Departing from Saint-André-de-Cubzac, this walking loop offers the diversity of the territory on a plateau: religious heritage, vineyards, but also unusual places like the house of a certain sailor in a red cap... With the final bouquet, a breathtaking view of the Dordogne valley from the Montalon hillside.
I prepare my walk:
- Two possibilities: the yellow loop (2,6km – 1 to 2 hours) is ideal for a digestive walk after Sunday chicken, or to introduce friends to the area without forcing too much / the green loop (8,1km – 3 to 4h) offers a lovely afternoon stroll stretching your way to wine properties.
- All alone ? We suggest a music playlist.
- I go there: in autumn, when the thermometer is mild but not scorching, the leaves are red and golden, and the vineyard is in full swing!
- I collect: my hiking cards at the Cubzagais Tourist Office or on the site www.bbte.fr
The 6 major points of interest:
01
Starting point in Saint-André-de-Cubzac
This dynamic and resourceful village is accessible by train or bus for non-residents. To see: the Saint-André-du-Nom-de-Dieu church for its Romanesque architecture, the former Cordeliers cloister dating from the 17th century and its remains, the Michelle and Gérard Chambord Municipal Park right next door. In your headphones: “Slow Bird Whistle” by Aphex Twin, to go with the birds.
02
The House of Jacques-Yves Cousteau
If the sailor with the red cap spent his life traveling the world by its waters, it was in Saint-André-de-Cubzac that he was born in 1910 (just above his grandfather's pharmacy) and rests in his final resting place. In your headphones: “Waiting for Cousteau” by Jean-Michel Jarre and “As soon as the wind blows” by Renaud.
03
Château Robillard
As you begin to move away from the village, a pretty 15th century manor house stands out in the landscape, with its cherry-red shutters. Nowadays it is a music school. Take the time to get lost in the park, which houses an LPO refuge and a play area for little hikers. Unusual: the Robillard plane tree, 300 years old, sits on an adjoining square. In your headphones: “Peaceful Forests” by Rameau (Les Indes Galantes).
04
The port of La Plagne
A perfect picnic stop, with a view of the Dordogne! If the commercial barges filled with provisions have given way to pleasure boats, the place has lost neither its dynamism nor its splendor. Unusual: it is here that we find the oldest riverside fire in Gironde. Still in service since 1877, it lights up every evening. In your headphones: “Touch the horizon” by Oxmo Puccino.
05
The Insoumise castle
How many lives has it had since the 17th century... It could also have been called Château Calypso, since the family of Commander Cousteau owned it, before its acquisition by two young oenologists determined to bring the property into the wine tourism new millennium version. Want more wine? Leaving your path a little, visit Château Jacquet (A) and Château Saincrit (B). In your headphones: “Sur le pressoir” by La Tordue.
06
The Montalon hillside
Here is your reward: among the old remains of windmills dating from the 13th century, survey the Dordogne Valley from one of its most beautiful viewpoints. In your headphones: “Les Moulins de mon coeur”, Natalie Dessay version in duet with Michel Legrand.
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