Castillon-la-Bataille
Lively market town and the site of the last battle of the Hundred Years' War in 1453
You get a sense of this town's history as soon as you arrive, with are flags and coats of arms lining the roads that lead you to the main square.
Dating back as far as 845, the town of Castillon is referenced throughout history, and not for its part in the Hundred Years' War. A strategic site, this ancient walled town was used to monitor activity on the river Dordogne. On 17th July 1453 the last battle of the Hundred Years' War took place here.
The impressive town centre is dominated by the Place Charles de Gaulle and church of Castillon-la-Bataille. A stroll over the flower lined bridge gives a good view back over the Dordogne to the town. Beside the church you will also find the rather majestic Mairie (town hall) and the tourist office. The museum dedicated to the battle in 1453 is set within the old bastide part of the town.
Continuing on the road towards St Emilion brings you through Saint-Magne-la-Bataille which is smaller than its famous neighbour but worth stopping to enjoy its tranquil position amongst the vineyards. The vineyards stretch along the country roads all the way to saint-Emilion so that you can almost smell the wine!
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- History & Culture in Castillon-la-Bataille
- Sights & Attractions in Castillon-la-Bataille
- Events in Castillon-la-Bataille
- Cycling in Castillon-la-Bataille
- Hiking in Castillon-la-Bataille
- Watersports in Castillon-la-Bataille
- Families in Castillon-la-Bataille
- Where to stay in Castillon-la-Bataille
- Villas in Castillon-la-Bataille
- Campsites in Castillon-la-Bataille
History & Culture in Castillon-la-Bataille
On 17th July 1453 the last battle of the Hundred Years' War took place here.
Hemmed in by French forces John Talbot, 1st Earl of Shrewsbury, was killed at the age of nearly 80 years, along with his son, John Talbot, 1st Viscount Lisle. This incident was dramatised by Shakespeare in Henry VI.
The result of Talbot's defeat and death was the capture of Bordeaux from the English, and their final expulsion from Guyenne (the old French province that encapsulated the Aquitaine).
On 27th November 1953, to celebrate the 500 year anniversary of this battle the name of the town was changed from Castillon-sur-Dordogne to Castillon-la-Bataille.
Sights & Attractions in Castillon-la-Bataille
The impressive town centre is dominated by the Place Charles de Gaulle and church of Castillon-la-Bataille. A stroll over the flower lined bridge gives a good view back over the Dordogne to the town. Beside the church you will also find the rather majestic Mairie (town hall) and the tourist office. The museum dedicated to the battle in 1453 is set within the old bastide part of the town.
Continuing on the road towards St Emilion brings you through Saint-Magne-la-Bataille which is smaller than its famous neighbour but worth stopping to enjoy its tranquil position amongst the vineyards. The vineyards stretch along the country roads all the way to Saint-Emilion so that you can almost smell the wine.
Being the start of the wine route through the Bordeaux region you will not be surprised to find a winery right here in the heart of Castellon. Le Chai au Quai is a boutique winery unlike most others. They do not actually have their own vineyards and so have created their wines from a blend of some of the best grapes harvested from around Bordeaux and across France. A stop here, if even just for a tasting, is a must.
This town is a good base if you're looking for a quieter town that is still close to the vineyards of both Saint-Emilion and the Bergerac region. Both these wine regions are worth exploring further.
Sights in Castillon-la-Bataille
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Eglise Saint-Symphorien Church, Castillon-la-Bataille
This impressive church was built in 1740 under the patronage of the Marchal of Turenne, count of Castillon, who had left money to the city in his will.
Events in Castillon-la-Bataille
The re-enactment of the battle of Castillon is one of the most impressive events in the region. Featuring over 400 actors and 40 horses you will transported back in time. The battle takes place on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout July and August and last around two hours - not to be missed.
Events in Dordogne
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European Heritage Days
Exceptional locations around France, including Dordogne, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
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Grandes Heures de Saint-Emilion
The association Les Grandes Heures of Saint-Emilion offer you high quality classical concerts held within the magnificent wine estates of Saint-Emilion.
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Ban des Vendanges, Jurade de Saint Emilion
The Autumn festival in Saint-Emilion celebrates the wine and heritage of this medieval city. The 'Jurade' are the Saint-Emilion wine brotherhood who historically had administrative rights over the town. As part of the festival they parade through the town in their traditional crimson robes, reminiscent of the all-powerful aldermen of centuries past.
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Rassemblement Européen de Montgolfieres, Rocamadour
A hot air balloon fiesta in Rocamadour in late September. This gathering of European hot air balloons forms a stunning sight against the backdrop of the pilgrimage town of Rocamadour.
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Sauternes and Barsac Chateaux open day wine tasting
At the beginning of November, the Sauternes and Barsac Châteaux opens its doors for a weekend in which more than 50 estates welcome the public to sample their wines.
Cycling in Castillon-la-Bataille
Cycling Routes in Dordogne
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Greenway (Voie Verte) of Lalinde Canal, Lalinde
This short stretch of Voie Verte (greenway) is perfect for families looking to stretch their legs in the Dordogne countryside, without having to conquer any hills climbs.
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La Voie Verte, Perigueux
A 23km trail that follows the Isle river through the Perigord countryside from Trelissac (Charrieras) to Marsac (La Roche).
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Old Railway Greenway (Voie Verte) Route, Sarlat-la-Caneda
This Voie Verte (greenway) has been created along the track of an old and now unused railway line.
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Circular route between Ouysse & Causse, Rocamadour
Although just 25km this circular route from Rocamadour does cross some challenging terrain. Partly on river path and some parts on road, you will need to have some experience of cycling to enjoy this route fully.
Hiking in Castillon-la-Bataille
Walking Routes in Dordogne
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Font-Blanque Loop, Lalinde
Following part of the GR6 route through the Dordogne this walk takes you from Lalinde on a circular route through the surrounding countryside.
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La Voie Verte, Perigueux
A 23km trail that follows the Isle river through the Perigord countryside from Trelissac (Charrieras) to Marsac (La Roche).
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A Short Walk up Mont Saint Cyr, Cahors
With stunning views over the Lot river and the town of Cahors this walk is worth it just to enjoy the views.
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Chemin de Halage
Part of a long distance towpath, there is an interesting section cut out of the rocky cliff face between Bouziès and Saint-Cirq Lapopie which was used to drag barges along the river Lot. It's about five kilometres between the two villages and is a stunning section of the river.
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Cirque d'Autoire circular route, Autoire
This walk is wonderful and relaxing way to explore the valley of Autoire and the horseshoe shaped cliff band that guards it to the south-west.
Watersports in Castillon-la-Bataille
Watersports in Dordogne
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Canoes Rivieres Loisirs, Limeuil
With family, in a group, with friends and at any age, you can explore at your own pace two of the most beautiful rivers of Périgord.
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CANOEric, Le Bugue
Easy canoeing for everybody. You can navigate with family or friends in peace. You’ll be given a solid equipment, stable canoes and buoyancy aids.
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Brantome Canoe, Brantome
Not only can you take a relaxing journey down the Dronne river in a canoe but you can try your hand at stand up paddle boarding or take to the cliffs and trees for some adventure above ground.
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AVCK (Animation Vezere Canoe Kayak), Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
This area provides water-sports for all ages. Renowned for its architectural heritage and sites of natural beauty, you will find that paddling is a great way to relax and have fun whilst enjoying the scenery.
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Canoe Vacances, La Roque-Gageac
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
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Canoe Dordogne
Hire a canoe or kayak from this company and you can enjoy a gentle river cruise and the chance to explore the wonderful Dordogne river and its banks.
Families in Castillon-la-Bataille
Where to stay in Castillon-la-Bataille
Although there are several hotels within the town of Castillon itself, part of the pleasure of the wine areas around the Dordogne is that there are plenty of charming B&B's to enjoy. Often situated within the vineyards themselves, these offer a more intimate stay and authentic French experience.
You'll also find several châteaux in the region that offer accommodation options.
Villas in Castillon-la-Bataille
Villas in Dordogne
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Le Manoir Du Vignoble Villa, Pomport
A beautiful property owned by a local viticulturist whose vineyards form part of the grounds around the house.
Price: £2,428
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La Castille Villa, Castillonnès
Enjoy French country living at La Castille, a beautifully restored 18th Century stone bastide which offers charm and style in abundance, in an area renowned for delicious food and wine. La Castille is the sister property to La Perigourdine and La Petite Maison.
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La Petite Maison Villa, Castillonnès
Decorated in chic but subtle style this pretty cream coloured stone cottage is the epitome of a charming rural retreat yet is within walking distance of the impressive bastide of Castillonnes.
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Le Mas Villa
Renovated 16th century farmhouse in Dordogne.
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Le Mazet Villa
Charming renovated detached cottage in the heart of Dordogne.
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Le Mas & Le Mazet Villas
A combination of two renovated villas in the heart of Dordogne.