Marcheprime – History, Culture and Parks

Marcheprime offers travelers a range of points of interest: the church and historic traces of Croix d’Hins, various uses for the parks, and cultural and seasonal activities. When planning, it is important to distinguish between local history and activities tied to a specific program year.

The Church and the History of Croix d’Hins

The church in Marcheprime was built by Émile Pereire in 1862. The initials E. P. are still engraved beneath its vault. The year of construction and the inscription provide two specific points of reference for the church’s history: a dated building and a surviving detail.

Aviation and radiotelegraphy are intertwined as historical themes at Croix d’Hins. In 1909, the department of Gironde’s first airfield was located there; it was also where Léon Delagrange made his first flight in Gironde. The Lafayette TSF station built at Croix d’Hins was the world’s most powerful radiotelegraph station. Four buildings dating from the time of its construction, as well as the ruins of the former workshop and former dining hall, still remain on the station site.

Unlike the church, Croix d’Hins is not about a single building: the focus here is on a dated aviation event and the surviving parts of a technical facility. A commemorative stele was also erected on the Croix d’Hins site on January 10, 2010.

Culture and Seasonal Activities

La Caravelle’s 2025–2026 season included an artistic program featuring theater, dance, singing and comedy. Since the programs change every year, check the season that coincides with your travel dates before planning a visit.

For 2026, the Miellerie’s seasonal visitor program in Marcheprime includes an explanation of honey production, from hive to jar. Children can make small beeswax candles during the visit. Check the relevant dates again before planning a visit.

Parks and Getting Around

The Parc de la Possession has places for children to play. The Parc de l’Église is a place to read, while fishing is listed as an activity at Lac de Croix d’Hins. The locations can be distinguished by their intended use: playing and reading are associated with the two parks, while fishing is associated with Lac de Croix d’Hins. Check local regulations before fishing.

Thirteen MOBI elements have been installed in Marcheprime: three information totems, five directional posts, two directional posts with maps, and three bicycle stands. The signage is intended to make it easier to get around town and encourage sustainable mobility.

Dates for Planning Your Trip

The activities have different timeframes: La Caravelle is tied to a season that changes annually, while the Miellerie has a seasonal visitor program. If either is important to your trip, check the relevant dates against your travel dates. By contrast, the church, airfield and station are part of the town’s history through their construction dates, events and surviving structures.

Discover more destinations: Monsegur, Martillac, Moulis-En-Médoc, Libourne, Avensan, Vertheuil, Saint-Morillon, Saint-André-De-Cubzac

For the broader travel guide: Gironde.