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The Scandibérique

La Scandibérique is the French part of Eurovéloroute 3 linking Trondheim in Norway to Santiago de Compostela in Spain over 5122 km. The route crosses France from North to South over more than 1700 km and is the only major route to connect Paris and Bordeaux. In Gironde, the route of approximately 180 km crosses Libournais, Entre-Deux-Mers, Bordeaux and South Gironde. For your greatest pleasure, we reveal the essential stages of the Scandibérique in Gironde to put stars in your eyes (it's a gift!)

The Scandiberic in Gironde

Gaiters
This village, located on the right bank of the Isle, is home to two Historic Monuments: the Notre-Dame abbey church, adorned with a superb Saintonge style portal and the well of Belisle called "Henri IV", from the 17e century. But what we love in Guîtres is its old railway station. It hosts 1er May to October 31, an authentic steam train that takes visitors on a discovery of the Isle valley. For the more athletic, you can also try your hand at cyclerail, an unusual activity not to be missed!

Libourne

Libourne or "the goddaughter of Bordeaux", is the only bastide in Gironde built on the right bank of the Dordogne. Its completely redesigned quays invite you to take a walk, on foot and of course by bike. In the heart of the city, there is no shortage of marvels: Place Abel Surchamp and its covered houses, the Porte du Grand Port (the only remaining vestige of the 14th century fortified enclosure still visible) and its two 15th century towers: the Richard Tower and Barrée Tower. And for those with a sweet tooth, don't miss the market with the colors and flavors of the South West on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Saint-Émilion
We owe the birth of Saint-Émilion to a Breton monk, who went into exile in the 8th century in the forest of Combes, which covered the current site of the city, to found a hermitage there. He undertook the construction of a monumental underground church, which remains to this day the largest monolithic church in Europe ! Today, the vineyards of Saint-Émilion and the eight municipalities under its jurisdiction are classified as World Heritage by UNESCO as “cultural landscapes”, a unique privilege for a wine-growing region. Don't miss the catacombs, the collegiate church and its cloister (12th-14th centuries), the Couvent des Cordeliers, the Tour du Roy...

©EBerthier

Sauve
Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO as part of the Routes of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, the Sauve-Majeure abbey was erected in 1079 in the heart of a vast forest (“sylva major”) by Gérard de Corbie. We advise you to climb to savor the superb view of Entre-deux-Mers from the top of the 13th century bell tower.

Creon
The bastide of Créon is a must see! It has retained its arcaded square and its old houses. You can wander through its alleys at will. Besides, an unusual anecdote, did you know that it was in Créon that the first bike station in France was born in 2000 (and yes, we are rather proud!)

Bordeaux
Where to start ? Bordeaux is 2000 years of history and not a wrinkle! Bordeaux is wine and UNESCO. In 2007, its registration is an international first, because it is more than 1810 hectares which are then classified. This is also what makes the charm of this city, the monuments surprise us at every street corner. The Grand Théâtre, Place de la Bourse and its "water mirror"; The Saint-André cathedral, the Saint-Seurin and Saint-Michel basilicas, we no longer know where to turn! The Porte Cailhau and the Grosse Cloche, former belfries of the city, are remarkable. Do you want more ? Go and discover the remains of the Palais Gallien, Gallo-Roman amphitheater, the picturesque districts of Saint-Pierre, Saint-Paul and Saint-Michel or the Museum of Contemporary Art, located in a former warehouse of colonial foodstuffs (Chartrons district) . 
Finally, the quays are ideal for a very pleasant bike ride over almost 7 km. Ideal for being seduced by the beauty of the city!

La brède
The Château de La Brède, anchored in the magnificent lands of South-Gironde, was born in 1689, an illustrious man: Charles Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brède and Montesquieu. Known throughout the world for his works "Les Lettres Persanes" and "De l'Esprit des Lois", the man of letters, magistrate and President of the Parliament of Bordeaux regularly stayed at La Brède, finding there an environment conducive to reflection. and writing. Walk in his footsteps during a visit to the castle. A wide avenue leads to the Gothic-style castle (13th century), surrounded by a body of water, moats and a very beautiful English-style park dominated by a dungeon. Montesquieu's bedroom is preserved in its 18th century state, it's remarkable!

The cough
Right in the heart of Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park, The Gérard Lagors departmental sports and leisure area is home to more than 600 ha of Sensitive Natural Areas, equipped for the discovery of the natural environment and the practice of outdoor recreation. You will be able to enjoy in particular by mountain bike 6 routes (from 9 to 21 km) around the 5 lakes of the domain (from 6 years old). In the middle of summer, it's the perfect place for a swimming break.

Vilandraut
Villandraut Castle constitutes a fine example of the defensive architecture of the years 1300-1400 in Gironde. A veritable fortress palace, its walls housed the pontifical court of Clement V, the first of Avignon born in Villandraut in 1264. This building will serve as a model for other strong constructions of Bazadais, in particular the Roquetaillade Castle a few kilometers away.

Château de Villandraut© David Remazeilles (Gironde Tourisme)

Langon
On the left bank of the Garonne, Langon is at the heart of the Graves and Sauternes terroir, the cradle of Bordeaux wines (the first vines were planted there on the 1er century !). The painter Toulouse-Lautrec was particularly fond of this port. He set up his summer studio at Chateau Malrome a few miles away, where his mother lived.

Saint Macaire
Overlooking the Garonne, Saint-Macaire retains magnificent fortified gates from the Middle Ages and ramparts from the 13e century. Its Saint-Sauveur church and murals), the priory as well as the Mercadiou square and its superb medieval houses are not to be missed. Close to Saint-Macaire is the Domaine de Malagar. Classified as a Historic Monument in 1996, the mansion inherited by the writer François Mauriac in 1927 has become a place of living culture which offers, from May to October, meetings, debates, readings, shows and concerts. The old cellar houses a magnificent exhibition room devoted to the life of François Mauriac (photos, historical documents, videos, etc.). The house, as Mauriac knew it, can also be visited, we recommend it!

La Reole
In 2013, La Réole became City of Art and History, (the smallest town in France, but what pride!). A well-deserved recognition for this city which has managed to preserve and enhance its important Gallo-Roman and medieval heritage. Stop for a few moments to admire the Saint-Pierre church (12e century), the fortified castle of the Quat'Sos (end of the 13th century), the Benedictine priory and its entrance gate, a true masterpiece of ironwork from the 18th century, as well as the oldest Town Hall in France (12th century), the remains of a 13th-14th century wall and many half-timbered houses.

And what about its breathtaking view of the Garonne! We never tire.

Grille Blaise Charlut au monastère des Bénédictins à La Réole © David Remazeilles (Gironde Tourisme)

Castets-et-Castillon
Overlooking the Garonne valley, Castets-et-Castillon is located at the gates of the peaceful Canal de Garonne which connects the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, in the extension of the Canal du Midi. It is also one of the gateways to the Canal of the 2 Seas by bike, whose shady course is lined with age-old plane trees and remarkable works of art. Before leaving the Gironde, you can admire in Castets: the port, the mill, and the remains of the promontory placed under the benevolence of the Château du Hamel (14th century).

You have arrived at the end of the must-see sites of the Scandibérique in Gironde.
Bon voyage and see you soon in Gironde.