Our old stones

In the Médoc, churches are places of peace, meditation and remembrance. Imposing or modest, they mark the landscape like sentinels of local history. These buildings have survived the centuries and, even if they are not listed, they continue to seduce with their authenticity and the aura of serenity they exude.

• Church of Saint-Seurin in Lamarque
  The church of Saint-Seurin in Lamarque, dating from the 11th century, is a heritage treasure. Its reconstruction in 1674 and extension using stones from the previous church reflect a rich history. The current church, rebuilt in the 1830s, is distinguished by its majestic bell tower-porch. The latter, topped by a zinc dome, houses an observatory with a panoramic view. Inside, the dome enchants with canvases depicting the Evangelists and an apse vault adorned with golden bees.

• Church of Saint-Didier in Cantenac
  The church of Saint-Didier in Cantenac, rebuilt from 1769, stands out for its atypical architecture in the Médoc. Listed as a Monuments historiques, it offers a remarkable example of the Baroque style, with a triangular pediment facade and a neo-classical bell tower. The interior is decorated in an Italianate style, with period features including a marble holy water font and 18th-century paintings.

• The Church of Notre-Dame in Macau
  The Church of Notre-Dame in Macau is a treasure trove of history. Dating from the 12th century, its bell tower has been listed Monument historique since 1893. The nave, rebuilt in the 15th century, reveals windows with pointed arches, while the choir is entirely painted. The furnishings include such gems as the 18th-century marble high altar and 17th-century gilded wooden tabernacle.

• The parish church of Saint-Germain in Arsac
  The church of Saint-Germain in Arsac boasts a Romanesque portal classified as a Historic Monument. Its narrative walls feature funerary paintings from the 14th and 15th centuries, adorned with family coats of arms. Near the inner porch, a small 14th-century floral-style niche catches the eye. The bell tower was rebuilt in 1861, bringing a modern touch to this building steeped in history.

• Church of Saint-Seurin in Le Pian-Médoc
  The church of Saint-Seurin in Le Pian-Médoc, Gironde, reveals an emblematic Romanesque style, erected in the 12th century and partially listed as a Monuments Historiques since 1925, including the apse and bell tower. The ogival vault bears witness to the passage of time, revealing a funerary litre and vestiges of homage to the Lord of Alesme. Its imposing rectangular bell tower and its chevet adorned with remarkable Romanesque sculptures have naturally been preserved. The nave, added in 1843, and the bell, cast in 1780, complete this ecclesiastical heritage.