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!
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
Located in 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.
Beaches in Castillon-la-Bataille
Beaches in Bordeaux
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Hourtin Lakeside Beach, Hourtin
Located 89.9 km away
A protected natural reserve with wild marshes, sand dunes and pine forests, this huge body of water is perfect for outdoor activities such as sailing, swimming, water skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, fishing, kite surfing, paddle boarding, or walking and biking along the trails and cycle paths that line the shores of the lake.
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Plage d'Eyrac Beach, Arcachon
Located 90.2 km away
A small, peaceful and tranquil beach that is situated at the entrance to the marina and is the most sheltered of all the beaches around Arcachon due to its location within the basin.
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Plage d'Arcachon Beach, Arcahon
Located 91.1 km away
An 800m strip of white sand situated between the Theirs and Eyrac piers this beach is very much in the Arcachon basin and sheltered from the strong Altlantic winds on the coast.
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Lacanau Ocean Beach, Lacanau
Located 92.6 km away
Over time, the wind and ocean currents have gradually created a wall of sand dunes, behind which streams and rivers have allowed the formation of lakes and freshwater ponds.
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La Plage Le Porge Oceane Beach, Le Porge
Located 92.7 km away
Le Porge beach is also known for its large waves and strong undertow, even if the rescuers are not far away, you must remain cautious as you would for many of the ocean beaches.
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Plage Pereire Beach, Arcachon
Located 93.0 km away
This is by far the largest and better known of the Arcachon beaches, stretching some 3km in length with wonderful views over to the chic town of Cap-Ferret and the peninsula beaches.
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.
Dining in Castillon-la-Bataille
Things to do in Castillon-la-Bataille
Nightlife 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
Holidays Rentals in Castillon-la-Bataille
Hotels in Castillon-la-Bataille
Hotels in Castillon-la-Bataille
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Chateau Rigaud Hotel, East Bordeaux
This rural chateau set in the heart of the Bordeaux vines. With a passionate, attentive team running this working French country estate. Most bookings are for the chateau as a whole, group holidays, birthdays, parties and weddings. Or you can book just a room and join in the party.
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D'Emilion de Sens, Gardegan et Tourtirac
Two superb huts on stilts perched at 4 and 5 meters high in the treetops with panoramic views over the vineyards of the great Saint-Emilion and its forest of more than one hectare.
How to get to Castillon-la-Bataille
Situated on the banks of the river Dordogne just at the border of the Gironde and the Dordogne, this infamous town is just 12km south-east of Saint-Emilion.
