Gironde has so many beautiful places to visit, some of my favorite (especially in the warm summer months) are the Langon market (Friday), Verdelais, and Saint-Croix-du-Mont. What I love about this part of Gironde is how ‘authentic’ it is, life trucks along year-round, with and without tourism.
Ira of Lost in Bordeaux came with me a few weeks ago and used her talents created a really fun video! I wanted to share the addresses and a few more if you should end up that way! A day trip from Bordeaux in Southeast Gironde / Discovering the Southwest of France – YouTube
GETTING THERE :
Youll need a car, although you can take a train to Langon and then rent a car from near the train station. If you should want a hired driver, feel free to reach out to me. There are some individuals with very reasonable rates for 3-6 people.
WHEN TO GO :
We went in the winter, and if it’s a sunny day it will still be nice, but I’d recommend waiting until Spring when the air is warmer, especially since there aren’t restaurants to warm up in with covid.
WHAT TO SEE :
Langon gets a bad reputation from everyone who lives around it, but it doesn’t really deserve it. There is a great pedestrian street Rue Maubec in the center of town with a Basque Epicerie called L’e-Par-La, a yummy healthy lunch stop called Chez Estelle, Michelin restaurant Darroze, and wine bar, fine pastries, and more. If you’re in the mood to eat, this is a great place to stop! Parking can be tricky, so try to park here. The outdoor Friday market along the Garonne river is one of the largest around with an incredible variety of cheese, fish, vegetable and even truffle vendors (seasonal).
There are also yearly festivals, like the Paille et Repaille, which hosts farm animals, heritage vegetable plants and food stalls. Fun for the whole family, but bring space in your car for all the cool plants you’ll buy 😉
Verdelais is really important for it’s stunning Notre-Dame Basilique which is known for having miraculously cured thousands over the centuries. Sometimes you’ll walk in with choral music playing and nuns praying, which is really magical. It’s cemetery is the resting place of artist Toulouse-Latrec, whose family home is located nearby (Chateau Malrome, which is also a great place to visit).
Saint-Croix-du-Mont has breathtaking views over the Garonne valley, a wine bar built in the oyster fossils and home to Brassierie Distillerie Cabestan. If you are looking for a fun weekend atelier, ask owner Charles Delaland for his next beer making or distillery class. He also offers cheese and beer paring courses at his atelier/home (also with incredible view). His newest creation, a Gin made with the Landes pine, is out of this world.
Have a great time touring around! Be sure to book everything in advance, especially during covid x
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