Loupiac brings together very different traces of its history: a Gallo-Roman villa, the Église Saint-Pierre and the Vieux château du Cros. There are also views over the Garonne Valley and a visit to Château du Cros with its connection to wine. These themes can be distinguished easily when planning: the villa and the church represent different periods of architectural history, while the château, views and wine offer a different focus.
Ancient domestic architecture and church architecture
The archaeological site of the Gallo-Roman villa of Loupiac was listed in its entirety as a Monument historique by decree on 13 June 2024. It preserves the remains of a rich ancient residential complex: a peristyle, baths, basins, a large swimming pool, galleries and mosaic floors. A peristyle is a courtyard surrounded by columns; the term helps to classify the complex as a residence with several architectural areas. The remains thus range from the layout of the rooms to bathing and water facilities, as well as decorated floors.
The Église Saint-Pierre in Loupiac belongs to a different period of construction: it dates from the 12th century, has a Latin cross floor plan and a richly ornamented façade. The cruciform floor plan and the façade decorations illustrate two different aspects of church architecture. The Église Saint-Pierre has been classified as a Monument historique since 1840. Visitors interested in architecture will find here a medieval church with a clearly described floor plan and elaborately designed façade, alongside the ancient residential complex.
Château, Garonne Valley and wine appellations
The medieval château of the Vieux château du Cros was built on a hilltop in the 12th century and overlooks the Garonne Valley. Its elevated position offers exceptional views of the five appellations for sweet white wines: Loupiac, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, Cérons, Barsac and Sauternes. The view makes the area’s connection to wine tangible: it takes in five named appellations, not a single wine estate. The Vieux château du Cros has been listed in the inventory of Monuments historiques since 1997.
The château also has several dates associated with its construction history. Construction of the Vieux château du Cros is said to have begun in 1155; the site also has surviving remains from the 17th and 18th centuries. The uncertain construction date and the later building remains describe different periods in the château’s history. Along with its elevated location and views, this makes it a distinct focus for visitors interested in historic buildings and landscapes.
Wine visit at Château du Cros
At Château du Cros, visitors can access the barrel cellars and tasting room and discover wines from the AOC Loupiac and Bordeaux. The estate welcomes visitors with or without a prior appointment. It also offers a walking path between the medieval château and the wine estate, with views of the Garonne. Check the current conditions before your visit for tasting arrangements, visitor access and the walking path.
There are two different ways to choose a focus for your trip: ancient and medieval architectural history, or views of the appellations and a wine visit. If you are particularly interested in architecture, the villa and the Église Saint-Pierre represent different periods and architectural styles. If wine is your main focus, you can consider the views from the Vieux château du Cros and what Château du Cros offers as separate aspects; check the current conditions before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Pujols, Sauveterre-De-Guyenne, Bieujac, Montussan, Le Barp, Carbon-Blanc, Targon, Samonac
For the broader travel overview: Gironde.
