The Notre-Dame Abbey, Guîtres station and the port on the Isle offer three distinct ways to experience the town: medieval heritage, historic railway experiences and waterside activities. There is also the 2 km Chemin du patrimoine, with 14 stops. This makes it easy to plan a visit to Guîtres around clearly distinct experiences—from a walking tour to a train ride or a visit to the river.
The Abbey and the town’s history
Notre-Dame Abbey is the last surviving remnant of the abbey of Guîtres, which was important in the Middle Ages. Construction began in the 11th century. Its chestnut-wood roof structure, by contrast, dates from the 15th century and is in perfect condition. The two dates refer to different elements: the start of the church’s construction and the roof structure. Those interested in architectural history will find two clearly distinct historical points of reference at the same abbey.
The Chemin du patrimoine is a 2 km walking route with 14 stops, each with an explanatory panel. One stop is at the Puits Henri IV and its square. The route complements a visit to the abbey with a sequence of individual stops: you can follow the path as one continuous route or use the stops and their panels to guide you.
Historic railway and vélorail
The Train Touristique Guîtres Marcenais departs from Guîtres station. The station was built around 1875. The authentic historic train, with carriages dating from 1900, travels through the green Gabaye Forest in the north of Gironde. The station also houses a railway museum, which visitors can see before boarding the train. The station, carriages and museum offer different points of interest for anyone interested in railway history: the approximate construction date of the station building, the carriages from 1900 and the collection to see before the journey.
Another activity also starts at the station: the Vélorail du Pays Gabay. Its 16 km route is a round trip and runs through clearings and woodland. Along the way, visitors can observe local flora and fauna as well as engineering structures. The railway activities therefore offer different experiences: the vélorail focuses on the route, landscape and structures along the way, while the Train Touristique focuses on historic carriages and the journey through the Gabaye Forest.
The port, river and exploring the town
The port of Guîtres is on the Isle, and the Lary flows into it nearby. The abbey stands on a rocky outcrop above the Isle valley, overlooking the port. At the port, La Randonnerie offers guided river trips and rents out paddleboards and kayaks. Visitors are welcomed at the Isle Pagaye kiosk by Jean-Félix and Gaël. A boat trip, paddleboarding and kayaking are different ways to include the river in your visit. As information about providers can change, check the latest details if you are planning a trip or rental.
There is also a Tèrra-Aventura activity in Guîtres for exploring the town. It uses a free app and takes visitors around the town as they solve puzzles. Unlike a train or river trip, this activity is guided by the app and its puzzles: the challenges accompany you on your way through Guîtres.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Laurent-Des-Combes, Mauriac, Saint-Caprais-De-Bordeaux, Saint-Michel-De-Lapujade, Saint-Étienne-De-Lisse, Les Artigues-De-Lussac, Saint-Pierre-De-Mons, Bassens.
For an overview of the wider area: Gironde.
