The word « Médoc » comes from the Latin « in medio aquae » Meaning « in the middle of water ».

Situated between the Atlantic Ocean on its western side and the largest estuary in Europe on its eastern side, the Médoc area extends over 80 km, from Greater Bordeaux right up to the Pointe de Grave.

Its exceptional terroir covers the most prestigious among the Bordeaux Grands Crus Classés (1855 classification) as well as many Crus Bourgeois, and includes the most unusual architectural types of castles.

To visit the châteaux and for all additional information, contact the Wineries for the various appellations. (Click on the « Wineries » page).

From Bordeaux, go north in the direction of Le Bouscat, le Verdon. To reach the châteaux trail and the D2, proceed through Blanquefort and follow the direction Pauillac, via Margaux.

In Margaux stop to visit the church close to the famous château Margaux built in the Palladian style.

Proceed northwards, through Moulis and Listrac, with their wealth of Crus Bourgeois.

If you are cycling you will find a large number of cycle paths through the vineyards and the pine trees.

Not to be missed : the typical harbours of Lamarque and Macau; in Cussac-Fort-Médoc you will discover the castle built by Vauban.

You can also take the car ferry to cross over to Blaye, on the other bank.

Go through the Saint-Julien and Pauillac estates, with their numerous Crus Classés. On arriving in Pauillac, the capital of Médoc country, look for the walk along the embankments from where you can see the island of Patiras.

Do not miss the 14th century Square Tower in Lesparre, the 11th to 12th century Abbey Church in Vertheuil, nor the authentic Vensac Windmill.

You could go along D 101, the lakeside road, through Lacanau, a paradise for surfers, to Soulac where you can visit its superb Eglise Notre-Dame de la Fin des Terres (Our Lady of World’s End), then as far as the Verdon where a car ferry will take you back to Royan.

• To reach Blaye and its spectacular citadel, take the scheduled car ferry
that departs from the little harbour of Lamarque.
Tel. 33 (0)5 57 42 04 49 - Fax : 33 (0)5 57 42 10 21

• From the Verdon, a scheduled car ferry service will take you on a short and pleasant cruise to the Charentes coast and Royan.
Tel. 33 (0)5 56 73 37 73 - Fax : 33 (0)5 56 42 10 21

• Do not miss : The Cordouan lighthouse, standing watch over the estuary.

Other informations :
 Les musées à Bordeaux
 Les sites historiques et monuments à Bordeaux
 Visiter Saint-Émilion
 Les Châteaux et domaines à visiter en Gironde
 Les sites historiques et musées en Gironde