As part of the social events taking place on 1 November, the ENM invites participants to visit two sites which contribute to the wealth of the Girondin tourist landscape.

Château d’Arsac

Arsac, a small French town located in Aquitaine, and more specifically in the Gironde, can be found on the left bank of the Garonne River, bordering the Haut-Médoc wine region and the Landes forest.  The Arsac vineyards form part of the prestigious Margaux and Haut-Médoc appellations.

A visit to Château d’Arsac, one of the oldest Médoc estates, is a must in this region.  These days the Château has taken on a modern identity, thanks to the union of a 900-year-old monument with a modern refurbishment inspired by its new owner.  Château d’Arsac is deemed to be one of the most original châteaux in the Médoc, surrounded by 112 hectares of vineyards and a sculpture garden containing works collected piece by piece since 1992.

With ever-present contemporary vitality, the current owner, Philippe Raoux, inaugurated the first Winery in 2007, a site for modern wine-tourism with a new approach to wine.  A visit to this extraordinary place will also provide the opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of tasting wines from around the world.

Useful information

• departure by bus at 2pm from Place de la République
• visit of Château d’Arsac
• wine tasting at the Winery
• cost 20€

Saint-Emilion

Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO world heritage site, has gained much of its fame throughout the world from its wine-growing industry.  Located in the Gironde, the town is 40 minutes from Bordeaux, nestled on the northern slopes of the Dordogne valley.

Putting the world renown of the Saint-Emilion Appelation d’origine controlee (AOC) to one side, the ENM invites you to visit the town and find out about its heritage.  Its monuments bear witness to a territory which has preserved its historical wine-making landscape, still intact today. Modeled on an amphitheatre, Saint Emilion is more of a village than a town and will unveil its steep alleyways, taking visitors by surprise with its catacombs.  Monuments such as the Trinity Chapel, the bell tower of the monolithic church and the Tour du Roy testify to Saint Emilion’s cultural and historical wealth.

Practical information

• departure by bus at 2pm from Place de la République
• visit the town at your own leisure
• guided tour of the underground sites
• cost 20€

• flat shoes advisable