Cénac between cycling route, nature and church history

Cénac combines a cycling route along a former railway line, local walking trails, natural areas and the Église Saint-André.

Cycling and walking routes in Cénac

The Voie Verte Roger Lapébie passes through Cénac in the Citon sector, following the route of a former railway line. Over 54 kilometres, it runs through the Entre-Deux-Mers and connects central Bordeaux with Sauveterre-de-Guyenne. The route from Latresne to Sauveterre-de-Guyenne passes through Créon and La Sauve-Majeure. It is worth checking current route conditions before setting off.

A local circular route starts at the station and leads through vineyards and wooded areas to the centre of Cénac and on to Bois Desfonseau. For a different kind of outing, try the « Le peuple des collines creuses » discovery trail: the walk is 1.5 kilometres long, takes an average of 40 minutes and includes some difficult sections. Its length, stated duration and described level of difficulty give you concrete points of reference for planning.

Natural areas and habitats

The Bois de la Pimpine natural area at Étang des souces is located at 24 avenue de Latresne, 33360 Cénac. It covers 15 hectares and is open to the public free of charge year-round. Access may be restricted during fire-risk alerts, so check before visiting whether any such restriction is in place. The area offers ideal conditions for bats: the pond provides abundant insect prey, while trees and underground quarries provide natural habitats and shelter.

Bois Desfonseau comprises four hectares of meadow and woodland in Cénac. It has an orienteering course that is open to everyone; maps are available from the town hall. As map availability may change, it is advisable to enquire in advance. The meadow is also interesting for nature watching: four species of wild orchids have been recorded in Cénac, most recently observed there. Their appearance may vary seasonally. At 15 hectares, Bois de la Pimpine is larger in area than the four-hectare Bois Desfonseau.

The Église Saint-André and its construction phases

The Église Saint-André offers another way to explore Cénac’s history. The oldest parts appear to be the nave walls, which retain small original Romanesque window openings and point to a construction date in the 11th century. The choir is characteristic of the 12th or early 13th century. These indications of age sit alongside a later alteration: the church was fortified in the 16th century during the Wars of Religion. A firing chamber with loopholes was built above the apse. The nave, choir and apse thus reveal different construction phases and the fortifications of the time.

Discover more destinations: Bourg, Doulezon, Mérignac, Les Billaux, Begadan, Queyrac, Cambes, Brach.

For the broader travel overview: Gironde.