Discover Begadan: Wine, Walking Routes and Heritage

Begadan offers several ways to plan your trip: the historic heritage of Église Saint-Saturnin, a signposted route starting at Port de By, and insights into winegrowing. The Gironde estuary also features in the views and historical references. If you’re looking for a hotel, consider whether you’d like to focus your stay on architectural history, wine visits or a route through the countryside. Local offerings vary in their themes and the types of visits available.

Church, harbour and traces of history

Église Saint-Saturnin preserves a 12th-century apse. The choir and apse were listed as historic monuments in 1862. The church thus brings together two historical periods: the medieval structure and the later listing of the choir and apse. The grounds of Château Laujac are also included in the supplementary register of historic monuments. Château Laujac also offers a tour with a tasting; check the visiting arrangements before you arrive.

Port de By is the starting point for the Boucle de la Tour de By. It appears to have been built towards the end of the 17th century, after the marshes were drained. Château La Tour de By has a former lighthouse, built in 1825 to guide fishermen and sailors on the nearby Gironde estuary. Together, the harbour and lighthouse offer different historical insights: into the period after the marshes were drained and the former use of the estuary for navigation.

The Boucle de la Tour de By

The Boucle de la Tour de By is signposted in one direction. It starts at Port de By, follows the D2 and returns via the D3. The route runs alongside vineyards and the Gironde estuary and offers panoramic views. It is designated as a cultural, nature and wine route. The Boucle opened on 1 June 2018. The starting point and road sequence provide practical guidance for planning; nevertheless, check the route markers and conditions before setting off.

Wine visits and different perspectives

At Château La Branne, vineyards create a peaceful, nature-rich setting; the estate is described as an island of vines. Visitors can tour the cellars and, depending on the season, learn about work in the vineyard or cellar. Château La Branne also offers wine tastings. At Château Labadie, visitors can likewise tour the cellars and learn about the cultivation methods used in the vineyard. Red and white wines with the AOC Médoc designation are available to taste there. The experiences at the two estates differ: La Branne also offers a seasonal perspective on work in the vineyard or cellar, while Labadie introduces visitors to cultivation methods and its wine selection. Check the arrangements for visits and tastings before you arrive.

Château La Tour de By offers two visitor trails. One passes through 94 hectares of vineyards; the other leads to the Tour de By, with panoramic views over the Gironde. Along the promenade, information panels provide details about heritage, terroir and vineyards. These trails therefore differ from cellar visits: the focus is on the vineyard areas, views of the Gironde and information along the promenade. Check access arrangements before you arrive.

Plan your stay

Consider whether you’d rather spend your time on the Boucle, visiting historic sites or exploring the different wine experiences. The Boucle offers a signposted route with sections along roads; the wineries differ in their tastings, cellar tours and seasonal insights. This lets you match your choice of destination to your plans without treating the different types of visit as interchangeable.

Discover more destinations: Coutras, Saint-Martin-Du-Bois, Bassanne, Pondaurat, Eysines, Bazas, Civrac-En-Médoc, Gauriac.

For the broader travel overview: Gironde.