Ambarès-et-Lagrave: Heritage, culture and waterscape

Ambarès-et-Lagrave lies 15 km north of Bordeaux, in the heart of the Ambès peninsula and at the tip of Entre-deux-Mers. The Entre-deux-Mers region is bounded by the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. Historic buildings, cultural offerings and a waterscape with opportunities for water sports give the town a variety of facets. When looking for hotels, you can first consider whether your stay will focus more on architectural history, a cultural event or time by the water.

Churches, chapels and architectural history

A church on the site of Église Saint-Pierre is documented as early as the 11th century. The entire church was listed as a historic monument by decree on 16 April 2002. The western portal is attributed to the same period as the early church: it has four archivolts, with five rounded arches resting on paired columns. The building thus brings together an early church history and a finely articulated portal design. The historic monument listing covers the church in its entirety.

Château de Peychaud also brings together architectural and landscape history. It was built by the Marquis de Fayet; its façades and roofs have been listed as historic monuments since 15 March 1966. The estate also includes numerous irrigation and drainage canals that are still present. They add water-management infrastructure to the picture of the estate, while the stated protection status specifically applies to the façades and roofs.

Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Grave was formerly a Templar commandery; its oldest part dates from the 12th century. The church was deconsecrated in 1784. Today, it continues to serve as an agricultural outbuilding and wine cellar. Its history therefore encompasses both its former religious function and a later change of use.

Chapelle Saint-Denis was built around 1875 on the site of the former Chapelle Saint-Denis du Terray d’Aillabau, which had fallen into ruin by the end of the 18th century. The Neo-Gothic building has a Latin cross floor plan, and its stained-glass windows were installed in 1877. The chapel continues to be used for Catholic services. If you are planning to visit the interior, check access arrangements in advance.

A different architectural form can be seen in the old market hall in Ambarès-et-Lagrave: it is a rare example of a hall built on a colonnade. Today, the building is used as a school. The town’s history thus brings together buildings of different designs and present-day functions.

Waterscape and activities

Lac de la Blanche was created on former gravel pits. It covers 60 hectares and consists of several ponds. Activities on the water include boating, sailing and canoeing. These options offer concrete possibilities if you would like to include water sports when choosing your destination.

Site de Peychaud lies within the Natura 2000 area of the Marais du bec d’Ambès and geographically connects Petit Marais and Grand Marais. This describes a link between two parts of the area, while Lac de la Blanche—with its size and water sports opportunities—forms a waterscape of its own.

Culture and local events

During the 2024–2025 season, artist residencies were held regularly at Pôle Culturel Evasion. The programme also included opportunities for meetings, cultural awareness and outreach activities. If you are looking for a particular cultural offering for your trip, check the current programme separately.

The Scènes Croisées event series also took place for the 22nd time during the 2024–2025 season. Four contemporary music groups from Gironde performed at a festive, convivial evening. This edition was a specific cultural event of that season; it does not indicate which events are taking place today.

Visits and tastings at Château Peychaud are available by appointment. Confirm your appointment arrangements again before your visit. This offering differs from a visit to explore architectural history or the landscape at your own pace: making arrangements in advance is explicitly part of planning your visit.

Discover more destinations: Lamothe-Landerron, Casseuil, Fargues, Cardan, Biganos, Saint-Hippolyte, Saint-Selve, Hourtin.

For the broader travel overview: Gironde.