PESSAC-LÉOGNAN HISTORY 

Pessac-Leognan appellation is a vineyard located southeast of Bordeaux, in the Bordeaux region of France in the Gironde department (France). The Pessac vineyard is located in the Bordeaux suburbs; it extends over 10 municipalities in the department of Gironde. It is a vineyard recognized in the world. The Graves vineyard is one of the oldest of all Bordeaux vineyards, since it dates back to the Gallo-Roman era. The first vines were planted in Pessac-Léognan. There are more than 15 wine properties in this appellation, which were classified in 1953 and then 1959.

Château Haut-Brion Premier Cru Classifieds of the Medoc, the other crus of Pessac-Leognan can mention on their bottle « Cru Classifieds ». The Pessac-Léognan Appellation is recognized by decree on September 9, 1987. It is a region which is characterized by the climate and the traditions of production of red, white and dry wines. The wines of Pessac-Léognan and Graves are the only appellations of the Bordeaux vineyard to admit dry white wines as Cru Classé.

• Cadaujac
• Canéjan
• Gradignan
• Martillac

• Mérignac
• Pessac Saint
• Médard d’Eyrans Talence
• Villenave d’Ornon

WINE TOUR

To learn more about the production of wines and to do tastings, you can take guided tours in renowned chateaux such as : le Château Haut-Lagrange, le Château Haut-Bergey, le Château Léognan, le Château La Louvière, le Château Larrivet Haut-Brion, le Château Haut-Bailly…

You can also discover the wines of Pessac-Léognan on original circuits: Visit Pessac-Léognan vineyard in car Citroën 2CV converti

PARC DE BOURRAN

This park located in the town of Mérignac, it is ideal for walks or picnics with the family. Designed by a landscape architect, it has a large lake with vast lawns as well as several play areas for children. You can also go hiking to enjoy nature and the fresh air in a beautiful green setting. The park and its castle have been listed as Historic Monuments since January 9, 1992.

ZOO DE BORDEAUX PESSAC

Meet the animals for young and old, this family or solo outing will allow you to escape in a friendly space.

HISTORY RAPHAEL SAINT ORENS

This museum, which is not a museum like the others, contains objects taken from archaeological excavations, winegrowers tools that tell you about the daily life of Pessac. This historial is installed in the chapel and the vat room of the Château de Camponac.

MUSEUM DE LA VIGNE ET DU VIN

This museum, which is located in the heart of the Poumey vineyards in Gradignan, will introduce you to the history and techniques of viticulture in the region. You can see an exhibition of old winemaking tools and discover winemaking traditions and the evolution of wine production.

L'EGLISE SAINT PIERRE DE GRADIGNAN

If you are lovers of history and architecture you can visit this historic church which is located in Gradignan which presents a Gothic architecture and which houses beautiful works of religious art.

THE CASINO DISTRICT

This district located in the city center of Pessac takes its name from a large casino which was a place of pleasure and escape which was destroyed by a fire in 1903. Subsequently at the end of the 19th century 16 socalled Arcachon villas was built by a promoter who was inspired by the Ville d hiver d'Arcachon which was used in the good old days as second homes for Bordeaux residents who were looking for the fresh air of Pessac.

THE MILL OF NOES

Listed as a historical monument in 1984, this mill bears witness to the pioneering experiences of crop diversification in Gironde. It is the last vestige of the modern farm of the Bellevue estate which was created in 1769 by a Bordeaux shipowner named JacquesAlexandre Laffon de Ladebat. This mill is located in the town of Mérignac and Pessac in Gironde.

BOURGAILH FOREST

You can discover the biodiversity of the region in a place of relaxation and leisure to enjoy nature. You can go for walks or practice sporting activities (like pedaloing on the lake, etc.). It is a forest that extends over approximately 160 hectares and is one of the main wooded areas of the Bordeaux region. You can also see the Tronc Creux, which is one of the 11 peri-urban refuges straight out of the imagination of the architect Yvan Detraz.

LE PARC RAZON

You can go and relax in a park that houses the statue of Music from the Trocadero during the Universal Exhibition of 1878 and entrusted to the City of Pessac in 1936. A walking area equipped with several tennis courts as well
as a bowling alley.

MUSEE DE LA CREATION FRANCHE

If you are interested in outside art and unconventional forms of expression, you have come to the right place. Indeed this museum located in Bègles will show you works created by self-taught and marginal artists.

CHATEAU DE LA BREDE

This historic castle which is located in Brède near Pessac-Léognant was the birthplace of Montesquieu who was a famous French philosopher. You can visit its gardens and at the same time you can learn more about the life of Montesquieu.

CITE FRUGES LE CORBUSIER

This city that you can visit has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since July 2016. It is an exceptional example of modern architecture designed by the famous architect Le Corbusier

LA CITE DES CASTORS

On September 13, 2015, this city received the 20th century Heritage label. Indeed, Etienne Damoran who was a young Bordeaux priest trained 150 young people to build with their own hands and all together an entire neighborhood after the war in 1948 when a serious housing crisis was raging.

PESSAC CITY CENTER

You will be able to discover the heart of the town of Pessac with its traditional architecture, among others the Saint Martin Church which was built in the 11th century on the remains of a Gallo-Roman villa, the Town Hall built in the 19th century which was rebuilt in 1988 all in glass but designing the central stone pavilion of the old town hall. There is also the 18th century Chartreuse which is the last vestige of the six houses built around the square. And many other architectures including the Castel du Bourg, the Pessac cemetery where many celebrities such as Alphonse César Fleury, Hector Domecq or the Ducourt family rest there. You can also visit the Azam estate which was the holiday resort of the famous historian Camille Jullian or the Orangerie de Bagatelle which is a private property listed as a Historic Monument...

MUSEE DE LA CREATION FRANCHE

If you are interested in outside art and unconventional forms of expression, you have come to the right place. Indeed this museum located in Bègles will show you works created by self-taught and marginal artists.

CHATEAU DE LA BREDE

This historic castle which is located in Brède near Pessac-Léognant was the birthplace of Montesquieu who was a famous French philosopher. You can visit its gardens and at the same time you can learn more about the life of Montesquieu.

CITE FRUGES LE CORBUSIER

This city that you can visit has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since July 2016. It is an exceptional example of modern architecture designed by the famous architect Le Corbusier

LA CITE DES CASTORS

On September 13, 2015, this city received the 20th century Heritage label. Indeed, Etienne Damoran who was a young Bordeaux priest trained 150 young people to build with their own hands and all together an entire neighborhood after the war in 1948 when a serious housing crisis was raging.