Le Nizan is a commune in the Gironde department, in the New Aquitaine region, 10 km south-west of Langon.
Its territory of 15 km² was once part of Bazadais, a district comprising part of the provinces of Gascony to the south and Guyenne to the north. Long renowned for its livestock, this region has been marked by reforestation and the growth of the Landes forest, to the west and south.
In fact, the locality nowadays presents particularly green landscapes, covered with forests (74% of its area) as well as agricultural areas and meadows (20%).
Although traces of a tumulus surrounded by ditches dating from the 6th century have been brought to light, the village only really developed from the 11th century around a church founded by the Templars.
Later, the small seigneury and the parish depended on the castle of Roquetaillade, located in Mazères, on the "northern" limit of the current town.
Today, Le Nizan is still close to major sites (Roquetaillade, therefore, but also the Sauternes vineyards). The locality, which has around 500 inhabitants, highlights its historical and natural heritage which will appeal to holidaymakers who love green and relaxing tourism...
The jewel of the municipal heritage is the parish church of Saint-Martin. Romanesque in style, now listed in the Inventory, it was built in the 11th century by the Templars. From the 16th century, however, alterations were made and only the original choir (barrel vaulted), the semi-circular apse and the square bell tower were preserved. We observe that the choir and the apse are decorated with decorations on two floors of arcades which rest on carved capitals.
The remodeled nave includes a cross-vaulted aisle with stone ribs. The portal has moldings (15th century) and the capitals with sculptures depicting grotesque characters date from the Renaissance (16th century). Thanks to the dynamism of the priest then assigned to the parish, in the second half of the 20th century, the church benefited from a quality restoration. We will thus notice the statue of Saint Martin and the altar due to the sculptor Daniel Dufourg, masonry work carried out according to the rules of the art, a new Stations of the Cross but also three stained glass windows illuminating the Romanesque choir donated by the writer and Nobel Prize winner François Mauriac, originally from the region (his estate of Malagar, which has become a museum, is located in Saint-Maixant, near Langon), and who appreciated the place. A visit is a must!
Information at the town hall on +33 5 56 25 11 58.
There are only a few remains (including a window) of the old Templar house nearby.
On the cultural level, it should also be noted that the workshop of a craftsman specializing in rubber work ("upcycling" from tires) is located in the town. Information on +33 6 62 95 25 50.
In the village, as in other localities in the region, is established the Cercle de Gascogne, a friendly space where you can have a drink but also, depending on the program, attend a concert or a show, visit an exhibition, play a game of cards or quite simply meet locals in a warm atmosphere. Contact on +33 5 58 25 09 47.
Then place the tremendous potential available to hiking enthusiasts in the territory and the surrounding area. Many loops allow you to discover the rich Landes forest, whether they are marked trails for walkers or secure routes for cyclists. Some of these paths include the nearby Château de Roquetaillade and it is also easy to reach from Le Nizan the famous wine estates of Sauternes. Maps and information on +33 5 56 25 25 84.
During one of these walks, you can see the unusual accommodations of the Ecotelia estate, established on eight hectares between Bazadaise forest and meadows. Open from February to November. Information on +33 5 56 65 35 38.
The first weekend of June, communal festival with in particular the program of belote competition, meal, evening dance and fireworks.
The first weekend of October, chestnut festival.
