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.
Jump to
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.
Sights in Pauillac
See all Sights in Pauillac-
Château Mouton-Rothschild, Pauillac
Owned by Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, this château produces some of the great Médocs.
-
Eglise Saint-Martin de Pauillac
The building itself was regenerated and built with the materials from a previous church when it became too small!
Beaches in Pauillac
Beaches in Bordeaux
See all Beaches in Bordeaux-
Hourtin Lakeside Beach, Hourtin
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.
-
Hourtin Plage Beach, Hourtin
Just 12km away from the town of Hourtin, the beach of Hourtin Plage sits on the Atlantic ocean and offers a wide range of watersports for all levels.
-
Carcans Plage Beach, Carcans
Backed by the small town of Carcans Océan, this white sand beach on the western Atlantic coast is a popular surf spot.
-
Lacanau Ocean Beach, Lacanau
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.
-
Soulac-sur-Mer Beaches
The beaches extend to 7km of fine-sand beaches along the Atlantic coast; Centre Beach, South Beach and Amelie Beach making up the most popular and closest to the town.
-
La Plage Le Porge Oceane Beach, Le Porge
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.
Dining in Pauillac
Restaurants in Pauillac
See all Restaurants in Pauillac-
Chateau Cordeillan-Bages Restaurant, Pauillac
Situated among vineyards, this restaurant offers the gastronomic creations of a new chef for 2017.
-
Le Saint-Julien Restaurant, Medoc (North Gironde)
Situated in the famous wine region of Medoc, this restaurant serves creative French dishes. The beautiful 19th-century building has an elegant dining room as well as a pleasant terrace where the chef grills fresh local produce.
Events in Pauillac
Events in Bordeaux
See all Events in Bordeaux-
European Heritage Days
Exceptional locations around France, including Bordeaux, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
-
Grandes Heures de Saint-Emilion
The association Les Grandes Heures of Saint-Emilion offer you high quality classical concerts held within the magnificent wine estates of Saint-Emilion.
-
Ban des Vendanges, Jurade de Saint Emilion
The Autumn festival in Saint-Emilion celebrates the wine and heritage of this medieval city. The 'Jurade' are the Saint-Emilion wine brotherhood who historically had administrative rights over the town. As part of the festival they parade through the town in their traditional crimson robes, reminiscent of the all-powerful aldermen of centuries past.
-
Markets in the Bordeaux region
Read our guide to Bordeaux markets page to find out which market to visit when. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a typical French market is an absolute must for anyone exploring everything French.
-
Sauternes and Barsac Chateaux open day wine tasting
At the beginning of November, the Sauternes and Barsac Châteaux opens its doors for a weekend in which more than 50 estates welcome the public to sample their wines.
-
Grand Marché de Noël, Bordeaux
From the last week of November and throughout December, Bordeaux holds its great Christmas market in the Allées de Tourny. A festive event and a good place to pick up an original Christmas gift, or see Santa Claus and let him have your list.
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.
Hiking in Pauillac
Walking Routes in Bordeaux
See all Walking Routes in Bordeaux-
River Garonne Quay Tour
A short, flat walk around the heart of Bordeaux. This route takes in many historical and cultural buildings that are well worth stopping at along the way.
Watersports in Pauillac
Watersports in Bordeaux
See all Watersports in Bordeaux-
Magic Surf School, Lacanau
Each session is tailored to the requirements of the participants.
-
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.
-
So Nice Surf School, Le Porge
Whether it's your first time on a board or you've been surfing for years, So Nice Surf School will give you the guidance you need to get started or to improve your tricks in a cool, laid-back atmosphere.
Families in Pauillac
Villas in Pauillac
Villas in Bordeaux
See all Villas in Bordeaux-
Lacanau Ocean Villa, Lacanau
Nice villa for 10 persons located 4.5 km from the beach and 4 km from the shopping street.
-
Lacanau Ocean Villa, Lacanau
Large and pleasant independent villa of 160m2 situated in the pine forest(enclosed garden) 800 metres from the beach, 1 km from shopping, 2.5 km from the golf and 5 km from the lake.
-
Lacanau Ocean Villa, Lacanau
Close to city centre this villa is located 600 metres from the beach and shopping area and 3 km from the golf.
-
Marie Villa
Excellent wines and delicious food are synonymous with South West France and so it is with great pleasure that they include Villa Marie in their portfolio, where gastronomic delights are to be found on the doorstep: the vineyards of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte are just 1.3km away (a 20 minute walk), with the restaurants of the renowned spa hotel, Les Sources de Caudalie, a few 100 metres further along. Equally enticing is the proximity of the region’s capital, Bordeaux. Easily accessible by both car and public transport, visits to this wonderful city will become an integral part of the holiday.
Price: £1,856
-
Canon Villa, Lege-Cap-Ferret
Beautiful villa of 300m2 living space located on the heights of the Canon in the heart of Cap Ferret with a nice view of Arcachon Bay.
-
Gaume Villa, Pyla-sur-Mer
Villa Gaume is located on the front line a few steps from the famous Dune du Pyla and the Corniche.
Hotels in Pauillac
Hotels in Pauillac
See all Hotels in Pauillac-
La Maison De Jean, Saint-Androny
The Chateau Haut Bourcier is a family-owned 38 ha of vineyards. The Maison de Jean is a house from the 19th century with 5 refurbished bedrooms offering all of the charm of the historic building with modern facilities.
-
Les Cinq Sens du Chateau Mayne Lalande B&B, Moulis-en-Medoc
Set in a wine producing estate, the guest house Les Cinq Sens du Château Mayne Lalande is located in Listrac-Médoc.
-
Chateau Ormes de Pez, Saint-Estephe
In the heart of the Pez hameau, close to the village of Saint-Estephe, the XVIII century home that sits adjacent to the Château Ormes de Pez cellars is ideal for those seeking peace and relaxation.
-
Domaine de Giron, Moulis-en-Medoc
Nestled in the heart of some of France's most exquisite vineyards, the beautiful Domaine de Giron offers modern luxury, space and calm surrounded by wooded parkland.
-
Domaine quittignan brillette, Moulis-en-Medoc
This hotel is situated in Moulis, north of Bordeaux in the red medoc, the most popular vineyard in the world. The recently restored property welcome you for sleeping and dinning with your family or your friends.
-
Chateau Pomys, Sainte Estephe
Château Pomys looks like a white Italian villa, built with a gorgeous architecture and nestled under the shade of trees.