Castillon

Had arranged to go round and photograph a few of the 'real' chateaux in the Castillon area. Appointments made. Then a tiny problem; dense fog makes photography a bit tricky.

Castillon has an extraordinary number of C12/13/14/15th real fortified castles, with turrets, moats, dungeons and the rest. Monsieur Le Baron de Montfort at Blasimon visibly shuddered when asked if he actually wanted to live in his vast, ancient fortress; (he doesn't).

Benoît de Fontenay and family do live happily at Château de Castegens, despite being attacked by soldiers three times a week throughout July and August (Castegens serves as backdrop for the Battle of Castillon huge and loud 'Son et Lumiere' show).

Bruno Aymen de Lageard has a quieter time at Château de Flojague, Stéphan de Neipperg doesn’t actually live at Château d'Aiguilhe; it’s a ruin - though it does have the finest of all cellars. And he's got Canon LaGaffelière to live in anyway.

Château La Pierrière I had not actually entered since 1965!!! In that time the very hard-working de Marcillacs have restored and sensitively modernised their damp, dark, primitive and ancient toy fort into a lovely, warm, gorgeous home; my favourite of all!

We had to stop there... talking too much... with at least a dozen more to go.

I hope my team will like the idea of us putting together a box of a dozen of these wonderful 'Castillon Castle-wines' with some photographs, histories... AND a good map!!!! So customers - particularly Keyholders - will be able to add 'A trip back in time' to their itinerary when they come and visit the Chai.

All of these places were built when Aquitaine was under the rule of the King of England! We need to keep an eye on them!

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