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.