Listrac-Médoc: Wine, Walking Trails and Crafts

Listrac-Médoc brings together winegrowing, trails through vineyards and woodland, and local crafts and cultural heritage. These local features offer different ways to explore the area and help you plan your days according to your interests.

Wine and landscape

The red wines of Listrac-Médoc combine a pronounced, tannin-rich structure with power and roundness. Cabernet Sauvignon contributes power, while Merlot adds roundness and fruitiness. The two grape varieties can therefore be understood as distinct accents in the wine style described. The appellation lies mainly on a gravel terrace that protects the forest massif to the west from sea winds. At 43 metres, Listrac-Médoc is the highest point in the Médoc.

Circular trails and an annual walking event

The Sentier du Grand Riou is an easy 14-kilometre circular route through the vineyards and forests of Listrac-Médoc. It runs mainly along vineyard tracks and forest paths and presents no particular difficulties. The Tournée des Cuviers offers a different way to explore the area on foot: held every year on the Saturday of Easter, the event is open to walkers, hikers and runners. One option is described as a circular route, while the other is tied to an annual event date.

The Tournée des Cuviers uses several circular routes of 8 and 17 kilometres, or 21 kilometres in some years. They pass through the vineyards and by the châteaux of the Listrac-Médoc AOC. The participating winegrowers open their cellars and winery buildings especially for the occasion, where participants can taste Listrac wine. Dates and registration arrangements may vary from one edition to the next, so check the details for the relevant edition before travelling. For the Sentier du Grand Riou, it is also advisable to check local trail conditions before setting out.

Tours and tastings

Château Liouner offers tours, tastings and the chance to discover the vineyard throughout the year. Various events are also held depending on the season. This means there are year-round offerings as well as activities tied to a particular season. When planning, allow for reservations and possible changes to the programme, and check the latest dates in advance.

Crafts and architecture

Les Grès Médocains is a family-run artisan brickworks and pottery in Listrac-Médoc. Guided tours and pottery workshops are offered; reservations are required, and activities may change. During school holidays, discovery workshops combine a guided tour of the production site with working with clay and making an object. If you plan to include this activity, check the dates and reservation options in advance.

The Église Saint-Martin also offers concrete architectural points of interest: its Romanesque choir dates from the 12th century. The square bell tower was built in the 16th century and is topped with a short stone spire. The dates of the choir and tower bring two distinct building periods within the church into focus, without the need for a long list of other sights.

Getting your bearings

The Listrac-Médoc Tourist Office offers a treasure hunt using a free geocaching app; several caches are located in the municipal forest. This adds a digital treasure hunt to the wine and cultural attractions. As the offer may change, check its availability before your visit. The road connection is also useful for finding your way: Listrac-Médoc lies on the D1215 departmental road, which connects Bordeaux with Le Verdon-sur-Mer.

Discover more destinations: Escaudes, Cissac-Médoc, Bourg, Fours, Gensac, Saint-Laurent-Médoc, La Brède, Pessac-Sur-Dordogne.

For the broader travel overview: Gironde.