Boucle vélo: autour de Parsac et Saint-Georges

‘Montagne castle dates back no further than the 14th century. At that time it had three towers, one of which was polygonal and inside the keep, and the others circular, flanking an oblong building at the east and west corners of its south face. This oldest part, to the south of the current castle, is also a little higher, and the keep, with its machecoulis and domed gatehouse, dominates it, as does the entire manor house’. Raymond Guinodie, Histoire de Libourne et des autres villes et Bourgs et son Arrondissement, Tome 3, 1876. After being restored by Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century, the Château des Tours gradually fell into ruin. It is privately owned.

Acquired in 2003 by Benjamin and Ariane de Rothschild, the estate covers 86 hectares in two appellations, Puisseguin and Montagne Saint Emilion.

Look out over the ruins of Château Malangin, a fortress built by Gaillard de Malangin, a loyalist of King Edward III of England. Built on a site occupied since prehistoric times to create a series of strongholds during the Hundred Years' War.

The parish church of Parsac is a simple building on a rocky outcrop overlooking the River Barbanne. Contrary to certain texts, this church does not date back to the 15th century, but is indeed of Romanesque foundation. Notre-Dame de Parsac was built in three phases, from the end of the 11th to the end of the 12th century, with little alteration in subsequent centuries. The church has a domed bell tower, and sculpted features from the Romanesque period can still be seen on the exterior and interior of the building.

Château Saint Georges has belonged to the Desbois family since 1891, and enjoys an exceptional panoramic view over the surrounding hillsides of St Emilion. The 4 towers tell the story of a feudal château, and the classical-style façade is the work of the famous architect Victor Louis, who also built the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. Château St Georges is a 45-hectare family wine estate. Visits by appointment: 05 57 74 79 70 or 05 57 74 62 11

The ecomuseum offers an ‘original and lively’ way to discover the region's vine and wine civilisation. A museographical tour combining discovery, authenticity, sensory emotion, social history, traditions linked to vines and wine, science and technology.... Information/reservations: 05.57.74.56.89