Planning a cultural vacation in Western France? Discover the Unesco World Heritage sites in Aquitaine.
France stands out among the good students of Unesco Heritage, with 44 sites on the list, including 8 in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. All equally different, they illustrate the diversity of this land of a thousand and one faces. From the vineyards of Saint-Émilion to the architecture of Le Corbusier and the elegance of Bordeaux, discover this unique cultural heritage.
Enjoy the adventure of 8 Unesco World Heritage sites in Aquitaine!
1. Bordeaux, port of the moon
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We had to start this article on Unesco sites in Aquitaine with the luminous city of Bordeaux in south-west France. The wine capital of the world, Bordeaux was awarded the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, thanks to its historic monuments inherited from the Age of Enlightenment. For centuries, the city has shone on the banks of the Garonne. In fact, it’s the first urban ensemble in the world to be recognized for such a large area. In fact, the Unesco perimeter covers half the city!
Bordeaux’s buildings are undeniably remarkably homogeneous. The clear, classy, neoclassical stone architecture is a real eye-catcher for visitors and locals alike. Bordeaux boasts the most protected buildings after Paris (347 to be precise!). All the more reason to lose yourself in the narrow streets and stroll past the ornate balconies. The architectural details will lead you to the water mirror on Place de la Bourse and the Quinconces.
2. Saint-Émilion Jurisdiction
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Just a stone’s throw from Bordeaux, wine-growing is in full swing in the Juridiction de Saint-Émilion. The Juridiction is made up of 8 communes, according to a statute established in the 13th century by King Jean-Sans-Terre of England.
In 1999, the jurisdiction even became the first wine-growing area to be listed as a World Heritage Site under the heading of « exceptional cultural landscape ». Unesco underlines its « remarkable historic viticultural landscape » and « intensive wine-growing in a delimited region ». These communes also boast a number of religious monuments, including abbeys and cathedrals dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. These include the Monolith church, carved into a rocky promontory.
Because of its reputation, Saint-Émilion attracts many holidaymakers during the high season. If you want to stroll the streets of this Unesco site in Aquitaine away from the crowds, visit the vineyards in the off-season.
3. The Pilgrims’ Way to Santiago de Compostela in France
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While all roads lead to Rome, many paths in Europe lead to Santiago de Compostela. In the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, many pilgrims reach theSpanish shrine via the Pyrenees.
Along the way, they pass through villages marked by an incredible and often well-preserved French heritage. Cathedrals, churches, hospices, basilicas and abbeys listed as World Heritage Sites in 1998 follow one another along their route. We couldn’t possibly list them all, as there are no fewer than 71 scattered along the route to Santiago de Compostela.
In the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, walkers will encounter 23 buildings. Among the best known are the cathedrals of Bordeaux, Agen, Bayonne and Périgueux.
4. Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe abbey church
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The abbey church of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe, one of the most beautiful UNESCO sites in Aquitaine, was listed in 1983. It was listed as a « masterpiece of human creative genius » and a « remarkable testimony to a lost civilization ». This « Romanesque Sistine », according to André Malraux, is located to the east of Poitiers in the Vienne department.
In this heritage site, you’ll discover 700 m2 of wall frescoes dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. They are still very well maintained, given their age. This incredible religious building boasts Europe’s largest collection of murals from this period. Its 61 scenes depict the most important episodes of the Old Testament on the nave vault. While in Poitiers, you can also visit the Romanesque church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Grande and the cathedral of Saint-Pierre.
5. Prehistoric sites and decorated caves in the Vézère valley
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In 1940, two boys stumbled upon a discovery that would change the way we think about our Paleolithic ancestors. The Lascaux caves came out of hiding after years of sleeping underground. You know the story: unique animal frescoes, a wealth of colors and a simply majestic setting.
But this region of the Périgord Noir has other caves just as impressive. Explore the Combarelles cave and its 800 engravings of Quaternary fauna. In 1979, 15 sites in the Périgord Noir region of the Dordogne were classified as Unesco World Heritage sites. The Vézère valley boasts no fewer than 147 Palaeolithic sites and 25 decorated caves! You’ll discover cave art like you’ve never seen it anywhere else.
6. Cité Frugès – Architectural work by Le Corbusier in Pessac
Photo credit: Flickr – Fred Romero
Here, the architectural works of Le Corbusier, listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2016, offer a new perspective. The Cité Frugès came to life under the innovative eye of architect Corbusier in 1926 in Pessac.
At the time, he was keen to break with codes and move towards a more modern movement than his peers. He designed habitats with pure geometric forms, quite avant-garde for those years. You’ll discover seven different types: skyscrapers, quincunxes and zigzags, twins, arcades and two types of detached houses.
The Cité and the Maison Frugès-Le Corbusier reveal all their secrets on guided tours (reservations required).
7. Vauban lock on the Gironde estuary at Blaye
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Built in 1689 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, Fort Médoc is the work of the famous engineer Sébastien Vauban. Built under the aegis of Louis XIV, it protected the city of Bordeaux from enemy attacks from the Gironde estuary.
It still comprises three fortifications: the citadel at Blaye, Fort Médoc and Fort Pâté at Cussac-Fort-Médoc. You can visit the first free of charge, and the second for a fee. The latter is not open to visitors.
8. Cordouan lighthouse
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Stephane Bidouze
You’re probably wondering which is the last Unesco site in Aquitaine? The Cordouan lighthouse in 2021! The « Versailles of the seas » has stood proudly in the Gironde estuary for over 400 years. This architectural masterpiece has been guiding sailors since 1611. Incidentally, it was the only lighthouse built to replace the mythicalAlexandria Lighthouse.
Visit the lighthouse in the presence of a lighthouse keeper fromApril to October. You can reach the lighthouse by cruise boat from Verdon or Royan, depending on tide and coefficients. Inside the king of lighthouses, you’ll discover the royal chapel, the king’s apartments and the Girondins’ room. The highlight of this cultural tour: the panoramic view between land and sea after the 301 steps. We almost counted them all on our ascent!
Which of these Unesco World Heritage sites are you most interested in in Aquitaine?