“This triangle of water and rock, where time seems to have stood still, where vines cascade down hillsides that alternate with woodland, fields, farms and hamlets, forms the most brilliant of mosaics. Just beyond the next hill is another medieval village square with a bustling market where under the cool arches, craftsmen and traders ply their wares, as they have done for centuries.”

“This is Aquitaine !”

The Gironde itself is part of the region known as ‘ Aquitaine ' and all the towns and villages are of medieval origin, built of local stone, many on high rocky outcrops to give commanding views of their surroundings, important in defending against invaders! These ‘Bastide' towns such as Monsegur, Monflanquin, and Sauveterre de Guyenne, harbour a wealth of historic and architectural gems with their chateaux, colonnaded squares, romanesque churches and fortified castles. Who was defending against invaders? In the 12th and13th centuries they were none other than - The English! Most of the area came under the rule of of Henry II when he married Eleanor of Aquitaine in 1152. Much of the building was inspired by the desire to hold on to the kingdom in the face of French opposition. The province remained English until the end of the Hundred Years' War in 1453, when it was annexed by France !

The area is also the cradle of pre-history where Cro-Magnon man made his home and painted his pictures on the walls of caves at Lascaux and Latournelle, amongst others. There are also particularly fine medieval towns preserved at Sarlat and Perigeux whilst St Emillion, founded in the 13th century by a wandering Confessor named ‘Emillion', made his home in a retreat dug out of the rock. Today, the ‘ Monolithic Church ' hewn out of solid rock and the catacombs, where generations of monks were buried, are well worth a visit. For fun, the ‘Petit Train des Grands Vignobles' also at St Emillion, will provide a memorable tour of the best local vineyards.