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CULTURALLY RICH

CATERING TO A LOVE OF HISTORY, GASTRONOMY AND CULTURE

CULTURALLY RICH

CATERING TO A LOVE OF HISTORY, GASTRONOMY AND CULTURE

Culturally Rich

Aquitaine cannot be missed...


There are 941 buildings in Gironde that are protected as Historical Monuments,
 239 of which are listed... 235 sites also bear the county label “Gironde à fleur de pierre”,
designed to promote buildings of major architectural interest.

Every era and every architectural style is represented in Gironde : Gallo-Roman remains, Romanesque churches, medieval fortresses or châteaux and 19th-century seaside resorts.

Land of Romanesque art, Gironde boasts a major 11th and 12th-century religious heritage. You only need to take one of the Ways of Saint James of Compostela to be convinced of the fact!

Gironde also preserves a precious monumental heritage dating back to the Middle Ages and whose edifices may still be visited today, such as Roquetaillade castle in Mazères, in South Gironde, a 12th and 14th-century fortress that had the honour of being restored by the famous architect Viollet-le-Duc.


Bordeaux

The historic city of Bordeaux, now a UNESCO world heritage site, offers a diverse range of Art Galleries, Museums, Haut Couture and Entertainment.

A thorough makeover has brought out the character of its striking historic 18th century buildings, added 21st century touches (including gleaming tram system), all combining to make Bordeaux a modern European gem. 

Strolling around the cafés, bistros & Haute Couture boutiques of the Quartier St Pierre is a delight. A leisurely walk is recommended along the Garonne canal which has been given a fantastic facelift.


St Emilion - centre of History and French wine heritage

“Saint-Émilion's history goes back to prehistoric times and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with fascinating Romanesque churches and ruins stretching all along steep and narrow streets.
The Romans planted vineyards in what was to become Saint-Émilion as early as the 2nd century. In the 4th century, the Latin poet Ausonius lauded the fruit of the bountiful vine.
The town was named after the monk Émilion, a travelling confessor, who settled in a hermitage carved into the rock there in the 8th century. It was the monks who followed him that started up the commercial wine production in the area.” – Wikipedia.com


Citadel de Blaye

Perched atop the estuary of the Gironde, Citadel de Blaye well deserves its UNESCO heritage title. It can be viewed on foot as well as from a private boat sailing the river between vineyards.