Each town in France has their own story to tell, which compliments with their architecture and culture. And each town that I get to visit feels like I’m walking in a different century, and it always amazes me.
In time for the beginning of spring, our school organized another field trip for their international students. We went to the south of Gironde and got to visit a historical castle, which was built in the 11th century, and a home estate that has been preserved since the 16th century.
It was an hour bus ride to the small town of Langon, and the first stop of the day was the Château de Roquetaillade, which roughly translates into ‘Rock Castle’. The original fortress that surrounded the village is almost non-existent now (like the village) except for the remaining tower. Around the 14th century, the new castle was built. It was intended to protect the villagers from an attack. Now, the castle is owned and lived by the same family for over 700 years. They even have their own chaplet built in the 19th century. BTW, You can request to have your intimate wedding in their chaplet.
The tour took almost 2 and a half hour to see the whole area and learn about the history plus the tour inside the castle. Unfortunately, it was not allowed to take photos inside the castle. So I would suggest to go and visit the place instead. 😉
Right after our lunch, we went straight to our second destination, the home of estate of the Mauriac Family. The home estate was donated by François Mauriac’s children to the Regional Council of Aquitaine. The council then created an association whose mission is to preserve the home estate, called the Centre François Mauriac de Malagar.
Even though the home estate was huge, the main house where the Mauriac family lived couldn’t accommodate all of us. We went in the main house in batches and learned about the life of François Mauriac. While waiting for our turn, some of us visited the small museum where you can learn everything about François Mauriac and his family. When everyone finished looking into the museum, we stayed in the garden and listened to our fellow student play his shamisen. I was part of the last group to get in the house before we go back to the city, inside was quaint and charming.
The weather was great to us that day, it was sunny and windy. Everyone had fun and were exhausted when we got back to the school. It was also my last trip with some of my friends too, before the semester ends. I have only this memory to remember them and hopefully, we get to meet again soon somewhere in the world.
Love, J.
