La mayor hazaña ciclista vivida en Libourne es probablemente la de Jacques Anquetil, que en 1957 dio aquí un extraordinario recital al ganar una contrarreloj de 66 kilómetros con salida en Burdeos. Un pinchazo no impidió al joven normando de 23 años relegar a sus rivales a más de dos minutos, tres días antes de su primera consagración en París. En 2021, Matej Mohorič ganó en solitario en Libourne y, al día siguiente, Wout van Aert se impuso en la contrarreloj con destino a Saint-Émilion. Dos años después, el pelotón volvió a salir ante la bastida real y fue Mads Pedersen quien triunfó en Limoges.
- Ciudad etapa por 6ª vez
- Subprefectura de la Gironda (33)
- Habitantes: 25 500
- ville-libourne.fr • lacali.fr
Libourne and cycling
The greatest cycling feat in Libourne is probably that of Jacques Anquetil, who, in 1957, put on a masterclass to win a 66-kilometre time trial starting from Bordeaux. A puncture did not prevent the 23-year-old from Normandy from beating the field by more than two minutes, three days before his first victory in Paris. In 2021, Matej Mohoric raised his arms in victory alone in Libourne. The following day, Wout van Aert demonstrated his power in the time trial towards Saint-Émilion. Two years later, the peloton set off once again from the royal bastide and Mads Pedersen won in Limoges.
Libourne is also the birthplace of Mickaël Delage, who competed in six Tours de France, mainly riding for Française des Jeux, and of Quentin Pacher, who also took part in the Tour six times, again mainly for FDJ.
Sights
Museum of Fine Arts
Awarded the ‘Musée de France’ designation, the Libourne Museum of Fine Arts offers visitors a comprehensive overview of works from European art schools spanning the 14th to the 20th centuries. The museum has two exhibition spaces: the second floor of the town hall for its permanent collections and the Carmelite Chapel for temporary exhibitions. Although it has undergone some alterations, the museum has retained its original character, notably the magnificent decorative stained-glass window bearing the town’s coat of arms.
Quays of La Confluence
Completely redeveloped, the port of Libourne Saint-Émilion, with its quays and jetties from which many cruise passengers disembark, offers a breathtaking view of the Confluence where the Dordogne and Isle rivers meet. A place for living and socialising, where everyone can enjoy their favourite activities (sport, relaxation, walking, fine dining), the area exudes a seaside atmosphere that is both exotic and festive.
Château de Sales – AOC Pomerol
Built: 1770
History: possibly built by the first known owner, Jean de Sauvanelle, mayor of Libourne in the first half of the 17th century, the château’s layout still follows that of a fortress, fully enclosed and organised around an inner courtyard. The gardens designed in the plans of 1770–1772 have given way to lawns, whilst the water feature was created between 1770 and 1780. Situated within the Pomerol appellation, Château de Sales boasts the largest vineyard in the AOC, with 47.6 hectares of vines out of the estate’s total 90 hectares. The boundaries of the estate are the same as they were in 1578, give or take three hectares, which were lost during the Revolution.
Listing: listed as a Historic Monument since 1996.
The Grand Port Tower
Construction: 14th century.
Features: the Grand Port Tower is one of the defensive towers of a former gate in the city’s surrounding wall. These ramparts, flanked by towers, were pierced by eight gates, the four main ones of which opened at the ends of the city’s two main thoroughfares. The Grand Port Gate, built in the 14th century, was known as the Porte Richard in honour of a son of the Black Prince born in Bordeaux in 1366.
Listed as: Historic Monument since 1921.
Fest’Arts
The Libourne Street Arts Festival will celebrate its 36th edition in 2027. Originally called Rue en Fête (in 1990), Fest’Arts was launched in 1993 to breathe new life into traditional festivals. With the Street Arts, the aim was to create a festive and friendly event where live performance would be accessible to all, in a bastide town that offered a space capable of hosting the many facets of street arts. Since 2005, organisation has been entrusted to a dedicated municipal department, which is also responsible for managing the Liburnia Theatre.
Lamarque Barracks
Built: 18th and 19th centuries.
Features: the barracks in Libourne played a pioneering role in the rise of the Neoclassical style that developed in the second half of the 18th century. This complex consists of three rectangular buildings, constructed between 1766 and 1820 around a courtyard flanked by two square pavilions enclosed by a grille. Although some of the interiors have been altered, many features of interest have been preserved, notably the monumental staircase in the officers’ pavilion and the roof structure of the riding hall.
Listed as: Historic Monument since 2013.
La Calinésie aquatic centre
What sets these 5,000 m² dedicated to water apart is their combination of leisure, sport and wellbeing, both indoors and outdoors. On the leisure side, its 75-metre slide is a dream come true for adventure seekers. A 500 m² swimming area, complete with a lazy river and a play area, allows the whole family to let off steam. For a wellness break, head to the well-equipped spa area (hammam, jacuzzi, sauna, etc.). With its 25m² competition pool and spectator stands, La Calinésie is also able to host major national competitions in the short course pool. Information at www.lacalinésie.fr
Guîtres Tourist Train
A relic of the golden age of railways, this offers a chance to rediscover the joys of old-fashioned rail travel. In carriages built in 1900, you’ll travel seated on wooden benches as you journey through the lush green forests of northern Gironde. The journey back in time begins as soon as you enter the station, built in 1875, where a real cardboard ticket is stamped!
Mascaret (Tidal bore)
The Libournais tidal bore is surfed by riders from all over the world, as the wave on the Dordogne is unique. As it races across the water from the ocean, this spectacular natural phenomenon swells, recedes, rages, foams, reappears, crashes down the Dordogne riverbed and surges inland as far as Libourne and beyond, more than 100 km from the ocean. In France, the Libourne tidal bore is the number one attraction. In fact, celebrities such as Guillaume Canet and Marion Cotillard have made a habit of coming to surf this exceptional wave every year.
