Fête de la Musique
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
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!
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.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This restaurant is located in the Château Troplong Mondot, a large estate on the top of a hill with a winery that produces a 1er Grand Cru Classé. They serve traditional French cuisine with creative contemporary touches.
Founded in 1848, this restaurant is one of the oldest in the town of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site. French creative cuisine is served in its terrace and three dining rooms, accompanied by wines from the region.
Offering a generous choice of traditional French dishes and a large wine selection, this restaurant is located in the heart of the picturesque town of Saint-Émilion. Diners can be accommodated in its intimate dining room, its small terrace, or a special table in its wine cellar carved out of the rock.
This elegant and sophisticated two Michelin star restaurant offers creative dishes designed by chef Cédric Béchade, who plays with colours and textures in his cuisine.
This restaurant offers various possibilities for dining in the same place: a fine restaurant serving modern French cuisine, a bistro with local and seasonal dishes, and a tea room. There is also a beautiful sunny garden overlooking the vineyards.
The hotel restaurant is run by the Blanchet family. A stylish establishment, with a beautiful open fire during winter months and a wonderful shaded terrace to relax in the warmth of spring and summer.
100% electric and 100% silent, the infamous tuk-tuk comes to Saint Emilion to take you on a tour or the town and the vineyards that surround it.
After discovering the city of Saint Emilion this train tour takes you out into the countryside and surrounding vineyards to discover more about the history and culture of wine in this region.
Open from June to the end of September this small waterpark offers you and your family the chance to cool off on the hot summer days and to keep children entertained for hours.
In the heart of the 'Purple Perigord' you can share and enjoy the passion of owner Jean-Pierre who has been part of competitive karting since the late 1980's.
A full day tour for those interested in wine, the terroir, the makers and other local products of the Dordogne region.
A delightful trip along the river that runs through the heart of Bergerac on a traditional wooden barge.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
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.
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.
A beautiful property owned by a local viticulturist whose vineyards form part of the grounds around the house.
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.
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.
Renovated 16th century farmhouse in Dordogne.
Charming renovated detached cottage in the heart of Dordogne.
A combination of two renovated villas in the heart of Dordogne.
A beautiful property owned by a local viticulturist whose vineyards form part of the grounds around the house.
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.
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.
Renovated 16th century farmhouse in Dordogne.
Charming renovated detached cottage in the heart of Dordogne.
A combination of two renovated villas in the heart of Dordogne.
Maison de la Commanderie is a 12th century house located in the heart of the village of Saint Emilion with remarkable view over the city and the vineyards.
The Hostellerie de Plaisance is an unusual and unique place, offering surprising perspectives on the village’s architecture and the edges of the vineyard landscapes.
This charming boutique hotel is located in a vineyard, just a short drive from Saint-Emilion. The hotel offers a natural pool with fresh water and a nice garden overlooking the property's 7 acres of vineyards.
The Franc Grace Dieu estate house has 4 rooms (Le Parc, Le Jardin, La Pergola and La Cour) each able to sleep 2 people in the heart of the Saint-Emilion wine area, a classified UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Château Carbonneau is situated at the eastern limits of Gironde belonging to both the communes of Pessac sur Dordogne and Gensac. It produces wine under the Sainte Foy Bordeaux appellation which is part of the group Côtes de Bordeaux.
One-of-a kind property, the 4-star, 19th-century Château is located in the right-bank area of Bordeaux, next to a medieval town. With Saint-Emilion’s most famous wine-producing châteaux at its doorstep, it is less than an hour drive to Bordeaux.
This one/two bedroom home has been renovated with extreme care and quality, and leaves no work to do in the home. Originally an old barn, the house has a bright open plan reception space combining the fully equipped kitchen, dining room, and living room into one.
Rarely does such a remarkable opportunity come to market with the combination of a large elegant Maison de Maitre and highly improved accommodations in such a prime location.
Built in 1982, this large family home of 280m2, with it's own Tower, 5 Double Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Lounge, 2 Reception Areas, Kitchen, Conservatory and ornate gardens offers no end of possibilities.
Typical stone house Perigord style dating from 1807 completely renovated.
Perigord authentic house with about 160m2 living space surrounded by a lovely garden and orchard of 1600m2.
This delightful 5 bedroom/2 bathroom house is in a small quiet hamlet which borders the Drone river. Renovations were made to retain the original features such as the exposed timbered walls, floor tiles and stone fireplaces.