Margaux is a small village situated just north of Bordeaux and towards the south-east corner of the Medoc peninsula.
Explore Margaux
Heading north from Bordeaux, after about 25 kilometres the scenery changes: vineyards start to dominate the landscape and small areas of woodland conceal impressive wine chateau accessed by long tree lined driveways.
You have entered the Chateau Margaux wine region, one of the most highly regarded wine regions in the world.
France This Way review: in case you don't believe this claim, as you enter the village of Margaux itself a sign announces that it is 'THE most celebrated' wine name in the world, so it must be true!
With such a reputation, I have to admit that we found the village of Margaux itself to be something of a disappointment. It is a pleasant enough village, enjoyable enough for a stroll and with a few grand (wine-related) houses and chateaux to be seen, but it is a small village and would probably attract little attention if it wasn't for the famous wine region that surrounds it.
What it does have, apart from being the nerve centre of the wine region, are several wine outlets, and the very informative Chateau Margaux tourist information office. This is an indispensable first stop for wine enthusiasts visiting the Medoc, with details of many of the hundreds of wine chateaux in the region including their opening times, guided tours and prices.
Not all the wine chateaux welcome visitors just driving up to their front doors unannounced so first ask for the brochure 'Destination Vignobles en Medoc' for information.
Chateau Margaux itself is on the edge of the village and would be noteworthy even without the wines it produces: it is a very extensive 18th century castle with beautifully maintained gardens. Visiting is rather more complicated however and only open to individuals that have booked in advance: phone 00 33 (0)5 56 88 70 28.
Margaux wines
Some basic facts about Margaux wines:
- The Margaux wine region includes 79 winegrowers covering a total area of 3300 acres (1336 hectares)
- Grapes used in making Margaux wine are usually the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varieties although Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot also used. Merlot is the predominant grape in the full-bodied wines while Cabernet Sauvignon is predominant in the lighter wines
- Our wine specialist friend recommends that you should drink Margaux wines with strong cheeses and roast meats
Attractions near Margaux
I think it is true to say that 99% of visitors to Margaux have been attracted by the famous wine and vineyards such as Chateau Latour, Chateau Petrus and Chateau Mouton-Rothschild so it is very likely you will be exploring some of these famous wine chateaux during your visit. See the Medoc guide for details.
It is also worth noting that the village of Lamarque, an attractive little village on the Gironde estuary a short distance north of Margaux, has ferries across to Blaye and the Cotes de Blaye wine region on the eastern side of the estuary. If you are exploring both of these wine regions the ferry can save a lot of time because the shortest route by road involves driving down to Bordeaux to cross the river.
Explore elsewhere in the Medoc. You can find more travel ideas in the Gironde guide and the Aquitaine guide.
Photos of Margaux
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Arrange a visit to Margaux
Hotels in Margaux
Booking.com: best prices
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Map of Margaux and places nearby
Visit near Margaux with France This Way reviews
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Blaye guide
Pauillac
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Pauillac guide
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Les Bassins des Lumieres guide
Bordeaux Waterfront
The waterfront in Bordeaux is among the highlights of a visit to this lovely city
Bordeaux Waterfront guide
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is an unmissable town, one of the most lively and interesting in France and with lots to see and museums to visit...
Bordeaux guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Gironde
Address: Margaux, Castelnau-de-Médoc, Bordeaux, Aquitaine, 33460, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 45.041944, longitude -0.675556
Plan your visit to Margaux, Gironde
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Bec d'Ambès: site of natural beauty (5 km)
- Fort Médoc (Vauban fortifications): heritage site (8 km)
- Cussac Fort Paté (Vauban fortifications): heritage site (8 km)
- Parc du château Lanessan: remarkable garden (9 km)
- Blaye citadelle (Vauban fortifications): heritage site (10 km)
- Cave Pair-non-Pair: national monument (14 km)
- Bordeaux basilique Saint-Seurin (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (23 km)
- Bordeaux Port: heritage site (24 km)
- Bordeaux cathédrale Saint-André (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (24 km)
- Pey-Berland Tower: national monument (24 km)
- Bordeaux basilique Saint-Michel (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (25 km)
- Parc zoologique de Bordeaux Pessac: zoo or wildlife park (27 km)
The French version of this page is at Margaux (Francais)