© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
Pauillac
Small town north of Bordeaux which forms part of Médoc wine region
The vineyards around this town produce some of the best wines in Bordeaux. Located on the Gironde estuary, Pauillac itself has grown up as a port town.
The departure point for components of the huge Airbus A380 which have been built across Europe, assembled in Toulouse and then hauled onto special barges which take them on their way. There is also a good interactive automotive museum in Pauillac.
However, the main reason for visiting Pauillac is to find a base for visiting the prestigious Premier Cru wine-producing Châteaux of Mouton-Rothschild, Latour and Latife-Rothschild.
History & Culture in Pauillac
It's hard to separate much of the Médoc area from its wine growing roots, and the town of Pauillac is no different. In fact the tourist office also doubles as a very informative resource for all things wine related in the area: Maison du Tourisme et du Vin.
Aside from its wine production the only other notable history of the town was that a US Navy base as established there in 1917 to operate seaplanes during the first World War. It closed shortly after the Armistice on 11th November 1918.
The port area is also where the parts of the Airbus A380, which are manufactured and shipped from Broughton in the UK, are transferred from ship to barge to continue their onward journey.
Sights & Attractions in Pauillac
The central church in Pauillac is worth a visit to see the unusual 'ex-voto' offering of a boat within. The Eglise Saint Martin de Pauillac has a very different architectural approach to many of the churches in the region.
Inevitably there will be vineyards and châteaux to visit when you're in and around Pauillac, one of the most famous of these being the Château Mouton Rothschild. Not only does this vineyard produce one of the finest wines of the region but the château also hosts a magnificent private gallery and museum.
Things to do in Pauillac
Only a short distance from Pauillac you'll find the charming small village of Bages, renovated by a family who have lived and worked the vineyards of the area for the last century. It was once run-down and derelict but has now been restored to a small but vibrant place to visit.
