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 vibrant and resourceful village is accessible by train or bus for non-residents. Sights to see include the Church of Saint-André-du-Nom-de-Dieu for its Romanesque architecture, the former Cordeliers cloister dating from the 17th century and its remains, and the Michelle and Gérard Chambord Municipal Park right next door. Put on your headphones: "Slow Bird Whistle" by Aphex Twin, to drift away with the birds.
02
The House of Jacques-Yves Cousteau
Although the sailor in the red cap spent his life exploring the world's waters, he was born in Saint-André-de-Cubzac in 1910 (just above his grandfather's pharmacy) and is also where he rests in his final resting place. In your headphones: "En attendant Cousteau" by Jean-Michel Jarre and "Dès que le vent soufflera" by Renaud.
03
Château Robillard
As you begin to leave the village, a charming 15th-century manor house stands out in the landscape, its cherry-red shutters adding to its allure. Today, it houses a music school. Take some time to wander through the grounds, which include an LPO (League for the Protection of Birds) refuge and a playground for young hikers. A unique feature: the three-hundred-year-old Robillard plane tree stands majestically in an adjacent square. Listen to "Forêts paisibles" by Rameau (from Les Indes Galantes).
04
The port of La Plagne
A perfect picnic spot, overlooking the Dordogne River! While the barges laden with provisions have given way to pleasure boats, the place has lost neither its vibrancy nor its splendor. Unusual: this is where you'll find the oldest riverside light in the Gironde estuary. Still in use since 1877, it lights up every evening. Put on your headphones: "Toucher l'horizon" by Oxmo Puccino.
05
The Insoumise castle
What a life it has 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 21st-century era of wine tourism. Want more wine? Take a slight detour and visit Château Jacquet (A) and Château Saincrit (B). Listen to "Sur le pressoir" by La Tordue.
06
The Montalon hillside
Here's your reward: amidst the ancient remains of 13th-century windmills, gaze out over the Dordogne Valley from one of its most beautiful viewpoints. In your headphones: "Les Moulins de mon cœur" (The Mills of My Heart), the Natalie Dessay version in a duet with Michel Legrand.
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