Nestled in the heart of Gironde, the château de Vayres is much more than just a historic monument.
This exceptional estate, majestically overlooking the Dordogne River, invites you to a unique experience.
Get ready for a captivating journey through the centuries!
an unforgettable journey through history
and nature in Gironde
The château de Vayres bears witness to a rich history that began in antiquity with the Roman oppidum “Varatedo”.
Thanks to its strategic position overlooking the Dordogne, a medieval fortress was erected in the 11th century, then transformed and fortified by the powerful d’Albret family. Subsequent centuries brought their share of changes, with the Renaissance transforming it into a pleasure residence, and the 17th and 18th centuries adding significant architectural modifications.
Today, the château is a private property open to the public, where you can admire elements of medieval, Renaissance and classical architecture, such as the Tour du Moulin, the Renaissance Gallery and the Grand Salon.
Discover the Renaissance gallery, with its hand-crafted Girondine flagstone paving, leading to the Chapelle aux Murmures. It now features a sumptuous collection of tapestries from the royal manufactures of Gobelins and Aubusson.
On the second floor, the grand salon welcomes you in a Louis XIV atmosphere, with furniture forming the main decorative element. Admire the precious Louis XIII cabinet in ebony, tortoise shell and ivory, and approach the monumental stone fireplace, adorned with a sculpted medallion!
Other noteworthy spaces include the Salon Henri IV, a lasting reminder of the stay of the château’s illustrious owner until 1583, and the library, which was completely refurbished in 2009.
The gardens of the château de Vayres have been awarded the “Remarkable Garden” label, and are open to the public. The formal garden, created in 1938 by Ferdinand Duprat, offers elegance and symmetry, with a breathtaking view of the Dordogne from the top of the grand staircase.
The medieval garden invites you to immerse yourself in a world of scents and reveals the uses of medicinal and aromatic plants. Stroll through the orchard’s fruit trees, from cherry to apple to mirabelle.
In summer, as the sun dims, you can watch the natural phenomenon of the tidal bore up close, in a unique setting. A tidal bore is a powerful wave that travels up a river on a rising tide. A show in unprecedented conditions at the heart of history!
