Castle / Ruins Sights in Bordeaux

This château dates back to the 14th century when it was remodelled in a Renaissance style. In 1689 it was the birthplace of the philosopher Charles Louis de Montesquieu.

Situated on the left bank of the gironde estuary, opposite the Citadel of Blaye and the Fort Pate, it was built by Vauban in the 17th century. The three buildings together formed a barrier to block the Gironde estuary from attack.

Built for the Duke of Epernon in the 16th century, this lavish château contained over 50 bedrooms!

The fortified citadel at Blaye, standing on the opposite bank of the river Gironde to Fort Médoc, forms, along with Fort Paté, the region's 17th-century defence against river attack.

Sited to the west of Saint-Emilion, the impressive square stone keep of this grand King's castle is all that now remains. The views of the city from the tower are well worth the 118 steps.

'Roquetaillade', meaning carved out of rock, references the troglodyte caves underneath the castle.

The home and birth place of Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592), he was one of the most significant philosophers of the French Renaissance, known for popularising the essay as a literary genre.