Libourne town guide
LIBOURNE
Visitors by hire car will find Libourne in the Aquitaine region near Bordeaux and just fifteen kilometres from Saint Emilion. This is one of France's finest wine producing areas. As well as the prestigious Saint Emilion you will also find Pomerol and Entre deux Mers wines available direct from the vineyards. Libourne itself was originally a fortified village. It was named after Roger de Leybourn who was granted the land in return for his support of Edward 1 when this area was ruled by the English. It developed as a wine trading port, situated, as it is, on the banks of the river Dordogne.
The wine is now sadly transported by road and the port is defunct. Libourne is a thriving market town, hosting markets three days a week during the summer months. Often these markets cater for the antique or Brocante hunters and can be great fun. These markets take place in the medieval market square with its arched arcades and are delightfully picturesque. Even if you do not want to browse or buy, the people watching opportunities are endless.
After a hard hour or two marketing, use your hire car to visit the Chateau Vayres a few kilometres away. This beautiful estate was established in the fourteenth century and developed over the following couple of centuries. The gardens are notable and the sixteenth century kitchen is not to be missed.
