River Cruise Advisor

Cadillac, France

AmaDolce docked in Cadillac, France, for excursions to Bazas and its morning market and later to Château de Roquetaillade, where we were taken on a tour by the owner. © 2016 Ralph Grlzzle

Cadillac, France is located in the Gironde area in the southwestern portion of France, and it is only about 18 miles, or 30km, from Bordeaux. The town is very famous for the sweet dessert wines made in the region, and you are sure to find some places to tour and test these wines on your visit.

It’s a very small town, but it is also quite beautiful and charming. It has a wall that goes around the city and that hearkens back to the days when it was needed for defense.

Your Cruise Ship Docks …

The cruise ship will dock at Port de Cadillac, and you should be just a short distance from many of the places you will want to see in and around this small town.

When in Cadillac …

On the site of the well-preserved castle, Charlemagne constructed the first earth and timber fortifications as he advanced toward the Pyrenees. Château de Roquetaillade on an excursion from Cadillac. © 2016 Ralph Grizzle

• Château de Roquetaillade. On the site of the well-preserved castle, Charlemagne constructed the first earth and timber fortifications as he advanced toward the Pyrenees. His fortress was later replaced with stone fortifications. Then in 1306, Cardinal de la Mothe, who was a nephew of Pope Clement V, built le Château Neuf, which was square and featured six towers and a central keep. Between 1860 and 1870, the French architect Viollet-le-Duc transformed the castle with extraordinary interior decorations that earned the castle a spot on the French Heritage list as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.
• Chateau de Cadillac – This is easily the most impressive building in the town, and it’s one that you are sure to want to visit. It is open year-round and actually only closes three days a year – January 1, May 1, and December 25. The chateau was the home of the Dukes of Epernon, and it is a gorgeous example of French architecture.
• Abbey of La Sauve-Majeure – This abbey is another stunning piece of architecture that you will certainly want to try to see. It’s only about 10 miles from the Chateau de Cadillac, so if you have time to visit during your excursion, do so.
• Restaurants – You will find a surprising number of excellent restaurants that are within a couple of miles of the heart of Cadillac. Some of the top choices include Abricotier Restaurant, Le Pampaillet Restaurant, Claude Darroze Gastronomy, and L’entrée Jardin Restaurant.
• Visit Nearby Wineries – You might also want to try some of the wines produced in the region. Some of the great wineries to consider include Chateau de Chantegrive, Maison des Vins de Graves, and Chateau Rabaud-Promis.

What Do River Cruisers Need to Know?

While French is the national language, you will find that a number of people in the area do speak English as well. Still, having some French in your back pocket, so to speak, is a good idea. It can make getting around and ordering easier. In addition, be sure that you bring your Euros, as that’s now the national currency. If you need, go to a currency exchange before you arrive.