Best castles around Saint-Maixant are found in two distinct regions of France, offering diverse historical sites. The area in Gironde is characterized by its position overlooking the Garonne valley and Sauternes vineyards, featuring rocky outcrops and historical fortifications. The region provides a landscape where medieval ruins stand amidst vineyards, alongside restored châteaux and wine estates.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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Budos Castle is the work of Raymond Guilhem de Budos, nephew of Pope Clement V. Largely supported by his uncle, he rebuilt the old family castle in 1306, adopting the architectural features of the neighboring Château de Villandraut, as evidenced by the following document from King Edward I, written from Wynten on March 9, 1306, to the Seneschal of Gascony[4]: "The Knight of Budos, nephew of Clement V, Sovereign Pontiff, has begged us to allow him to crenellate his house in Budos, to surround it with walls, towers, moats, and finally to fortify it. Out of respect for the Sovereign Pontiff, and because a fortress of this nature will protect not only our possessions in this part of Guienne, but also the subjects of the Pope's nephew, we grant the aforementioned Raymond permission to fortify his castle and we grant it to him, his heirs, and successors in perpetuity, and we undertake not to disturb him in any way in this possession." In 1422-23, the King of England took possession of the castle and placed Pons, Lord of Castillon, in charge. Around 1433, Henry VI granted the lands and the castle to the Duke of Gloucester. In 1446-47, Budos was given to Gaston IV of Foix-Béarn, Count of Foix, following the death of the Earl of Gloucester. After the conquest of Guyenne, the Budos family, which had supported the cause of France, regained possession of its lordships in Guyenne. Purchased from the Budos family by Raymond de La Roque in 1571, Budos Castle suffered a severe assault in 1652 during the Fronde Wars. Lasserre ransacked, pillaged, and burned its archives. The Budos lordship remained in the La Roque family until the Revolution, which nearly destroyed it. It was sold as national property and used as a quarry to build dikes on the Ciron. In 1841, the Gironde Historical Monuments Commission was informed of this by Léo Drouyn. In 1860, it became the property of Léon de Brivazac, son of Delphine Catherine de La Roque de Budos (born at the castle in 1789). Five descendants (including Savary de Beauregard) entrusted it to the Adichats association, which brings together young people to enhance and preserve what can be preserved. The castle was registered as a historic monument in 1988
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A pretty (private) chateau surrounded by its hillsides of vines.
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Beautiful ruins of the castle of Budos, accessible by road but also by paths along the river. Much nicer!
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Incredible ruins of the 14th century Budos castle, in the middle of the vineyards. Under restoration by Adichats association for about thirty years.
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Imposing medieval fortress which now houses a wine estate. The castle comprises two buildings, the old one, of which only a few foundations remain, and the new one, remodeled during the reign of Henri IV and remodeled in the 17th century.
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Sainte-Croix-du-Mont is built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Garonne valley and the Sauternes vineyards. At the foot of the imposing castle of Tastes, there is an interpretive trail and a belvedere from which you can see the Pyrenees on a clear day. The town also has a unique geological site in France: a cave made up of oyster fossils dating back 22 million years. Have !
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Private place generally open during Heritage Days, it can be admired anyway from all around. You will have to climb to look at it from a distance, and climb to admire it up close! But the reward for the eyes on these landscapes of Entre-Deux-Mers will be well worth these efforts.
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Small modest chateau, privately inhabited and therefore not accessible, well built on a rock.
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The komoot community highly recommends several castles in the Gironde region. Among the most popular are Budos Castle, known for its incredible 14th-century ruins, and Château de la Benauge, a private castle offering rewarding views of the Entre-Deux-Mers landscapes. Visitors also appreciate Fargues Castle, an imposing medieval fortress that now houses a wine estate.
Yes, Budos Castle is a significant site where the Adichats association has been actively restoring its 14th-century ruins for approximately thirty years. This makes it a place of ongoing historical preservation.
The castles in the Saint-Maixant area, particularly in Gironde, boast rich histories. For example, Budos Castle was built by Raymond Guilhem de Budos, nephew of Pope Clement V, and played a role in the Hundred Years' War. Fargues Castle, originally a medieval fortress, was remodeled during the reign of Henri IV and again in the 17th century, reflecting different architectural eras.
Yes, Fargues Castle is an imposing medieval fortress that now functions as a wine estate. While only some foundations of the old castle remain, the newer structure offers a blend of history and viticulture.
Yes, Château de la Benauge is a private castle that is generally open to the public during Heritage Days. While it can be admired from a distance, these special events offer a chance for closer access.
The region around Saint-Maixant offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including moderate routes like the 'Saint-Macaire and Its Ramparts – Le Prieuré loop from Saint-Maixant'. There are also cycling routes, such as the 'Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, Verdelais et Saint-Macaire - loop in Entre-deux-Mers', and running trails to explore the scenic landscapes.
Absolutely. Near the imposing Château de Tastes, in the town of Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, there is an interpretive trail and a belvedere. From this viewpoint, you can see the Pyrenees on a clear day. Sainte-Croix-du-Mont also features a unique geological site: a cave of 22-million-year-old oyster fossils.
While specific opening hours vary, visiting during spring or autumn generally offers pleasant weather for exploring the castles and their surrounding landscapes, which include vineyards. Heritage Days, typically in September, are also an excellent time to visit private castles like Château de la Benauge when they open their doors to the public.
While the castles mentioned in the Gironde region are primarily historical sites or wine estates, it's worth noting that in the commune of Saint-Maixant (Creuse), the Château de Saint-Maixant operates as a guesthouse (chambres d'hôtes) and gîte, offering luxury accommodation with amenities like an indoor pool and a deer park.
Visitors frequently highlight the unique charm, historical ambiance, and beautiful scenery. The opportunity to explore ancient ruins like Budos Castle, admire the architecture of private châteaux, and enjoy the panoramic views over the Garonne valley and vineyards are often cited as memorable experiences.
Yes, the Château du Diable (Devil's Castle) in Saint-Maixant (Gironde) is recognized for its unique architecture. Originally a fortified hall from the late Middle Ages, its polygonal shape and corbelled turret from the 15th century give it a very distinctive appearance amidst the vineyards. However, it is a private property and not open to visitors.
Yes, Château de la Benauge, situated on an elevated position, offers rewarding views of the Entre-Deux-Mers landscapes. Similarly, from the belvedere near the Château de Tastes in Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, visitors can enjoy expansive views, even seeing the Pyrenees on a clear day.


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