Captieux brings together natural and cultural attractions that can be explored in different ways. At Lac de Taste, a trail runs around the lake, along with a purpose-built fitness trail for walking or running. The Route des Airials, by contrast, is a circular discovery trail through the high plateaus of Gironde. Captieux is also a stop on the Way of St. James and an integral part of the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park. If you are planning a stay, you can build it around the trails, the weekly market or a cultural event.
Around Lac de Taste and through the Airials
Lac de Taste is 2 km from the village of Captieux. The trail around the lake includes a fitness trail designed for walking or running. You can plan a quiet picnic at the small beach. Swimming is prohibited there to protect this natural setting, so the beach is a place to pause by the water, not to swim.
The Route des Airials offers a different perspective. It starts at Captieux town hall square, opposite the church, and forms a circular route through the high plateaus of Gironde. Along the way, it introduces traditional airials, settlements with an open layout. The two experiences therefore have distinct focuses: movement and picnicking by the lake, and the landscape and traditional settlement patterns on the route.
Weekly market, art and cultural events
Captieux’s weekly market takes place on Monday mornings at Place de l’église. Products include wine, poultry, fruit and vegetables. Fresh fish in a wide variety, seasonal catches and local trout from Ferme du Ciron are also available. As availability can vary, it is advisable to check for up-to-date information before market day. Check the market hours before your visit too, as the schedule may change.
A striking work of art in Captieux is “Le Pavillon” by Didier Marcel, work no. 17 in the Forêt d’Art Contemporain on the A65. Located between the forest and the motorway, it takes into account the different perspectives of drivers and walkers. Three massive shafts support a scaled-down Canadian tent: the structure sets large, heavy supports against a small tent in a marked contrast of scale. The work offers a different way to experience the surroundings than the trails by the lake or through the airials.
Captieux also has a cinema and a cultural centre, which hosts numerous performances. The “Rugby y toros” Feria is held regularly in June, though dates may vary from year to year. For specific travel plans, check the current date and cultural programme. This helps distinguish time-specific events from the walking and discovery routes, which offer a different focus for your stay.
Plan your stay to suit you
When planning a hotel stay in Captieux, it is worth deciding on your travel dates first. A Monday morning works well for the weekly market; for the Feria, the specific date in June is key. For a day in nature, you can choose between the circular trail at Lac de Taste and the Route des Airials: one combines walking or running with a picnic break, while the other leads to the traditional open settlements of the high plateaus. Art enthusiasts can also include “Le Pavillon” in their plans. The best combination for your stay therefore depends above all on whether you want to focus on the market, an event, the landscape or art.
Discover more destinations: Preignac, Sadirac, Saucats, Grignols, Neuffons, Sainte-Foy-La-Grande, Saint-Jean-De-Blaignac, Mouillac
For the broader travel overview: Gironde.
