© Rob Bristow
Sauveterre-de-Guyenne
A bastide town in the Gironde region, south east of Bordeaux
It has the typical square layout around a central market square that is common with towns of that time and they still hold a market there on Tuesday mornings. It's a good example of a bastide town; these towns were established mainly as commercial centres, encouraged by incentives set down in a charter.
With the presence of Roman remains just to the north of the town we can be sure that the area has been inhabited for many centuries, however it was not until 1281, under the rule of Edward I of England, that the town was established.
History & Culture in Sauveterre-de-Guyenne
Throughout the Hundred Years War and the long period of instability the town actually changed hand between the English and the French at least 11 times. Finally at the end of the war and with the victory of the French at the battle of Castillon the town became permanently French.
There was much trouble in many of the Bordeaux towns during the reformation; looting, killing, pillaging and of course the Bordeaux parliament trying to assert its authority over the region. The Edict of Nantes in 1598, granting freedom of worship brought about a period of peace and calm after the centuries of violence.
During the French Revolution the main problem for the inhabitants of the town of Sauveterre was famine, however in 1793, the situation became very difficult, the town was invaded, the archives burned and there were riots between residents and police.
The First World War took its toll on the small town - with only just over 700 residents they lost twenty during the four years. Then during the Second World War Sauveterre became a border city after the armistice of June 1940. The dividing line between the free and the German occupied zone. Illegal crossing of the line, bombing and fighting between German resistance fighters meant that this was another dark time for the town.
Today, the vineyards and wine are the main source of wealth, with the first wine festival taking place in 1972.
Sights & Attractions in Sauveterre-de-Guyenne
Apart from the geometric bastide-style construction of the town and the weekly markets there is not too much to see in Sauveterre.
The catholic church is the main building of significance and worth a look around, the Eglise de Notre-Dame de Sauveterre-de-Guyenne.
To the north of the town you will find the Grotte Celestine is very close. A great way to spend an afternoon, especially if the weather becomes unbearably hot, you can escape underground and explore the fantastic natural formations.
Events in Sauveterre-de-Guyenne
The weekly market in Sauveterre is on a Tuesday morning in the Place de la Republique which is the central square of the town.
In addition there is an undercover market on a Sunday morning in the 'Halle Couverte', located in the ground floor of the former Hotel de France, under the arcades of the Place de la Republique.
Both markets are filled with local producers and artisans.
Things to do in Sauveterre-de-Guyenne
A trip to the neighbouring town of La Reole is worth doing while you are here. Wandering through the narrow cobbled streets is a pleasure on a warm sunny day and there is a great deal to discover here.
