Langon
Pretty town on the banks of the river Garonne, opposite Saint-Macaire
On the left bank of the Garonne, 50km inland, south east from Bordeaux, Langon is perfectly located for visiting the impressive Château de Roquetaillade and sampling the Sauternes wines to the east and the Entre-Deux-Mers wines to the north.
Langon has an impressive 12th century Gothic church worthy of a visit if you're staying in town.
History & Culture in [locality]
The neighbourhoods are full of charm and are steeped in history that is synonymous with the Bordeaux and Gironde region.
As well as being a strong economic centre in the department of the Gironde, you'll find that there is more to Langon that meets the eye.
It's an obvious and traditional stopping point between the cities of Bordeaux and Toulouse and it was this 'highway' that inspired the creation of the Itinéraire à Grand Gabarit - a waterway and road route that allows transportation of large sections of aeroplanes, specifically the Airbus A390 airliner, to Toulouse where it will be assembled. They are brought to Langon by barge and then transferred to land transport via the specially designed docks.
Alongside this commerce and industry, you'll also discover in and around Langon some of the most wonderful architecture of the region, for example the nearby Château de Roquetaillade, the remains of the 12th century church 'Notre-Dame du Bourg' and the beautiful allées Jean Jaurès at the heart of the town.
These sit in contrast with the woodlands, rolling hills and vineyards that surround the town.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
Although there are many areas in and around the town that are also worth visiting or just for a walk around, a short drive away you'll find Château de Roquetaillade. Worth the trip out of town to not only enjoy the lush countryside and vineyards of the area, but the château itself is a magnificent example of architecture and a fully functioning estate.
In the centre of town there are two 12th century churches worth visiting, one to see its remains and the other to experience the beautifully preserved exterior and interior of the Eglise de Saint-Gervais de Langon.
Sights in Bordeaux
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Dune du Pilat Beach
Belonging to the coastal dunes of Aquitaine, it's a single dune that is always moving and is in fact the tallest sand dune in Europe.
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Musee d'Aquitaine
Located in Bordeaux
This excellent museum recounts the history of Bordeaux and the Aquitaine region from prehistoric times through to the 20th century.
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Museum of Art and Archeology, Soulac-sur-Mer
Located in Soulac-sur-Mer
A great place to get to grips with the history and modern culture of the area in one hit. Well laid out and a great space for a family trip.
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Grotte Celestine Cave, Rauzan
Located in Rauzan
These limestone caves run under the town of Rauzan and feature an underground river which has had many uses over the last two centuries.
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Le Phare du Cap-Ferret Museum
Situated a little inland on the peninsula to protect the building from erosion, it was placed there to monitor and protect the numerous vessels entering the basin from the strong ocean currents.
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Château Mouton-Rothschild, Pauillac
Located in Pauillac
Owned by Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, this château produces some of the great Médocs.
Events in [locality]
The cultural centre and theatre, Les Carmes, is very active with performances, shows, exhibitions and events - check out their programme to see what is going on during your time in Langon.
The town also hosts various agricultural, garden, house, wine and cheese fairs through out the year...keep an eye on our events pages for more information.
Things to do in [locality]
One of the most random and interesting things to do in Langon is to watch the transfer of aeroplane parts from the barges in the port to the road vehicle, ready for their journey to Toulouse. You can ask in the tourist office for the dates as they are aware of them well in advance.
Things To Do in Bordeaux
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Margaux Garden Golf Course, Margaux
Situated within the ground of the hotel Relais de Margaux Golf & Spa this beautiful course sits on the banks of the Gironde estuary.
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Estuaire Jet Ski, Le Verdon sur Mer
You will be able to hire and learn how to drive a jet ski, with the assistance of qualified instructors, you can be on the water within 15 minutes.
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Tourist Train, Soulac-sur-Mer
Located in Soulac-sur-Mer
Travelling from the port at the very tip of the peninsula, at the opening of the Gironde estuary, La Pointe de Grave, the train travels down through Le Verdon and on to Soulac-sur-Mer.
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Le Train des Grands Vignobles (Vineyard Train) Tour, Saint Emilion
Located in Saint-Emilion
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.
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Tuk-Tuk Tour (Wine Tour), Saint Emilion
Located in Saint-Emilion
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.
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Golf du Medoc Golf Courses, Le Pian Medoc
Created in 1989, the Golf du Médoc offers 2 remarkable 18-hole courses: Les Châteaux and Les Vignes.
