If we had to define the city of Bordeaux in two emojis, it would surely be with the classic glass of red wine, coupled with the iconic château. The Bordeaux Wine Route is dotted with them. Classic, medieval, gothic… On this International Châteaux Day, Bordeaux Secret focuses (circumflex) on the finest treasures of Bordeaux’s heritage, with a non-exhaustive list.
1) Château Margaux: the most historic
An architectural gem listed as a historic monument since 1946, this 19th-century neo-Palladian villa was designed by Louis Combes on a wine estate of considerable size (262 hectares) and renown (premier grand cru classé)! In short, it’s the most important neoclassical building in the Bordeaux region.
📌 33460 Margaux-Cantenac
2) Château Pichon-Longueville: the most emblematic
In the vineyards of Pauillac (73 hectares) stands a 19th-century château with turrets, whose neo-Renaissance façade is reflected in a mirror of water. Owned by Baron Pichon, after whom the appellation is named, it is classified as the second Grand Cru in the official classification of Bordeaux wines, thus earning its second place in the ranking.
📌 D2, 33250 Pauillac
3) Château Cheval Blanc: the most modern
In addition to its unique territory, what makes this exceptional château so special is the modern architecture of its winery, designed by Christian de Portzamparc. With its graceful curves, two white concrete waves surfing over an artificial hill populated by wild grasses, this futuristic vessel emerges from the vineyards like a UFO in the Bordeaux wine panorama.
📌 1 Cheval Blanc, 33330 Saint-Émilion
4) Château La Dominique: the most avant-garde
Just a stone’s throw from the Cheval Blanc (which can be admired from the terrace of its panoramic restaurant), lies an equally atypical château that rivals its neighbor in extravagance. With its reflective red metal plates creating an inverted mirror effect, this chateau by Jean Nouvel is one of the most recognizable.
📌 1 La Dominique, 33330 Saint-Émilion
5) Château Les Carmes Haut Brion: the most extraordinary
Here again, we admire the rare beauty of the wine storehouse in the shape of an upturned ship, designed by Philippe Starck himself, the ultimate reference in modern architecture. Located in the heart of Bordeaux, Château Les Carmes Haut Brion is a true haven of peace. Surrounded by water and century-old trees, this château enjoys a unique green setting.
📌 20 Rue des Carmes, 33000 Bordeaux, France
6) Château Lascombes: the most monumental
With 120 hectares of vines, it is one of the largest of the 1855 Crus Classés. In addition to its impressive vineyard, Château Lascombes (Margaux appellation) is a slap in the face of Bordeaux-style elegance. To visit it is to travel between tradition and modernity. Since the 17th century, ten generations of owners have left their mark on the history of this exceptional château.
📌 1, cours de Verdun 33460 Margaux
7) Château Pédesclaux: the most designer of them all
You won’t be surprised to learn that it has been awarded ” Best Of 2018″ in the ” Architecture & Landscape” category… Chis 1855 Grand Cru Classé in the Pauillac vineyards has been renovated by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. The pearl of the château: an 18th-century Carthusian monastery proudly enthroned in a glass cage. A one-of-a-kind masterpiece of finesse and technology!
📌 Route de Pédesclaux, 33250 Pauillac
8) Cos d’Estournel: the most oriental
With its Zanzibar gateway, pagodas and exotic decor, this Saint-Estèphe 1855 Grand Cru Classé has the look and feel of an oriental palace. The story perfectly marks the identity of the place. And with good reason: it was built in the 19th century by Louis-Gaspard d’Estournel, the first Bordeaux winemaker to export his wines to India.
📌 Cos S, 33180 Saint-Estèphe
9) Château de Malle: the most luxuriant
This listed 17th-century château is an architectural masterpiece combining classical and Renaissance elements. But the highlight of the show is its sumptuous 5-hectare Florentine park, where the statues enjoy a spectacular playground: an open-air theater.
📌 33210 Preignac
10) Château du Grand Mouëys: the most secret of them all
This is THE place for wine enthusiasts. The château was originally a Gallo-Roman villa, before becoming an essential stopover on the famous pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in the 19th century. Legend has it that a treasure is still buried here, as the property once belonged to the Templar order..
📌 242 Le Grand-Moueys N, 33550 Capian