The best traffic-free bike rides around Saint-Jean-De-Blaignac

The TV series – available only in German – »Schätze der Welt – Erbe der Menschheit« documents in short episodes, each lasting a quarter of an hour, important places that have been honored as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The accompanying text states: "Saint- Emilion is one of the most romantic wine towns in the world. The small town lies on a limestone plateau, framed by vineyards where the grapes for the famous 'grands crus' grow. With this important wine-growing region in southwestern France, UNESCO has also declared wine a World Heritage Site. Rightly so, because Saint- Emilion represents the perfection of wine." Follow this link to the film =>> https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/saint-emilion-frankreich-folge-226/swr/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS83Nzg1MTUw

The Abbey of La Sauve-Majeure, founded in 1079, a masterpiece of Romanesque art, is today part of the Way of St. James and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is stated on the france-voyage website, and continues: "This former Benedictine abbey, dear to pilgrims and classified as a Historic Monument, has managed to preserve beautiful remains in its ruined church, including the remarkable carved capitals in the choir. The wonderfully preserved details of the chiselled capitals feature biblical, fantastical, or plant-based motifs. Original sin, Daniel in the lions' den, the life of Samson, the temptation of Christ, the sacrifice of Abraham, the martyrdom of Saint John, or the fight between mythical creatures can be admired as sculptural elements in the Abbey of La Sauve-Majeure."

Well-lit tunnel on the cycle path

In 1079, the Benedictine abbot Gérard de Corbie and about ten monks and knights founded Notre-Dame de La Sauve-Majeure in the large forest (in Latin Silva Major) of the Entre-deux-Mers. The support of the dukes of Aquitaine and the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela favored a rapid boom. At its peak in the 12th and 13th centuries, the abbey had about a hundred monks. The Hundred Years' War precipitated its decline.

Built by John Lackland, Duke of Normandy (1199-1204), Duke of Aquitaine (1199-1216) and King of England from 1199 to 1216, the castle was built on a rock occupied since antiquity. Witness to the Hundred Years' War, the castle of Rauzan was taken twice by the French, including by Bertrand Du Guesclin in 1377. Classified as a historic monument in 1862, it was only revived in people's minds from the 1970s onwards when the municipality of Rauzan, owner since 1900, and some enthusiasts of medieval architecture undertook clearing and restoration work. (sources Wikipedia)

Beautiful passage with a train relic recalling the history of the place, formerly a railway.

At the Creon station, several information panels about the history of the railway line are offered, and wagons and engines that operated on this line can be seen.

The Saint-Étienne church of Branne is a true haven of peace in the heart of the village, offering a setting conducive to recollection and prayer. The architecture, both sober and majestic, bears witness to the deep faith that has inhabited these places through the centuries. The beauty of the sanctuary naturally invites the elevation of the soul and contemplation of the divine mysteries. One feels an atmosphere of serenity that helps each faithful to find themselves before the Lord in silence and dignity. It is a living place of worship where the presence of Christ is felt, recalling the importance of our Christian roots in the Gironde landscape. A spiritual stopover highly recommended for all those who seek to nourish their faith within a beautifully maintained church.