Medoc Region Attractions
Médoc is a triangular peninsula northwest of Bordeaux that enjoys a mild climate, rarely touched by extreme temperatures. This can be attributed to its location between the two large water bodies of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde River, (hence the name "Médoc" which is derived from "middle land").
Although the area is located near the ocean, the climate is not as damp as one might expect. This is thanks to the pine forests to the west which shelter the region from the maritime climate.
The soil in this region has deep layers of gravel which was carried down from the Massif Central and the Pyrenees. The gravel content results in excellent drainage and because the soil is poor, the vines must push their roots deep into the subsoil.
The region has eight appellations: Margaux, Moulis, Listrac, St-Julien, Pauillac, St-Estèphe, Haut-Médoc and Médoc (the northern, or Bas Médoc).
Dutch engineers who arrived in the 17th century assisted with the draining and filling in of Médoc's marshes. They also reclaimed bays and inlets and their work earned the region of northern Médoc the nickname "La Petite Hollande".
Although the area is located near the ocean, the climate is not as damp as one might expect. This is thanks to the pine forests to the west which shelter the region from the maritime climate.
The soil in this region has deep layers of gravel which was carried down from the Massif Central and the Pyrenees. The gravel content results in excellent drainage and because the soil is poor, the vines must push their roots deep into the subsoil.
The region has eight appellations: Margaux, Moulis, Listrac, St-Julien, Pauillac, St-Estèphe, Haut-Médoc and Médoc (the northern, or Bas Médoc).
Dutch engineers who arrived in the 17th century assisted with the draining and filling in of Médoc's marshes. They also reclaimed bays and inlets and their work earned the region of northern Médoc the nickname "La Petite Hollande".
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Château Mouton Rothschild
The museum at Château Mouton Rothschild was opened by the Baron Philippe de Rothschild in 1962. It features art displays including Persian beakers from the eighth and ninth centuries BC., Alsace tapestries, Ming vases, Delft pottery, Venetian glasswork and works by modern artists. The main hall is a former cellar.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:15 | 9:15 | 9:15 | 9:15 | 9:15 | Closed | 9:15 |
| Close | 12:15 | 12:15 | 12:15 | 12:15 | 12:15 | 12:15 | |
| Open | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | |
| Close | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 |
St Estephe Region, France
St-Estèphe is the largest commune in the Médoc, with 1,220 hectares. Soil in this region is full of gravel and often lies under a bed of sand.
St-Estèphe is surrounded by several villages that belong to the Haut-Médoc appellation, including St-Seurin-de-Cadourne, Cissac and Vertheuil. There are few hotels or restaurants in St-Estèphe; most visitors come mainly to see the châteaux. Information is available at the Maison du Vin of St-Estèphe on the square facing the church.
St-Estèphe is surrounded by several villages that belong to the Haut-Médoc appellation, including St-Seurin-de-Cadourne, Cissac and Vertheuil. There are few hotels or restaurants in St-Estèphe; most visitors come mainly to see the châteaux. Information is available at the Maison du Vin of St-Estèphe on the square facing the church.
St Julien Region, France
St-Julien is located just north of the Central Médoc, almost halfway up the peninsula to the north of Bordeaux.
While many châteaux in the St-Julien region welcome visitors, most of them request advance notice. Casual visitors can try:
Château Beychevelle, a 17th century property which is said to be one of the most beautiful in Médoc; Château Branaire-Ducru, an immaculate château nestled in its grounds opposite Beychevelle; and Château Lagrange which was taken over by a Japanese company in 1983.
While many châteaux in the St-Julien region welcome visitors, most of them request advance notice. Casual visitors can try:
Château Beychevelle, a 17th century property which is said to be one of the most beautiful in Médoc; Château Branaire-Ducru, an immaculate château nestled in its grounds opposite Beychevelle; and Château Lagrange which was taken over by a Japanese company in 1983.
