The Vieux Chateau du Cros

The vieux chateau du Cros is a 14th century castle perched high on the hillside above  the river Garonne at Loupiac, near Langon to the south of Bordeaux.  It was undoubtedly built there because of its commanding viewpoint, there is an unparralled view of the forest of Les Landes, keen wine lovers can feast their eyes on Chateau d’Yquem and the vineyards producing the sweet wines of Sauternes and Loupiac, and on a clear day those with keen eyesight can even make out the buildings in Bordeaux.

The view from the chateau toward d'Yquem.

 

Sadly, no longer habitable.

The château continued to be lived in until the beginning of the war when it wascommandeered by the Germans as a watchpost.  Unfortunately it was so badly damaged during the war years that it was abandoned and left to fall into ruin.  Since the 1990’s concerted efforts have been made to preserve what is left of save this wonderful castle, and in 2010 an ambitious campaign was started by Les Amis du Vieux Chateau du Cros, a non-profit making organisation, to actually start restoring and rebuilding parts of the castle, starting with all the main openings – doors and windows.

The castle can be visited, by appointment, with a guided tour in English or French and a free tasting of the wines at the (relatively new, 18th century) wine château just below the old castle.  Please contact Diana at: vieuxchateauducros[at]yahoo.fr or through their website: www.vieuxchateauducros.fr