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Wine region · Bordéus, Nova Aquitânia
Pauillac et la Route des Châteaux
Town on the shore of the Gironde estuary, in the heart of the Médoc, the starting point for the Route des Châteaux between Margaux and Saint-Estèphe.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Pauillac et la Route des Châteaux
Pauillac is a small town in the Médoc, about 50 km north of Bordeaux, on the left bank of the Gironde estuary. It gives its name to one of the region's best-known appellations, between Saint-Julien to the south and Saint-Estèphe to the north. Famous estates such as Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour and Château Mouton Rothschild are located in its territory.
The town stretches along a quay of more than 1,300 metres on the estuary, with a marina and restaurants. The Maison du Tourisme et du Vin, on the quay, provides information on estates that receive visitors and helps book visits and tastings.
The Médoc vineyard spreads on both sides of the D2 road, known as the Route des Châteaux. Leaving Bordeaux, it passes through Margaux, home to Château Margaux, then Saint-Julien and Pauillac. On the signs, château refers to the wine estate: some have 19th-century palaces by the road that can be seen from the car; interior visits almost always require advance reservation.
At harvest time, usually in September and October, tractor and crew traffic increases in the vineyards. Anyone planning to taste wines should hand the driving to someone else or go on an organised tour.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day for the quay and a visit to an estate; a full day to travel the Route des Châteaux.
Best time
From April to October, with more properties open to visits. Harvest usually takes place in September and October. Many châteaux do not accept visitors on weekends; check in advance.
How to get there
By car, about 50 km on the D2 from Bordéus, passing Margaux. The regional train on the Médoc line links Gare de Bordeaux-Saint-Jean with Pauillac station, with only a few departures per day. Half-day and full-day tours depart from central Bordéus.
Tip
Book property visits in advance, directly with them or through the Maison du Tourisme et du Vin. Plan at most two or three visits per day: distances between sites and the time for each tasting add up quickly.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Pauillac et la Route des Châteaux
Can you enter the famous châteaux without a reservation?
Generally, no. The large estates of the Médoc receive visitors only by prior reservation, and some only for professionals. The quay at Pauillac and the view of the châteaux from the D2 road do not require a reservation.
How to get from Bordéus to Pauillac without a car?
By regional train (TER) on the Médoc line, which departs from Gare de Bordeaux-Saint-Jean and stops in Pauillac, or with a tour departing from the center. There are few trains per day: confirm return times before you go.
What is the Route des Châteaux?
It's the name given to the D2 road, which cuts through the Médoc from south to north, from Bordéus to Saint-Estèphe, passing Margaux, Saint-Julien and Pauillac, among vineyards and wine estates.
How long does the Médoc tour take?
A full day to drive the D2, visit two estates by reservation and have lunch in Pauillac. Half a day is enough for a visit and a walk along the quay.