Libourne

Visit Libourne, Aquitaine

Libourne loses out in 'tourist appeal' by having the action packed city of Bordeaux to the west and the exceptionally attractive small town of Saint-Emilion a few kilometres to the south-east, and most visitors see nothing more of Libourne than a road sign noting its existence.

But it should be better known, and although it lacks the dramatic appeal of its neighbours Libourne is well worth an excursion. This English bastide town on the confluence of the Dordogne and Isle Rivers and has several interesting and attractive highlights to discover.

Explore Libourne

Your visit to Libourne will start in the Place Abel-Surchamp, the central square that features the town hall and various grand merchant houses constructed over the centuries from the 16th century onwards - although there are unfortunately no longer any houses here that date from the 13th century origins of Libourne. Part of the square is also surrounded by arcades. This open square is especially lively on market days.

Interestingly the Town Hall was built in the 15th century, but remodeled extensively in the 19th century to make it look more medieval. If it is open go inside for a look at the grand interior. It has a magnificent staircase, an indoor garden and a couple or rooms with huge stone chimneys and Libourne's coat of arms engraved on the mantelpiece.

On the edge of the square where it meets Rue Victor Hugo there is a particularly attractive house which was built in 1770. Further down this street there are various other particularly noteworthy buildings. Look out for no.70 which belonged to a wealthy merchant, no. 17 which was a shop in the 16th century,  and on the corner with Rue du President Carnot there is a turreted medieval house.

The oldest part of Libourne, which existed even before the founding of the bastide, is known as Fozera. Walk along the Rue Fonneuve towards the river and the Rue des Chais (which crosses the Rue Fonneuve half way along) to admire the properties in this area, some of which have attractive balconies and other interesting architectural features. No; 45 Rue Fonneuve has a particularly nice balcony. The building was built in 1765.

At the northern end of Rue des Chais is the substantial tower called the Tour du Grand Port, part of the last remaining gateway that originally allowed access to the town.

Take a look at the long stone bridge across the Dordogne river (constructed 1822), then afterwards you can head south to admire the impressive belltower and ornate carved entrance of the Church of Saint-Jean, then back towards the north-east of Libourne centre to reach Place Francois Mitterrand and enjoy a drink in one of the cafes in this sunny Libourne square.

Rue Gambetta is an attractive shopping street in Libourne and leads up to a large open square.

Note: the Museum of Fine Arts in Libourne also merits a visit with its interesting collection of paintings both classical and modern to enjoy (upstairs above the town hall).

Photos of Libourne (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Libourne: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 3*;

Suggested places to visit near Libourne, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Bordeaux 28km; Sauveterre-de-Guyenne 28km; Bordeaux Waterfront 28km; Cadillac Chateau 32km; Pellegrue 32km; Eynesse 33km; Margaux 37km; Sainte-Foy-la-Grande 37km; Monsegur 39km; La Reole 39km; Blaye 40km; Duras 43km; Pauillac 51km; Aubeterre-sur-Dronne 51km; Allemans-du-Dropt 53km; Bergerac 58km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Libourne

Libourne tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Jardins du château de Vayres - remarkable garden (6km) : Collégiale et chapelle de la Trinité (Saint-Emilion) - religious monument (7km) : Jardin du Fond de l’or - remarkable garden (9km) : Eglise de Saint Pierre (Petit-Palais-et-Cornemps) - religious monument (16km) : Abbaye de la Sauve Majeure (La Sauve) - religious monument (17km) : Jardins du Sardy - remarkable garden (28km) : Jardins du château de Mongenan - remarkable garden (29km) : Parc du château de Grenade - remarkable garden (33km) :

French version: see Libourne (Francais)