Ambarès-Et-Lagrave combines a location 15 km north of Bordeaux with a varied waterside landscape and a rich architectural history. The commune lies at the heart of the Ambès peninsula and at the tip of Entre-deux-Mers, a region bounded by the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. When planning your visit, you can consider both nature-themed outings around marshes and ponds and churches, chapels and historic buildings.
Waterside Landscapes and Water Sports
The Site de Peychaud lies in the Natura 2000 area of the Marais du bec d’Ambès and geographically connects the Petit Marais and Grand Marais. Several ponds and opportunities for water sports shape the scene at Lac de la Blanche: the lake was created on former gravel pits, covers 60 hectares and offers opportunities for boating, sailing and canoeing. This brings two distinct aspects of the waterside landscape into focus—the connection between the marshes and a lake offering several of the water sports mentioned.
Churches and Historic Buildings
A church at the site of the Église Saint-Pierre is documented as early as the 11th century. The entire Église Saint-Pierre has been listed as a historic monument since a decree dated April 16, 2002. The west portal dates from the same period as the early church: four archivolts define its form, and five rounded arches rest on paired columns. The date of the church site and the later decree thus provide two distinct chronological reference points for its architectural history.
The Château de Peychaud also links its architectural history with the design of its grounds. The Marquis de Fayet had the château built. Numerous irrigation and drainage channels on the estate are still present. The façades and roofs of the Château de Peychaud have been listed as historic monuments since March 15, 1966.
The Chapelle Saint-Denis was built around 1875 on the site of the former Chapelle Saint-Denis du Terray d’Aillabau, which had fallen into ruin by the end of the 18th century. The Neo-Gothic building has a Latin-cross floor plan; its stained-glass windows were installed in 1877. The chapel is still used for Catholic services.
The Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Grave was formerly a Templar commandery; its oldest part dates from the 12th century. It was deconsecrated in 1784 and is still used as an agricultural outbuilding and wine cellar. The old market hall of Ambarès-Et-Lagrave is a rare example of a hall supported by a colonnade; today, the building is used as a school.
Cultural Program and Visits
During the 2024–2025 cultural season, the Pôle Culturel Evasion regularly hosted artists in residence and offered opportunities for encounters, cultural awareness and outreach activities. Check the program for specific current dates. Scènes Croisées also took place in Ambarès-Et-Lagrave for the 22nd time that season. Four contemporary music groups from Gironde created a festive, convivial evening.
Visits and tastings at Château Peychaud are available by appointment. Confirm the date again before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Flaujagues, Saint-Genis-Du-Bois, Aillas, Escoussans, Saint-Médard-De-Guizières, Coimères, Marcheprime, Plassac
For the broader travel overview: Gironde.
