Saint-Vincent de Pertignas church
The church stands on the site of a pre-Romanesque building.
The 12th–13th century church follows a simple, typically Romanesque plan:
nave, false transept, vaulted choir, apse with a semi-dome vault, bell tower on a cupola.
Numerous carved capitals adorn the Romanesque portal and the interior.
The church was fortified during the Hundred Years’ War (including the presence of a machicolation or watch turret on the west wall of the bell tower).
Note: Wikipedia provides a detailed description of the interior and exterior Romanesque iconography (a wealth of interesting information).
The 12th–13th century church follows a simple, typically Romanesque plan:
nave, false transept, vaulted choir, apse with a semi-dome vault, bell tower on a cupola.
Numerous carved capitals adorn the Romanesque portal and the interior.
The church was fortified during the Hundred Years’ War (including the presence of a machicolation or watch turret on the west wall of the bell tower).
Note: Wikipedia provides a detailed description of the interior and exterior Romanesque iconography (a wealth of interesting information).
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Rauzan
Rauzan retains from its long history the remains of its strategic role in a region strongly marked by the Hundred Years’ War.
The medieval village first developed around the parish church in the Romanesque period (Saint-Pierre Church).
The construction of the castle (late 13th century) attracted a large population who settled in houses clustered around the lower courtyard for protection.
Today, this bustling market town in the Entre-Deux-Mers region—midway between Libourne and La Réole—has preserved its commercial and craft activity, as well as a thriving wine industry (Cave de Rauzan).
The village is also renowned for its antiques fairs (two major events each year) and the Winter Market Flea Fair, both of which draw many professionals and include various activities.
The medieval village first developed around the parish church in the Romanesque period (Saint-Pierre Church).
The construction of the castle (late 13th century) attracted a large population who settled in houses clustered around the lower courtyard for protection.
Today, this bustling market town in the Entre-Deux-Mers region—midway between Libourne and La Réole—has preserved its commercial and craft activity, as well as a thriving wine industry (Cave de Rauzan).
The village is also renowned for its antiques fairs (two major events each year) and the Winter Market Flea Fair, both of which draw many professionals and include various activities.
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La grotte Célestine de Rauzan
The only developed underground river in Gironde.
It was discovered by chance in 1845 when a Rauzan grocer, attempting to dig a well in his home, hired a well-digger… At a depth of 13 metres, the cave was revealed!
The site soon became a local curiosity visited by candlelight. First known as the “Cave of Torrents”, it later became “Célestine’s Cave”, named after a local woman whose bedroom visitors crossed to access the cave.
It was exploited until 1930, then closed to protect the site and fell into oblivion, though it served as a hideout for Resistance members during the Second World War.
Between 1967 and 1969, topographical explorations were carried out in the 570-metre-long cavity.
In 1995, the town proposed reopening the site to the public, but as the original access was still via Célestine’s bedroom, a new shaft was drilled.
The site opened to the public in 2002.
Guided speleology-style tours (45 minutes) cover a 250-metre route through 15 to 25 cm of water, allowing visitors to admire superb formations (stalagmites, stalactites, draperies, columns).
It was discovered by chance in 1845 when a Rauzan grocer, attempting to dig a well in his home, hired a well-digger… At a depth of 13 metres, the cave was revealed!
The site soon became a local curiosity visited by candlelight. First known as the “Cave of Torrents”, it later became “Célestine’s Cave”, named after a local woman whose bedroom visitors crossed to access the cave.
It was exploited until 1930, then closed to protect the site and fell into oblivion, though it served as a hideout for Resistance members during the Second World War.
Between 1967 and 1969, topographical explorations were carried out in the 570-metre-long cavity.
In 1995, the town proposed reopening the site to the public, but as the original access was still via Célestine’s bedroom, a new shaft was drilled.
The site opened to the public in 2002.
Guided speleology-style tours (45 minutes) cover a 250-metre route through 15 to 25 cm of water, allowing visitors to admire superb formations (stalagmites, stalactites, draperies, columns).
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Visits are guided only, with reservations required (24 hours in advance).
Equipment is provided.
Warm clothing and trousers are recommended (temperature around 14°C).
Information: 05 57 84 08 69
website
Equipment is provided.
Warm clothing and trousers are recommended (temperature around 14°C).
Information: 05 57 84 08 69
website
Le château du Hamel
The château was built in the 14th century at the request of Raymond Guilhem de Goth, nephew of Pope Clement V, and remodelled in the 16th century by Jean de Fabas and again in the 17th century.
It is listed as a historic monument.
It is listed as a historic monument.
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Circuits, walks
Nearby
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Jugasan
4km Dolmen de Curton |
Bellefond
Allée couverte de Sabatey |
Blasimon
6 km Abbaye Saint Nicolas (chef d’œuvre de l’art roman) Plan d’eau de Blasimon |
Commanderie de Sallebruneau
8km Créée par des Templiers en 1214 |
Sauveterre de Guyenne
12 km Bastide créée en 1281 – A conservé ses 4 portes fortifiées |
To the south... a possible day trip
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La Réole
35km Un circuit pédestre fléché dans la cité médiévale |
Château de Guilleragues
9km Demeure médiévale |
Montsegur
7,5 km Ancienne bastide anglaise |
Abbaye de Saint-Ferme
6,5km Abbaye romane (ne se visite pas) |
Castelmoron d’Albret
6,4 km 3,54 ha |
Retour vers Sauveterre puis Rauzan
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To the west...
La Sauve Majeure, abbey founded in 1079 by the Benedictines
19km
tél. 05 56 23 01 55
19km
tél. 05 56 23 01 55
To the north... a possible route from Saint-Emilion (approximately 50km)
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Saint-Emilion
13km Syndicat d’Initiative tél. 05 57 55 28 28 |
St Georges
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Montagne
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Petit Palais
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Puisseguin
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Saint-Magne-de-Castillon
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Castillon la Bataille
Ultime bataille de la Guerre de Cent Ans. Son et Lumière en juillet et août |