CASTLES GIRONDE

Gîte du Château Lacroix de Civrac is a Second Empire-style château and luxury vacation rental located in Civrac-de-Blaye, Gironde, approximately 40 kilometers from Bordeaux. The property sits on historic vineyard land at the boundary of the Archbishop of Bordeaux's former holdings, indicated by a cross that gave the estate its name. The contemporary villa includes 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, a seasonal outdoor pool, a private sauna, and additional leisure facilities such as ping-pong and foosball. Combining 19th-century architectural charm with modern amenities, it provides an intimate retreat in the heart of Bordeaux wine country.

Château d'Eyran is a historic wine estate located in Saint-Médard-d'Eyrans in Gironde, with origins tracing back to 1317. The property features a distinctive round tower from a 16th-century fortified structure, complemented by a main residence from the late 17th century flanked by two pavilions. Owned by the de Sèze family since 1796, this approximately twenty-hectare vineyard combines contemporary wine production with sustainable environmental practices, producing respected red and white wines available for tours and tastings.

Château Prieuré Marquet is an elegant 15th-century chartreuse set on a 40-hectare enclosed park near Saint-Émilion and Bordeaux in Gironde. Originally a former priory with connections to French court nobility, it was acquired by the Despujol family in 1969 and now features six charming guest rooms, a heated swimming pool, and a jacuzzi. The estate produces its own wine and was recognized as the 2018 Best of Wine Tourism Winner. Surrounded by vineyards and ancient trees lining the driveway, the property embodies the leisurely elegance of the Bordeaux wine region.

Château de La Rivière dominates the Dordogne valley from atop a limestone plateau at the confluence of the Isle and Dordogne rivers. This 16th-century vineyard estate, completed in 1572 for Gaston de L'Isle, extends over 100 hectares, with 65 hectares dedicated to producing AOC Fronsac wines. The property features 19th-century neo-medieval architecture with towers and machicolations, restored by noted architect Viollet-le-Duc. Beneath the château lie impressive underground cellars spanning 8 hectares, holding approximately 700,000 bottles in natural conditions. The château welcomes visitors as both a wine estate and accommodation venue with five guest rooms.

Château La Tour Carnet is a genuine 12th-century medieval castle with a moat in Saint-Laurent-Médoc, recognized as a Fourth Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux classification. Named for a courageous equerry who distinguished himself alongside Lord Jean de Foy and earned the estate through valor, the château also hosted the renowned Renaissance writer Michel de Montaigne during the 16th century. The 73-hectare vineyard estate, owned by Bernard Magrez since 1999, produces acclaimed red and white Bordeaux blends. The property's exceptional terroir centers on the unique "Butte de la Tour Carnet," the Médoc's only clay-limestone mound, which imparts distinctive geological and visual character to this prestigious winery and historic landmark.

Château Tayac is a family-run Bordeaux estate in the Côtes de Bourg region, situated near Bourg-sur-Gironde with sweeping views over the Gironde Estuary. The property's history traces back to the 14th century when the Black Prince, eldest son of Edward III of England, left his mark by constructing a watchtower as part of the original castle fortifications. Today's 30-hectare vineyard is managed by two brothers and features clay-limestone and gravel soils that impart structure and finesse to its Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines. Stone walls, vaulted cellars, and centuries-old beams reflect centuries of craftsmanship where history and winemaking tradition remain intertwined.

Château du Grand Mouëys is a Bordeaux wine estate offering comprehensive hospitality experiences combining vineyard production with accommodation and visitor amenities. The property produces both red and white wines, with a focus on traditional and contemporary winemaking techniques documented through its detailed vineyard composition and production facilities. The château provides wine tastings, guided vineyard tours, group retreat packages, and comfortable overnight accommodations within its historic setting. Operating with international reach as evidenced by multilingual website support in French, English, and Chinese, the estate welcomes visitors seeking immersive wine country experiences alongside cultural engagement with Bordeaux's viticultural heritage.

Château de Benauge is a medieval fortress located in the Entre-deux-mers region between Cadillac and Targon, notable for its strategic elevated position overlooking the surrounding landscape. Dating to the 11th century, the castle retains its original keep and defensive earthwork (vallum), which still bear witness to its role as a regional stronghold. The structure demonstrates exceptional medieval engineering and defensive architecture. Privately owned with limited public access, the château welcomes organized groups by appointment and opens to visitors during France's Heritage Days each September, offering an opportunity to explore medieval fortification techniques and learn about local history.

Château La Ronde is a historic wine estate located in the Gironde region near Bordeaux. The property represents the classic Bordeaux wine-producing château model, situated in a prime viticultural area. The estate offers visitors exposure to the traditional wine culture of the region, with opportunities to experience winemaking traditions and sample local wines. The château embodies the rural charm and agricultural heritage of the Médoc and greater Bordeaux wine country, providing an authentic glimpse into the historic estates that define the region's world-renowned wine reputation.

Château Rosemont is a 19th-century former family wine estate located in Labarde, Médoc, approximately 20 kilometers from Bordeaux. Comprehensively restored in 2022, the 350-square-meter residence accommodates up to 11 guests across five spacious bedrooms with private bathrooms, two salons, dining room, and kitchen. The 3-hectare wooded grounds feature centenarian trees and offer extensive recreational amenities including a 12-by-6-meter mosaic swimming pool, tennis court, ping-pong table, and stables for up to three horses. The property serves as an ideal venue for family gatherings, corporate retreats, and events, positioned near Bordeaux attractions including wineries, golf courses, and equestrian centers.

Château de Monbadon represents one of the last surviving examples of medieval military architecture in Gironde. Fortified in 1330 under authorization by Edward III to protect English Guyenne, the fortress has remained under the same family ownership since 1602. The 25-hectare vineyard, predominantly on a clay-limestone plateau 109 meters above sea level, produces Côtes de Bordeaux wines from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. Located approximately forty kilometers from Bordeaux in the commune of Monbadon-Puisseguin, the estate combines centuries of continuous stewardship with contemporary wine production.

Château de Budos is a 14th-century fortress built by Raymond Guilhem de Budos, nephew of Pope Clement V, following royal authorization from Edward II in 1308 to fortify this strategic Guyenne post. The rectangular castle features four corner towers—three circular and one octagonal pigeonhole—plus a gatehouse, surrounded by walls and ditches. The interior courtyard once housed a chapel, prison, and provisions storage. Repurposed for artillery during the Wars of Religion and dismantled during the Revolution, the site has been protected as a monument historique since 1988, now safeguarded and promoted by the Adichats association.

Castle Villandraut is a ruined medieval fortress constructed between 1305 and 1312 by Bertrand de Goth after his election as Pope Clement V. Built to serve as his residence during stays in Aquitaine, this sumptuous castle reflects his deep affection for his birthplace of Villandraut. The fortress features six monumental round towers, a wide moat, enclosure walls, and a gatehouse; the south tower was destroyed in 1592 during the French Wars of Religion when Henry IV's forces fired over 1,260 cannons to dislodge Catholic League defenders. Classified as a monument historique since 1886, substantial ruins including towers and walkways remain preserved.

Château Fombrauge is a prestigious Grand Cru Classé winery located in Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes, near the UNESCO-listed village of Saint-Émilion in Gironde. Dating to the 16th century, with its name derived from the Latin "Fons brogiera" meaning "source surrounded by heather," the estate encompasses 58.60 hectares of vineyard. The château functions both as a working wine producer and an event venue, hosting receptions and seminars for groups of 5 to 180 people. Its position five minutes from Saint-Émilion, combined with historic architecture and wine heritage, makes it a notable destination blending viticulture tradition with modern hospitality.

Château La Tour de By is a wine estate in the Médoc region of Bordeaux operated by Vignobles Marc Pagès, known for its historic tower that visitors can climb as part of the wine tourism experience. Approximately 15,000 wine enthusiasts visit annually to explore the property and ascend the tower stairs. The estate features a 19th-century manor house called La Valière situated within landscaped grounds among the vineyards, and maintains High Environmental Value (HVE3) certification. The vineyard produces multiple wine lines including flagship wines, heritage cuvées, single-varietal expressions, and rosé and white options, available through an e-commerce shop offering complimentary shipping on case orders.

Château de Fargues is a 14th-century medieval fortress in Gironde, built by Raymond-Guilhem, nephew of Pope Clement V. The castle has been continuously owned by the Lur Saluces family since 1472, an extraordinary example of hereditary continuity spanning nearly six centuries. Today, the estate functions primarily as a prestigious Sauternes wine producer, combining medieval architecture with wine cultivation across 18 hectares of organically farmed vineyards planted with Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The château was designated a historic monument in 2007. The site uniquely preserves medieval remains alongside active viticulture, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience a working historic castle producing world-renowned sweet wines in the heart of Bordeaux's wine country.

Château d'Auros is a 12th to 18th-century medieval castle situated in Gironde approximately 50 kilometers south of Bordeaux. The fortress features a distinctive 12th-century donjon in spur formation accompanied by multiple towers and turrets, complemented by a 16th-century main building surrounding an enclosed courtyard. The castle underwent complete reconstruction around 1300 while retaining significant medieval elements including the original donjon and round towers. Set within 30 hectares of enclosed parkland featuring vineyards and rose gardens, the château now functions as an event venue hosting weddings, seminars, and corporate gatherings with two reception halls accommodating 30 to 250 guests. Its blend of authentic medieval architecture and well-appointed modern facilities makes it a distinctive venue combining heritage preservation with contemporary hospitality.

Château du Bouilh, located in Saint-André-de-Cubzac in Gironde, is a neoclassical castle completed in 1786 by architect Victor Louis and originally designed to host King Louis XVI. Commissioned by Jean-Frédéric de la Tour du Pin-Gouvernet, the castle's construction was suspended during the French Revolution and permanently halted in 1794, resulting in an asymmetrical structure with only two-thirds of the original design completed. This extraordinary time capsule preserves French aristocratic life and is designated a historical monument, offering visitors insight into a pivotal period in French history.