The town of Cadillac is at the heart of the Entre-deux-Mers, Gironde, about thirty kilometers south of Bordeaux. It is also an hour's drive from the beaches of the Atlantic coast and the famous Arcachon.
Chief town of Canton, Cadillac enjoys an ideal location in the center of a wine region of international fame.
This fortified town founded in 1280 by Jean de Grailly, representing the King of England, still retains its medieval structure, which can be discovered along the interpretive trail.
In the early seventeenth century, the Duke of Épernon, a favorite of Henry III, chooses Cadillac as place of residence and burial and did build a castle. Would follow many constructions such as Closière or church Cadillac.
The wine is the main attraction of the town. There are several wine estates and a house wine.
One can also make a stop at the port of Cadillac on the Garonne, where you can see the yachts, passenger ships and even cruising.
Cadillac offers a pleasant living environment between nature and historical heritage.
Discover the vineyard with many hiking trails from the town. The winemakers of Cadillac will be delighted to discover their estate and their wines. We can notably mention the castles Chasse Pierre, Fayau...
You can also taste local specialties such as saffron from Garonne produced in Béguey or the Mascaret, craft beer produced in Rions. Cadillac also has different restaurants showcasing the specialties of the region.
Among the must-see sites to visit are the Cadillac castle, the Maison des Vins in AOC Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux, the Saint-Blaise-Saint-Martin church founded in 1494.
Nature enthusiasts can go hiking or cycling with family or friends, with various tours offered at the Tourist Office.
You can also admire the Garonne, observe the fauna and flora that compose it, as well as the tidal bore at certain times of the year, an impressive phenomenon characteristic of this river. Indeed, the flow of ocean tides is sensitive to more than one hundred kilometers inland, creating transverse wrinkles. The tidal bore is nowadays much sought after by surfers.
The traditional Cadillac market is held every Saturday morning. This colorful and lively market perpetuates a tradition of more than 8 centuries. More than a hundred merchants offer their products, including the presence of organic producers on a main street. It also includes products from the Garonne basin, as well as handicrafts.
May 1st, the trade fair animates the city Bastide.
In May, the House of Wines organizes the Rally of the old cars of Pentecost.
Cadillac offers in June, July and August the night markets of the Country Producers. This is an opportunity for visitors to meet directly with farmers and artisans for a direct sale, all in a friendly and festive musical atmosphere, with possibility of restoration on site.
The festival of music in June is an opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy a festive atmosphere around music, with scenic spaces installed in the municipal park and the bastide.
On the occasion of the National Day, firefighters Cadillac organize a fireworks on July 13 on the banks of the Garonne, the gardens of the castle are invested for a Republican picnic July 14.
The festival "Les Baladins" at the end of August depicts the country house with live arts: theater, circus and music.
On the Sunday before August 15, a night market "Les Noct'Emplettes" is organized with artisanal products, local, musical entertainment and fireworks.
In September, heritage is honored in the framework of the European Heritage Days.
In December, the Cadillac Christmas market is the place to be for young and old.
Exposition de Peintures de Béatrice LIGAUD
- From 5 march to 1 april 2024
- 2 rue du Cros, Office de Tourisme du Pays de Cadillac
- Béatrice Ligaud began painting nearly 30 years ago, then put down the brushes for a long time before picking them up again 17 years ago. She began offering small paintings to friends and family with specific requests, starting with oils. When she discovered acrylics, she enlarged the surface area of her canvases, and after some time of uncertainty, she finally found what she liked to paint : abstracts, abstract landscapes using brushes and knives, with reliefs of all kinds.
Exposition de Photographie Minimaliste de Marie France Teyssier
- From 19 march to 27 may 2024
- 24 Place de la République, Mairie
- Open the door and enter the world of minimalism applied to photography. It's as if the subjects were painted in black ink - I wish you a pleasant journey !
Journées Portes Ouvertes en Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux
- From 1 to 2 june 2024
- Maison des vins de Cadillac
- During the Pentecost weekend (Saturday and Whit Sunday), 50 wineries will open from 10 am to 7 pm. - The wineries will welcome you to taste red, dry or sweet wine. There are entertainement organised (lunch, food trucks, car rallye, tours) available on the website and the brochure.
Rendez-Vous aux Jardins
- On 2 june 2024
- Jardins du Château, rue Cazeaux-Cazalet
- The "Rendez-vous aux Jardins" event is an opportunity to discover the setting of the château's garden and take part in a fun-filled day out ! Workshops, shows and film screenings await you on Sunday, June 2 ! - Cadillac-sur-Garonne is once again on the program for this national event, which fits in perfectly with its sustainable development approach.
Rions (4 km), is a remarkable fortified town, dominating the Garonne. An interpretation trail allows visitors to discover its defensive belt, its fortified gate and its Saint-Seurin church. There is also a booklet of discovery for children aged 6 to 12 years "On the Trails of Robin" (issued free by the Office of Tourism).
Langoiran (11 km), has a fortress built by the Escoussans during the 13th century. Its enclosures stand on the hillside, dominated by a mighty dungeon. In season, musical evenings and historical re-enactments are organized.
Sainte-Croix-du-Mont (7 km), is known for its caves of fossil oysters, accumulated at the bottom of the seas in the tertiary era. Erosion has grown in the thickness of the bench and the caves are now accessible. A magnificent panorama is offered on the Garonne valley from the terrace of the castle of Tastes.
Loupiac, (2 km), has a Gallo-Roman villa. Its thermal baths with mosaics, make it a must visit. Archeological workshops for children by appointment, wine tasting of the owner at the end of the visit. The medieval fortress of Cros stands on the slopes of Loupiac. It is accessible via a botanical interpretation trail from the vineyard of the same name, below. Guided tour of the fortress by appointment.
In Laroque-Omet (4 km), the Laromet lake is closed to swimming but open to fishing. "Lac aux branches", tree-climbing course accessible from 4 years old are located on the shores of the lake in a protected area.
Between Paillet and Lestiac (5 km) is formed Raymond Island, the last alluvial wetland of the Gironde. Its 44 hectares have a role of wintering, migratory transit, feeding and reproduction of birds. It also serves as pasture for a herd of sheep of race Blanck Face. Two circuits of hiking, belvederes allow to discover this island.
A Le Tourne (11 km), the Chantiers Tramasset, is an emblematic site of river activity. The association restores, rebuilds wooden boats. Possibility of making a guided visit by appointment.