Mourens – Winegrowing, History and Walking Trails
Accommodation in Mourens
Winegrowing shapes the rural character
Mourens is a rural village whose character is shaped predominantly by winegrowing. More than 600 hectares of vineyards give this focus a tangible scale. Winegrowing thus stands alongside historic buildings and opportunities for walking as a defining part of the village’s profile. When planning a stay, you can give different weight to these themes: the wines draw attention to production, the churches and historical connections span several eras, and the trails offer opportunities to explore the outdoors.
Château Peyrines produces red, rosé and white wines, including a dry Entre-deux-Mers white wine. Château Chatagnau offers tastings of all its products in Mourens. Since visitor arrangements may change, it is advisable to check in advance if you are planning a tasting. Production and tasting are two distinct aspects of wine: one describes the wines, the other a visitor experience.
Churches and history
The Church of Saint-Martin was built in the first half of the 12th century and fortified in the 16th century during the Wars of Religion. Its construction and subsequent fortification mark different phases in its history. It also has a wall-belfry, considered relatively rare in the region. The church therefore offers several specific points of interest for anyone interested in architectural history: when it was built, how it was later altered, and one distinctive architectural feature.
Another architectural highlight is the Chapel of Saint-Pierre de Montpezat, a small Romanesque building. Its stone porch provided shelter for pilgrims on the Way of St James, adding an earlier protective function to its architectural significance. The history of Montpezat is also linked to a precise date: on 11 February 1857, Napoleon III signed the decree annexing it to Mourens. Under the Ancien RĂ©gime, Mourens belonged to the Seigneurie de Benauge. The chapel points to a religious and architectural connection, while the annexation describes a later political change.
Mills and trails in the surrounding area
Mills are also part of the village’s historical heritage. The Moulin Gaucher windmill was known for its unusual feature of turning backwards. The Peyrines windmill is badly damaged. These two references draw attention to different aspects: the unusual feature of the Moulin Gaucher and the condition of the building at Peyrines.
Numerous walking trails can be explored from Mourens or in the surrounding area. Another destination is Château du Haut Benauge in Arbis, 7 km from Mourens. The medieval fortress is listed in the heritage inventory and open for guided tours. Since visitor arrangements may change, it is advisable to confirm them before travelling. The motorway is also relevant when planning your journey: it can be reached from Mourens in 15 minutes; travel time may vary depending on the route and traffic.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: Lagorce, Lussac, Marions, Tauriac, Le Bouscat, Saint-Seurin-sur-l'Isle, Belvès-De-Castillon, Tayac.
Go to the main travel overview: Gironde.
