Where to live outside Bordeaux?

The quest for a balance between the serenity of the countryside and the dynamism of the city is becoming an increasingly wide spread desire.

Many people are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city without giving upthe benefits and conveniences that urban life has to offer. Bordeaux, with its rich heritage,vibrant culture and thriving economy, is an attractive metropolis. But the surrounding area,with its lush green landscapes, renowned vineyards, and charming communes, is just asattractive.

Bouliac

Bouliac, known as the balcony of Bordeaux, is a commune located on the heights of the rightbank of the Garonne, to the south-east of Bordeaux, offering residents and visitors a panoramic view of the city and the river.

It has a rich history dating back to ancient times, as evidenced by the remains of a Gallo-Roman villa. Over the centuries, Bouliac has managed to retain its charm and character,while adapting to the changing needs of its residents.

Between the castles, mills and religious buildings, the town boasts a number of remarkablesites, including the town hall and its facade, typical of 19th-century architecture. The church of Saint-Siméon is an architectural gem dating back to the 12th century.

Other must-see sites include the Château de Grand Dragon, the Château de Pian and the remains of an old watermill at LePian.

Bouliac has a rich river heritage thanks to its location on the banks of the Garonne.

Bouliac enjoys a peaceful living environment and a privileged location just 15 minutes from Porte de Bourgogne and 10 minutes from Saint Jean railway station.

Cambes

A small village less than 20 kilometers south-east of Bordeaux. Nestling in a green setting, it offers a peaceful setting within easy reach of the Bordeaux metropolis.

Cambes has a long history, dating back to the Bronze Age, as evidenced by the discovery of a sword,now on display at the Musée d'Aquitaine in Bordeaux.

Once a village of shipwrights, sailors, and fishermen thanks to its three ports. The fishing industry delights restaurateurs with its fresh produces.

There is a secret place in the village, but it is no longer visible to the public. At the time, thesailors were very devoted to Sainte-Catherine and dedicated a small chapel to her. The Hermitage of Cambes, founded in the 16th century, is located in a 10m-deep cave andcontains two stone altars as well as the statue of Sainte-Catherine and magnificent wall frescoes.

Legend has it that on a stormy day, the sailors invoked Sainte-Catherine and the storm stopped.

In Cambes,the vineyards,known under the Côtes de Bordeaux appellation,boast a number of estates whose wines are highly prized.

Set between riverbanks and vineyards, Cambes offers a pleasant living environment for people who want to be in the countryside yet close to Bordeaux.

Tabanac

A historic commune in the Entre-deux-Mers region, Tabanac is located on the east bank of the Garonne,south-east of Bordeaux.

The history of this commune is as rich as it is fascinating, thanks to its occupation sinceNeolithic times, as evidenced by the archaeological remains that have been discovered.Gallo-Roman traces also attest to the site's age and its continued occupation throughout theages.

The parish of Tabanac, which has existed since the 6th century, has seen the discovery of avery old marble sarcophagus, testifying to its historical importance. Over the centuries,Tabanac has been the seat of an influential seigneury, and the commune takes its name from an illustrious family who left their mark on local history.

The commune of Tabanac boasts no fewer than thirty listed buildings, including many noble houses dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Château Renon, built in the 19th century, stands majestically on the site of the originalchâteau of the Tabanac seigneury. The Camail tower, built in the 17th century, and Notre-Dame church,erected in 1867,are among Tabanac's architectural gems.

Wine-lovers will love Tabanac with its renowned vineyards producing great wines such as Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux and Premières Côtes de Bordeaux.

In a bucolic setting, "La Cabane dans les Vignes" is the confidential address on the grounds of Château Bessan, where you might enjoy a glass of Red Wine while picking cheeses.Its architecture is entirely in wood ; "la Cabane dans les Vignes" enjoys a privileged location overlooking the Garonne and a panoramic view along the length of the mascaret.