Le Pian-Médoc is a city in Gironde, in the Aquitaine region, 20 kilometers north-west of Bordeaux.
Located in the natural region of the Medoc, near the Gironde estuary, the town has the specificity of having a village and several hamlets formerly independent villages. Its vast territory of 30 km² is made up of two thirds of cultivated land (vines) and forests.
On the wine plan, the areas present on the locality belong to the appellation Haut Médoc, which adjoins the famous Margaux appellation.
Until the sixteenth century, the lands of Pian-Medoc are the fief of Agassac. In 1601, the lordship of Le Pian emancipated. Lord Francis of Alesme is based in the noble house of Geneste.
After the revolution, the commune with the activity already based on the vine and the forestry exploitation conserves a modest population. The milestone of the thousand inhabitants was crossed only in the years 1960 and starting from the 1980s, taking advantage of the development of the conurbation Bordeaux, the city becomes a residential commune famous for its frame of life. Le Pian-Médoc now has nearly 6,200 inhabitants but its rich heritage, its vineyards and its forest make it a stage of interest.
The city has a number of high-quality architectural buildings, most of which are in the center of famous wineries. We will discover them through a walk in the form of heritage discovery.
Former residence of the lords of Pian-Medoc, Geneste Castle is the oldest estate, built in the fourteenth century and property of the Marquis d'Alesme from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century. From the original castle there remains only the circular tower covered with a very original conical roof. The building has been enriched by a main building that has transformed its first vocation as a castle into a noble residence. The castle has a large park planted with exotic trees.
To see also, the castle of Malleret. It is considered the most elegant of the municipality. Built on a hill overlooking the course of the Jalle, the castle Malleret was first a farm belonging to a rider of the king. It was then transformed into a Louis XV style chateau and an English style stud completed the ensemble. Adorned with carved facades, with a porch guarded by two lions and a cornice cornice surmounting the central door, the castle is an example of classicism. The interior houses 18th century woodwork.
We can still mention the castle Sénéjac whose origins date back to the fifteenth century before being reworked over the centuries, even if the decor is of medieval inspiration (false machicolations). Former head of a barony, it is at the center of a rich set of vineyards.
Other buildings called "castles" as in the whole of the Bordeaux region, dating from the nineteenth century, punctuate the territory even if it is usually only rich mansions or homes... This is the case of castles of Bellegrave du Poujeau and Duthil, for example.
On the religious level, a stop is justified at the level of the Saint-Seurin church, Romanesque style, erected in the twelfth century and restored in the nineteenth. The chevet and the rectangular bell tower have been classified as historical monuments.
Finally, the hermitage of Lamouroux (eighteenth) and many crosses are located on the town.
The other rich heritage of Pian-Médoc are its communal or private forests which total an area of 2,000 hectares. One part is planted with softwoods as in the Landes and the other with hardwoods, around vineyard plots or towards the sometimes marshy lands near the estuary, to the north.
Many hiking or mountain biking can include these elements of heritage, such as forests and vineyards (whose cuvées are obviously to be enjoyed in moderation).
Documentation and information on +33 5 56 62 61 40. Obviously, it is also possible to prefer thematic routes, especially for wines.
For the sportsmen, it is possible to play a game of tennis by contacting the local club on +33 5 56 70 27 11 or to join the exit of the club of cyclo-tourism (to contact +33 6 75 04 65 65 or +33 6 72 82 76 02).
However, since 1983, it is the magnificent golf of the Médoc implanted on the locality which makes the reputation of the commune. It has two 18-hole courses prized by the best specialists on the continent. Information on +33 5 56 70 11 90.
In terms of culture, reading and exhibitions activities are regularly offered at the library. Information on +33 5 56 35 17 74.
July 14th, on the occasion of the National Day, farmers market, musical entertainment and fireworks in the evening.
On the third weekend of September, the fair Pian program including garage sale, shopping and hiking and fairground attractions.
The third weekend of November, theater festival (shows amateur and professional troops).
