© Rob Bristow
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The association Les Grandes Heures of Saint-Emilion offer you high quality classical concerts held within the magnificent wine estates of Saint-Emilion.
A mass is held where prayers are said for those who have perished at sea, followed by a procession to the Cross of the Sailors. Afterwards, the sea is blessed by the "Sailors of the Women's Committee Fishermen Basin" who throw a crown into the ocean from aboard a lifeboat.
With around 80 winegrowers from the appellation of Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux opening their doors and their bottles for visitors to come and taste their wines in a wonderful atmosphere.
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.
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.
Situated close to the central Place de la Republique this catholic church is a dominating feature in the town landscape.
A small, peaceful and tranquil beach that is situated at the entrance to the marina and is the most sheltered of all the beaches around Arcachon due to its location within the basin.
An 800m strip of white sand situated between the Theirs and Eyrac piers this beach is very much in the Arcachon basin and sheltered from the strong Altlantic winds on the coast.
This is by far the largest and better known of the Arcachon beaches, stretching some 3km in length with wonderful views over to the chic town of Cap-Ferret and the peninsula beaches.
A wide walkway and promenade borders this beautiful beach. There are numerous things to do including games for children, surfing, beach volleyball and of course it's a great setting near the doors to the Atlantic ocean.
This area offers great views further down the west coast to the nature reserve of banc d'Arguin and the Great Dune of Pyla.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Each session is tailored to the requirements of the participants.
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.
A fine example of the French ‘Maison de Maitre’, La Brugère is an impressive and elegant property, surrounded by a spacious, attractive garden with an eye catching pool area, and only a 5 minute drive from the charming town of Duras, home to cafes, restaurants, and shops. In short, La Brugère is a superb haven for groups of any size to reunite and enjoy a memorable holiday.
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.
Nestled in the picturesque countryside not far from the pretty bastide of Lalinde on the banks of the River Dordogne, Le Clos des Chênes is one of the most beautifully restored farmhouses and its setting one of the most restful we have come across.
Situated on the border between Dordogne and Lot et Garonne, Le Brame’s location allows easy exploration of the towns, chȃteaux and landscapes that these two stunning regions offer. Within a 10 to 15 minute drive there are three lovely bastide towns, Villeréal, Monpazier and Monflanquin, to explore, as well as the Chȃteau de Biron which during the summer hosts concerts and light shows. Standing proudly atop a hill, this impressive castle can be seen from the terrace at Le Brame.
Beaches and ocean, forest and lakes meet in perfect harmony in this much sought after area south of Bordeaux, known as ‘Bisca Grands Lacs’. Golden sandy beaches line the Atlantic coast as far as the eye can see, walking and cycling trails criss-cross the tranquil verdant pine forests whilst the three ‘Grands Lacs’ offer that tantalising combination of water sports, beaches and swimming alongside vibrant villages and small marinas.
Villa Gaume is located on the front line a few steps from the famous Dune du Pyla and the Corniche.
L'Autre Vie, an 18th century farmhouse, is a blend of a traditional bed and breakfast and a chic boutique hotel surrounded by the famous vineyards of Bordeaux.
This guest house, that is nestled in the Entre-deux-Mers region, where the sunny slopes are covered with vineyards, will charm you with both the simplicity and robustness of a stone building, and with its stillness of the vineyards.
