Top 5 Castles around Sainte-Croix-Du-Mont
Castles around Sainte-Croix-Du-Mont are situated in a renowned Bordeaux wine region, overlooking the Garonne valley. The area is characterized by its rocky outcrop, vineyards, and a unique fossilized oyster cliff. While many châteaux here are wine estates, the region also features significant historical castles. These structures offer insights into medieval architecture and the area's rich past.
Best castles around Sainte-Croix-Du-Mont
- The most popular castles is Budos Castle, a castle that features incredible 14th-century ruins in the middle of vineyards.…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Budos Castle
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Château de la Benauge.
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Sainte-Croix-du-Mont
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Fargues Castle
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Château du Hamel
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privately inhabited and therefore not accessible, well built on a rock.
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Budos Castle is the work of Raymond Guilhem de Budos, nephew of Pope Clement V. Largely supported by his uncle, he rebuilt the old family castle in 1306, adopting the architectural features of the neighboring Château de Villandraut, as evidenced by the following document from King Edward I, written from Wynten on March 9, 1306, to the Seneschal of Gascony[4]: "The Knight of Budos, nephew of Clement V, Sovereign Pontiff, has begged us to allow him to crenellate his house in Budos, to surround it with walls, towers, moats, and finally to fortify it. Out of respect for the Sovereign Pontiff, and because a fortress of this nature will protect not only our possessions in this part of Guienne, but also the subjects of the Pope's nephew, we grant the aforementioned Raymond permission to fortify his castle and we grant it to him, his heirs, and successors in perpetuity, and we undertake not to disturb him in any way in this possession." In 1422-23, the King of England took possession of the castle and placed Pons, Lord of Castillon, in charge. Around 1433, Henry VI granted the lands and the castle to the Duke of Gloucester. In 1446-47, Budos was given to Gaston IV of Foix-Béarn, Count of Foix, following the death of the Earl of Gloucester. After the conquest of Guyenne, the Budos family, which had supported the cause of France, regained possession of its lordships in Guyenne. Purchased from the Budos family by Raymond de La Roque in 1571, Budos Castle suffered a severe assault in 1652 during the Fronde Wars. Lasserre ransacked, pillaged, and burned its archives. The Budos lordship remained in the La Roque family until the Revolution, which nearly destroyed it. It was sold as national property and used as a quarry to build dikes on the Ciron. In 1841, the Gironde Historical Monuments Commission was informed of this by Léo Drouyn. In 1860, it became the property of Léon de Brivazac, son of Delphine Catherine de La Roque de Budos (born at the castle in 1789). Five descendants (including Savary de Beauregard) entrusted it to the Adichats association, which brings together young people to enhance and preserve what can be preserved. The castle was registered as a historic monument in 1988
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A pretty (private) chateau surrounded by its hillsides of vines.
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Beautiful ruins of the castle of Budos, accessible by road but also by paths along the river. Much nicer!
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Incredible ruins of the 14th century Budos castle, in the middle of the vineyards. Under restoration by Adichats association for about thirty years.
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Imposing medieval fortress which now houses a wine estate. The castle comprises two buildings, the old one, of which only a few foundations remain, and the new one, remodeled during the reign of Henri IV and remodeled in the 17th century.
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Sainte-Croix-du-Mont is built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Garonne valley and the Sauternes vineyards. At the foot of the imposing castle of Tastes, there is an interpretive trail and a belvedere from which you can see the Pyrenees on a clear day. The town also has a unique geological site in France: a cave made up of oyster fossils dating back 22 million years. Have !
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Private place generally open during Heritage Days, it can be admired anyway from all around. You will have to climb to look at it from a distance, and climb to admire it up close! But the reward for the eyes on these landscapes of Entre-Deux-Mers will be well worth these efforts.
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Small modest chateau, privately inhabited and therefore not accessible, well built on a rock.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles around Sainte-Croix-Du-Mont are most significant historically?
The region boasts several historically significant castles. Budos Castle features incredible 14th-century ruins and has a rich history tied to Pope Clement V and various English and French lords. The Château de Tastes, located in Sainte-Croix-du-Mont itself, dates back to the 14th century and showcases medieval architecture, offering panoramic views of the Garonne valley. Fargues Castle is another imposing medieval fortress, though it now houses a wine estate.
Are there any castles in the area that offer panoramic views?
Yes, the Château de Tastes in Sainte-Croix-du-Mont is proudly situated overlooking the Garonne valley and facing Sauternes, providing unique panoramic views where you can even see the Pyrenees on clear days. Similarly, Château de la Benauge, perched on a promontory, offers expansive views of the surrounding hillsides and vineyards.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the castles?
The area around Sainte-Croix-Du-Mont offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the 'Aire naturelle de Sanches loop from Barsac' or 'Running loop from Preignac'. For mountain biking, routes like 'Budos Castle – Budos Castle loop from Preignac' are available. Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy tours like 'Castles of Budos and Fargues - loop in the Sauternais vineyards'. You can explore more options on the running, MTB, and cycling guide pages.
Are there any family-friendly castles or activities for children?
While specific 'family-friendly' designations for castle interiors are not always available, the exterior grounds of castles like Budos Castle offer open spaces for exploration. The Château de Tastes is surrounded by a park suitable for picnics. Additionally, the unique fossilized oyster cliff in Sainte-Croix-du-Mont is a geological wonder that can be fascinating for all ages.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Sainte-Croix-Du-Mont?
The region is beautiful throughout the year, but spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring the castle exteriors and surrounding vineyards. These seasons avoid the peak heat of summer and the cooler, potentially wetter days of winter. Some private châteaux, like Château de la Benauge, are generally open to the public during specific events like Heritage Days, which typically occur in September.
Can I visit the interior of the castles?
Access varies by castle. Budos Castle consists of ruins, which you can explore. The Château de Tastes houses the local town hall, but guided tours of its surroundings and the unique fossilized oyster cliff can be arranged through the local Tourist Office. Château de la Benauge is a private domain, generally open during Heritage Days, but can be admired from the outside at other times.
Are there any unique natural features near the castles?
Yes, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont is uniquely situated on a hillside overlooking the Garonne and features a spectacular bank of fossilized oysters. This geological wonder, dating back 22 million years, is located at the foot of the Château de Tastes and adds another layer of interest to the area.
What are the parking options when visiting the castles?
Specific parking details for each castle may vary. For the Château de Tastes in Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, parking is generally available within the village. For other castles like Budos Castle, access is often possible by road, with informal parking nearby, or via paths along the river.
Are there any wine estates that are also considered châteaux in the region?
Yes, Sainte-Croix-Du-Mont is primarily known for its sweet white wines, and many 'châteaux' in the area are renowned wine estates rather than traditional defensive castles. Examples include Château Médouc, Château La Rame, Château Jean Lamat, Château des Graves du Tich, Château Bel Air, and Château du Mont. Fargues Castle also houses a wine estate.
How long should I plan for a visit to the castles?
For individual castle exteriors and grounds, you might spend 1-2 hours. For example, exploring the ruins of Budos Castle or admiring Château de la Benauge from a distance. If you plan to include a guided tour of the Château de Tastes surroundings and the fossilized oyster cliff, or visit a wine estate, allocate more time, potentially a half-day or full day to explore the region comprehensively.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles in Sainte-Croix-Du-Mont?
Visitors appreciate the historical depth of the castles, such as the 14th-century ruins of Budos Castle, which are beautifully set amidst vineyards. The panoramic views from locations like the Château de Tastes and Château de la Benauge are also highly valued, offering stunning vistas of the Garonne valley and surrounding vineyards. The unique geological feature of the fossilized oyster cliff adds another layer of interest.
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