruins of Roman cloisters, and is a perfect place for meditation. Magnificent paintings have been restored inside the church and the cloisters.
It is a massive construction and the only remains of what is believed to have been the king's castle. This fortress was the symbol of royal power within the town walls.
Entrance: 1 euro per person.
Pottery Museum
This museum offers an excellent collection of pottery from the South-West dating from the thirteenth century. It is located in a former underground quarry. Entrance: adults 4 euros, children (13-18 years old) 2 euros, and groups (more than 10 people) 2 euros per person.
Tel.: 05.57.24.60.93 - Fax: 05.57.55.51.61
Tickets available at the museum or the Tourist Office.
Village of Saint Emilion
The Church Tower
Located directly above the monolithic church, the church tower was built between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries. It towers 133 meters over Place du Marché, which makes it the second tallest in the Gironde department after Saint-Michel in Bordeaux. Visits every day, all year round.
Entrance: 1 euro per person.
Sport and leisure - in Saint Emilion
Bike hire
It is possible to hire touring bikes or montain bikes from the Tourist Office all year round.
Information and hire from the Tourist Office.
Price : 60 FF for a half-day. 90 FF for a full day. 70 FF per day, for more than two consecutive days.
Tel. : 05.57.55.28.28
Tennis
Court hire : 50 FF/hour. Lighting : 10 FF/hour.
Information at the Tourist Office.
Hot air ballooning
Hot-air balloon flights including maiden flights.
Information from The Tourist Information Office.
Discotheque
le bdl - discotheque - au Bois De L'or.
Theme evenings every week-end.
All year round from 22:00 until 5:00 in the morning.
RD 670 - 33330 Saint-Emilion Tel. : 05.57.51.35.43 - Fax : 05.57.51.92.78
Creon (5 min drive)
Creon Tourist Office -
http://www.tourisme.fr/office-de-tourisme/creon.htm
Nérac (1 Hours drive)
The area around the castle, the port, the Petit Nérac, Garenne Park, and the King's Baths make up a first-rate historic site and resort.
The area around Henry IV's castle
Begun in the 14th century, it was completed in the 16th. Only the north wing survives. Saint-Nicholas Church looks over Place du Prieuré. The Town-Hall is housed in a 17th-century mansion. On the Maison de Romas a plaque reminds the visitor of the illustrious Lot-et-Garonnais Jacques de Romas, whose house it was.
The Port
Facing the quay, the Galerie des Tanneries houses pictoral expositions. Downstream from the port previously called "la Cale", the flowered guinguettes (small restaurants with music and dancing) allow you to study the locks (reconstructed in 1835) and the Old Bridge leisurely. Its pointed arches might make you think it dates from the Middle Ages, even though it was rebuilt in the 16th century.