Chateau de Cadillac, Cadillac
Extravagant château & former prison north east of the city of Bordeaux
Built for the Duke of Epernon in the 16th century, this lavish château contained over 50 bedrooms!
The chateau's style, quintesentially French, combines splendour and military pomp. Its stunning interior décor includes panelling and painted ceilings, and monumental fireplaces made from marble and sculpted stone.
The Duke of Epernon was captain of Gascony, and he ascended to the highest ranks in the late 16th century, as a favourite of king Henri III, until he died in disgrace under the reign of Louis XIII.
A Renaissance classic, it became a prison in the 19th century, and until the 1950s it held female prisoners. It has an exceptional collection of tapestries, as well as a good museum depicting the harsh times when the building was a prison.
Directions
From Bordeaux or Toulouse take the A62, and exit no.2, Podensac.
When to come
Open all year:
- June to September: 10:00 to 13:15 and 14:00 to 18:00
- October to May: 10:00 to 12.30 and 14:00 to 17:30 (except Mondays)
Closed on January 1st, May 1st and December 25th.
How to get passes
Tickets cost 5.5€.
