We’ve already told you about the beaches, the restaurants, the guinguettes and the vineyards, but the Bordeaux region is also and above all about châteaux, and what châteaux they are! Although they differ in style and architecture, they all have one thing in common: they’re magnificently imposing! That’s why Bordeaux Secret has chosen to focus (circumflex) on these marvels of Gironde heritage!
1. Château Margaux: the most historic
An architectural gem classified as a historic monument since 1946, this 19th-century neo-Palladian villa was designed by Louis Combes on a wine estate of stature (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 Pauillac vineyards (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
What makes this exceptional château so special, in addition to its unique territory, is the modern architecture of its winery designed by Christian de Portzamparc. With its graceful curves; two white concrete waves surfing on an artificial hill populated by wild grasses, this futuristic vessel emerges amidst the vines 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 a no less 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, this 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 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 … This1855 Grand Cru Classé in the Pauillac vineyards was renovated by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. The pearl of the château: an 18th-century Carthusian monastery that sits proudly in the middle of 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 false hints of an oriental palace. The history of the estate perfectly reflects its identity. 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 17th-century Château classified as a Monument Historique is an architectural masterpiece blending elements of classical and Renaissance styles. But the highlight 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 all
This is THE place for wine enthusiasts. This château was originally a Gallo-Roman villa, before becoming an essential stopover on the famous Camino de 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