Château de Villandraut

Registered monuments and sites

About sixty kilometres south of Bordeaux, the native land of Bertrand de Got, the future Pope Clement V, Villandraut, houses a real palace-fortress. Just one year after his accession to Saint Peter’s throne, Clement V instructed the construction of Villandraut Château with an impressive defence system. When you arrive, you are struck by the overwhelming presence of the massive towers which stand over you at a height of 20 metres.
Enter the internal U-shaped courtyard after crossing a massive bridge spanning wide paved moats. Inside, discover all the typical elements of architecture from the Middle Ages, some evidence of sophisticated comfort such as the period sinks or latrines. Like its neighbour, Budos Château, Villandraut invites you to take part in exhibitions, dramas, concerts and even a completely medieval “Jesters Festival”.