The most beautiful villages to visit around Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a city that attracts many visitors, who come to admire its architecture, lifestyle, gastronomy and wines. But Bordeaux is also a city that offers plenty of opportunities to get away from it all, to discover the surrounding area and visit villages that have managed to preserve their authenticity and heritage. Whether you’re looking for nature, history, culture or local produce, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in these 5 villages, some of the most beautiful in the Gironde.

1. Saint-Émilion, the wine village

Saint-Émilion is a village 40 km east of Bordeaux, in the Libourne region. It is famous for its vineyards, which produce world-famous wines such as Château Cheval Blanc, Château Ausone and Château Angélus. The village is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural landscape and architectural heritage. The village has retained its medieval appearance, with half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, fortified gates and churches. It is home to the largest monolithic church in Europe, carved out of the rock. The village also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and hillsides. You can visit châteaux, cellars and museums, or sample local specialities such as macaroons, cannelés and foie gras.

2. Blaye, the citadel village

Blaye is a village 50 km north of Bordeaux, on the right bank of the Gironde estuary. It is famous for its citadel, built in the 17th century by Vauban and part of the network of major Vauban sites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The citadel overlooks the river, offering a panoramic view of the Médoc and the Cordouan lighthouse. It is also home to a number of historic monuments, including the church of Saint-Romain, the Minimes convent and the Château des Rudel. The village also boasts a wine-growing heritage, with the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation producing red and white wines. Here, you can visit wineries and cooperatives, or take part in the annual wine festival in April.

3. Rions, the medieval village

Rions is a village located 30 km south-east of Bordeaux, in the Entre-deux-Mers region. It is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, and is one of the “Bastides et cités médiévales d’Aquitaine”. The village has retained its fortified appearance, with ramparts, towers, gates and bridge. It has also retained its medieval charm, with half-timbered houses, narrow streets, arcades and churches. It is home to the grotto of Charles VII, where the king is said to have taken refuge during the Hundred Years’ War. The village is also located on the Entre-deux-Mers wine route, which produces dry, fruity white wines. Here you can visit châteaux and estates, and take part in the annual wine festival in June.

4. Soulac-sur-Mer, the seaside village

Soulac-sur-Mer is a village 90 km north-west of Bordeaux, on the Atlantic coast. It is renowned for its seaside resort, with a fine sandy beach perfect for swimming, surfing or sunbathing. It is also known for its soulacaises villas, which are neo-colonial-style houses adorned with wood panelling and balconies. The village also boasts a rich historical heritage, including the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Fin-des-Terres, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Pilgrimage Route to Santiago de Compostela. The village is also surrounded by nature, with the Landes forest, the Brion marsh and Lac d’Hourtin. Here you can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and canoeing.