Iconic by bike: Cazeneuve Castle to Bazas
31.9 km(s) 3h Difficulty : AverageStage 1
The Royal Castle of CazeneuveThe shadow of Queen Margot still looms over this estate of the Kings of Navarre. Built in the 11th century on the banks of the Ciron, the castle was remodelled many times to become the magnificent princely residence of Henry IV, who enjoyed hunting there. Built in the Renaissance style, the building still houses sumptuous, furnished royal apartments. The grounds still feature the grotto known as “Queen Margot’s Grotto” and a bamboo grove worthy of the tropics.
Stage 2
From the pretty square, surrounded by 16th- and 17th-century half-timbered houses, you can enter Saint-Jean Cathedral (listed as a Historic Monument since 1840), built in the 13th and 14th centuries in the style of the great Gothic cathedrals of northern France.The cathedral was largely devastated by the Huguenots (1577–1578), but the portals, the finest example of Gothic sculpture in the Gironde, were spared. The central portal is dedicated to the Last Judgement and the story of Saint John the Baptist; the side portals are dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Saint Peter. The interior of the building, which is remarkably austere, is notable for the perspective created by the narrow, long nave.
The cathedral is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela (1998).
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The route starts from the Bazas greenway towards Bernos-Beaulac, taking you to our iconic site of the Kings of Navarre: the Château de Cazeneuve. After visiting Queen Margot’s iconic residence and spending a little time under the park’s giant bamboo grove, you can enjoy the refreshing gorges along the banks of the Ciron. This is an easy walk, following a shaded path alongside the legendary river, a favourite with canoeists. The loop continues along paths lined with ferns before returning to the Cité jacquaire.
