There is a certain type of castle, or château, that is abundant around SE Gironde…the châteaux Clémentin or Clementine Castle. Pope Clement V (Bertrand Le Got 1264-1314) was very generous and built many castles for his family in the 13th century. Some of these locations are closed to the public and be sure to check websites for hours.
Beautiful chateaux are also prominent in the names of wine producers in Bordeaux, which became common place in the mid-1900’s. Read more about that here https://www.idealwine.info/why-is-it-chateau-in-bordeaux-and-domaine-in-burgundy/
Dream of your own chateau? Some for sale! I’ve included my French chateaux Zillow website for you to enjoy at the end.
Budos
Surrounded by Sauternes grape vines you’ll find a ruin of a chateau, the Chateau Budos sits not far from Chateau Fargues. It was built by Clement V for his nephew Raymond Guilhem de Budos who then redesigned the château in the early 14th century. Through out the 100 years war it would change hands until finally taken by the state after the French Revolution. By this time, unfortunately, the archives had already been destroyed and the state of the structure already poor and little has been done to restore the chateau to date.
Fargues
Owned by the Lur Saluces family, of the famed Chateau Yquem, this chateau is private and only accessible with event reservations and during certain occasions. Chateau Fargues has been recently updated with a new kitchen and dining room, many other rooms are being updated to accommodate guests in addition. The family owns farms in the Landes and uses their own seasonal ingredients like asparagus when possible on the menus, and of course include their own properties wine. The history of this incredible chateaux is documented in a book which was released two years ago and is available for purchase with their wines in their onsite shop, in addition to local stores. Chateau Fargues, 8 Route des Ecoles, 33210 Fargues / https://www.chateaudefargues.com
Castets et Castillon
Another privately owned and maintained Clementine Chateau is on the Garonne River in Castets et Castillon, Château Hamel. You are welcome to visit, with advance reservations although owners speak French so bring someone to translate if needed. You will be in awe of what the current occupants have been able to preserve and add to the chateau. It’s like walking back into time. They do host events in a separate space. https://www.gironde-tourisme.com/patrimoine-culturel/chateau-du-hamel/
Mazeres
The first chateau I was acquainted with in the area is in Mazeres is Chateau-Fort Roquitaillade. It is still privately owned, although much more accessible to the public than the others. The family still lives in the property and also have created a separate farm museum to visit. They are a wine producing property, and surrounded by others just on the outskirts of the Sauternes wine making appellation. They’ve updated one of the big halls to host events. Roquetaillade, 33210 Mazères / https://www.roquetaillade.eu / roquetaillade@hotmail.com
Villandraut
If you live in SE Gironde, chances are you have been to the Chateau of Villandraut as it hosts so many incredible events for children! Egg hunt for Easter, but there are also Christmas, Halloween and summer events thanks to the Adichats group who additionally maintain and organize visits of this chateau. Rue Lafon Isoré, 33730 Villandraut / https://www.chateaudevillandraut.fr
Prechac
Chateau de la Trave is one that is in ruins since the war of religions in the 15th century, but still very enchanting, lovely for a stroll along the Ciron River. Château de la Trave, 33430 Prechac / http://www.prechac.fr/tourisme-et-loisirs/les-monuments/le-chateau-de-la-trave/
Camarsac
You’ll also want to visit the winemaking property, Chateau Camarsac. This is a fully functional and restored property in the Entre Deux Mers which was built for a nephew of Clement V. 30 Route de Bergerac, 33750 Camarsac / https://camarsac.com
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