Leisure and Tourism
Castles, vineyards, historical sites, walks, bike rides and horse rides – some of the many unmissable activities to discover in Castets-en-Dorthe and the surrounding area.
CASTETS EN DORTHE :
Built on ancient foundations and towering over the Garonne valley, Castets-en-Dorthe is located at the gateway to the Canal des Deux Mers, a waterway that was constructed to complete the work of Pierre Paul Riquet. Its banks, with their century-old plane trees, a towpath, bridges and locks, make up part of France’s national heritage.
The highlights :
– The Château du Hamel, built in the 14th century by Raymond Guilhem de Goth, the nephew of Pope Clement V, and restored in the 16th century by Jean Fabas;
– The view over the Garonne valley from the “end of the shore”;
– The pretty terraced gardens along the canal;
– The lock house with its flood gauge;
– The 18th century Saint-Louis church;
– The mission cross used as a landmark by Saint Jacques de Compostelle pilgrims;
– The Saint-Romain de Mazerac church from the Roman period, with its wood-panelled nave, transept formed of two chapels, flat chevet and gothic entrance door.
In Castets you can venture along hiking and fitness trails, and take boating trips on the canal.
For more information : http://www.castetsendorthe.fr/z/index.php
VINEYARDS :
The Bordeaux Graves and Sauternes wine route :
you can walk along tourist discovery trails, either on routes recommended by the Sauternes Graves et Pays de Langon tourism office or on your own routes that will take you to the most tucked-away sights in Bordeaux’s wine country.
With wine as your guide, follow in the footsteps of architectural wonders or outstanding natural sites, and talk to the locals to discover more about this regional culture steeped in stone, wine and earth.
This Bordeaux Graves and Sauternes wine route is also a network of men, women, winemakers, restaurant owners and hoteliers who actively participate in the vineyard tourism industry, and who would be only too happy to host you in a warm, friendly atmosphere in authentic settings.
Three itineraries to try :
- Wine and culture :
With this itinerary you will learn about how the history of Bordeaux is closely linked to the Graves and Sauternais vineyards, the ‘cradle’ of Bordeaux wine. Remarkable architecture and vineyard landscapes coexist in harmony and give you a glimpse of Bordeaux wines over the centuries.
- Wine and river :
Long considered a natural border, the Garonne has always brought prosperity to the land through which it flows. Used as a method of transport since ancient times, the river contributed towards the development of the vineyards planted by the Bituriges. Over the course of the centuries, recreational boating and mooring replaced merchant shipping.
- Wine and land :
The world-famous wines from Graves and Sauternes draw their wealth from the ancestral knowledge of wine-growers who knew how to get the most out of their unique land. The exception to this is the variety of stones, including ochre, white, red and pink quartz and quartzite, jasper, agatoids, flint and lydites, in harmonious and shimmering unison.
HISTORICAL HERITAGE:
Castles, churches, minor heritage and various sites and historical monuments are awaiting your discovery in the area surrounding Castets-en-Dorthe.
For more information :
http://www.sauternais-graves-langon.com/z/site.php?act=2_1_1
THE GREEN PATH :
The route that follows the Canal de la Garonne for around 193 km allows you to discover or rediscover landmark sites, beautiful landscapes and friendly locals in your own way, on foot or by bike, at your own pace.
The path follows the Canal de la Garonne from Castets-en-Dorthe in Gironde all the way to Toulouse. It is found, depending on the section, along either one of the banks and can be explored by foot, bike, mountain bike or roller skates. Traversing locks, sailing boats and the proximity to the locks make this route unique.
This path is exclusively reserved for pedestrians and non-motorised vehicles:
– easy access: slopes are either gentle or non-existent, meaning that anybody can use them, including visitors with reduced mobility;
– safe: due to the physical separation from roads used by motorised vehicles;
– respects the environment, culture and heritage of the locations it runs through.
It’s the top destination for cycling holidays and all bike enthusiasts!
HIKING TRAILS :
For those who love nature and outdoor activities, the Pays de Langon is a massive playground and a space to relax and enjoy yourself.
Don’t be shy to explore one of the many hiking trails that take in the remarkable natural treasures this area has to offer, including:
– the banks of the Garonne
– the banks of the Ciron and the Canal Latéral
– the Sauternes or Graves vineyards
– the forest, and many more
Maps of the hiking trails on offer are available from the Langon and Sauternes tourism offices.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO :
http://www.castetsendorthe.fr/z/index.php
http://www.sauternais-graves-langon.com/z/index.php