What if, for one evening, the castles of Nouvelle-Aquitaine revealed their secrets by starlight? From October 16 to 18, the Nuit des Châteaux invites curious visitors to discover some of the region’s most beautiful estates in a whole new way. It’s an opportunity to step inside historic sites and explore them in a completely different atmosphere.
A different way to discover Europe’s castles
The Night of the Castles invites you to explore the region’s heritage in a unique atmosphere. The concept: at dusk, castles open their doors exceptionally for nighttime experiences centered around their history, architecture, legends, or even their wine.
Why night tours? Because night shrouds everything it touches in mystery and unveils a very special dimension in these unique places. The facades are plunged into darkness, the hallways take on a different look, and stories from the past seem to resurface.
In France, as elsewhere in Europe, hundreds of estates participate in this initiative. In Nouvelle-Aquitaine, eleven sites are taking part in the 2026 edition, including Château Quintus, La Guionie, and Château Fleur de Roques. The experiences vary by estate, but all offer a chance to rediscover these properties from an unusual perspective.
Legends, wine, and candlelit tours
In La Guionie, the experience truly lives up to its name. Visitors explore the castle by candlelight as they wander from the cellar of a former Templar commandery up to the attic. It’s an original way to trace the castle’s history, amid tales and forgotten intrigues.
In a different atmosphere, the night at Château Quintus is steeped in mystery. Visitors set out to meet the dragon that watches over the estate during a nighttime tour combining heritage, scenery, and wine tasting.
Finally, venture seven meters beneath Château Fleur de Roques to discover its monolithic cellar. This former 16th-century noble residence also offers a food-and-wine pairing tasting in this unique setting. It’s a way to combine the site’s history, architecture, and the pleasures of the vineyard.
And these are just a few of the highlights of this year’s event: Château Haut-Chaigneau, Clos des Menuts, Château Champion, Château Rol Valentin, Château Tour Pourret, Château Soutard, Château Coupelle d’Ertan, and Château de Jumilhac round out the lineup in the Gironde and Périgord regions.
Practical information:
📆 October 16–18, 2026
🎫 Limited seating; reservations required
💰 Prices vary by castle
