Town
Castillon La Bataille is set in a gorgeous location surrounded by vineyards in the very heart of the Bordeaux wine region. A magnificent church overlooks a tree lined square which leads down to the wide and beautiful river Dordogne where vestiges of medieval gates and walls still remain. Formerly know as Castillon Sur Dordogne the name was changed in 1953 to celebrate the battle in 1453 which finally ended the hundred year war and restored French rule.
Every year, as part of a summer festival, there is a spectacular re-enactment of this Battle. Set in the grounds of the glorious Chateau Castegens, a cast of over two hundred local actors, accompanied by fifty horses, oxen, goats and hunting dogs, not only recreate the battle, but an entire way of life.
There is a lovely atmosphere in Castillon, especially on market days when the little town seems to come alive and the streets are filled with wonderful colours, sounds and aromas.
As well as a selection of smaller shops the town offers supermarkets, banks, a post office, pharmacies a Maison du Vin, and a tourist office.
Several bars, cafes and restaurants can be found overlooking the square and in the streets that surround it. They are all well tried and tested!
On a summer’s evening it is a joy to wander along the pretty waterfront, site of the ancient port before settling down to an aperitif outside one of the bars.
Please click on the following links for further information:
- La Bataille de Castillon
- Mairie de Castillon La Bataille
- La Fontaine de Manon
- Restaurant Les Pyrénées
Surrounding Area
The train station is a five minute walk from Chez Castillon and offers regular connections to St. Emilion, Bordeaux, Bergerac and on to Sarlat.
The fabulous town of St. Emillion is only a ten minute drive away. It became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993 and is absolutely stunning.
It is, of course, these vineyards which produce the world famous wines and there are plenty of opportunities for a “Degustation” (tour and tasting) at various Chateaux. St. Emillion also has “L’école du Vin”, where you can enrol for a course in wine tasting, if you have a thirst.. for knowledge!
Forty minutes to the West of Castillon is the bustling port of Bordeaux, well worth a visit, and forty minutes to the East lies the pretty town of Bergerac.
The pace of life is gentle in South West France. There is time to pause.. time to hear yourself think. The fabulous wines help of course, as does the delicious regional cuisine. It is a region full of grace and old fashioned charm. A truly memorable place to visit.
Castillon la Bataille is situated between the airports of Bordeaux to the west and Bergerac to the east, as can be seen by zooming out the map on the left (click on the minus sign at the top left of the map).
