Ambès is a town in the Gironde, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, 25 km north-east of Bordeaux.
Its territory of nearly 29 km² has two particularities. The first: it is crossed by the 45th parallel north, which places it at an equal distance from the North Pole and the equator, or 5,000 km. The second: it occupies the north of Entre-deux-Mers, this peninsula formed by the confluence of two rivers, the Dordogne to the north and the Garonne to the south, which then constitute the Gironde estuary. Only the tip of the peninsula, paradoxically called the beak of Ambès, enriched with alluvium, falls under the municipality of Bayon-sur-Gironde…
The village was formed on the left bank of the Dordogne, to the east, while on the right bank of the Garonne, to the west of the town, between the two world wars, refineries and industries serving and extending the port of Bordeaux were established. Fortunately, vineyards and wooded areas serve as a green crown protecting the town which now has nearly 3,200 inhabitants.
The historical and natural heritage of Ambès which had two parishes until the Revolution and its offer of cultural and "nature" leisure activities make it a unique stopover but of great interest in the heart of a region so rich in tourist sites major.
Succeeding a Romanesque church then dedicated to Saint Roch and which had been rebuilt a few years before the Revolution, the current Notre-Dame church dates from 1898, erected in a neo-Gothic style. We can notice its nave and its aisles of five rib-vaulted bays, its three-sided apse and its porch bell tower with a stone spire. In addition to the stained glass windows of the master Henri Curcier, one observes inside the beautiful gates of the chapel of the Virgin (XVIIIth), statues of the XIXth century and especially an organ by the famous Aristide Cavaillé-Coll originally designed for a living room, and which was given to the parish. With a listed neo-Romanesque buffet, it has been renovated.
However, in terms of heritage, the jewel of the municipality of Ambès is the Château de Sainte-Barbe, built in 1760 on an estate established in 1601. In accordance with the architectural canons of the region, it is composed of a One-story main building, in length, with a slightly advanced pavilion in the center framed by flat pilasters, and adorned with a triangular pediment. The whole rests on vaulted cellars. The outbuildings and the park date from the 19th century, when the interior decor was also redesigned.
Protected as a historical monument, the château is at the center of a 30 hectare vineyard which has developed commercially thanks to the Garonne. The visit includes a history of the site, the presentation of the know-how and a tasting. Information on +33 5 56 77 59 57.
In addition to the old Burck castle (18th century), once a residential vocation in the heart of the vineyards and now remodeled, housing the headquarters of a company, several other elements of interest are to be found see in terms of the built heritage: representative of the architecture of the 1950s, the Lumen cinema (still in service: information on +33 5 56 49 60 55), a gas station from the same period and especially an old one workers' city. Linked to the demographic boom in recent decades, houses with resolutely contemporary architecture have also been built.
With regard to cultural leisure activities, Ambès has first-rate equipment which has recently been extended and modernized. This is the case of the François-Mitterrand media library which has a multimedia room and offers regular entertainment (readings, meetings) and the Espace des 2 Rives, which hosts quality shows (theater, concerts) and also aims to be place of residence of creation for companies. Information on +33 5 56 77 11 35 and +33 6 18 43 15 50.
As regards sports and "nature" leisure activities, Ambès has a wonderful site with the Cantefrêne park, built on old gravel pits. Vast 65 hectares, the space is dotted with three ponds and includes walking paths, play areas, ping-pong tables, mini-golf, a cycle path, a fitness trail, picnic areas. fuck. Young and old alike are sure to have a good time there.
Note that a city-stadium is also located in the locality (rue Lamande) and that in addition, the Caneton swimming pool, rue Modigliani, which is next to tennis courts (reservation at +33 5 56 77 11 35), is an asset winter and summer. In fine weather, part of the roof is uncovered and swimming and relaxation are combined with an outdoor solarium. Information on +33 5 56 77 12 26.
The banks of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers are obviously popular with fishermen. Find out about suitable sites and regulations from the local association on +33 6 80 56 58 00.
For hiking enthusiasts, finally, routes including, for example, the Grillon belvedere overlooking the Dordogne (d 'where you can enjoy a point of view on the village), the woods and vineyards of the town, even incursions on the end of the Pointe d'Ambès or the neighboring towns. Maps and information on +33 5 56 00 66 00.
