Top 10 Things to do in Pessac

Top 10 Things to do in Pessac

Wine, wine, and more wine. This is what the town of Pessac is known for.

Besides wine, the little town in south western France offers wonderous sites to be seen and explored . Pessac is a commune in the Gironde department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine in southwestern France. It is a member of the metropolis of Bordeaux and is accessible by train, bus and tram. Pessac showcases a viibrant  history, old time architecture, lots of culture and yes, wine.

1. Wine tasting at Château Pape Clement

Pessac_-_château_Pape_Clément_1 by Anonymous circa 1900-1925 – Wikimedia Commons

Ranked among the Crus Classés for red wine in the Classification of Graves wine of 1959, Château Pape Clément is a Bordeaux wine from the Pessac-Léognan appellation. This peaceful haven, located on the outskirts of Bordeaux, has 60 hectares of vines surrounding the château built in neo-Gothic style. The estate is the oldest  vineyard in the region having been planted in 1300.

The vineyard area consists 30 hectares  that are planted with grape varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Some of the plots are cultivated with white varieties of Sauvignon blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle.

Curious enthusiasts, experienced connoisseurs, knoledgable tasters and determined collectors – Château Pape Clément invites everyone to an extraordinary experience.

2.  Be one with Nature-Outdoors at Ecosite du Bourgailh

ecosite-du-bourgailh Google

Nature is calming and its nice to take a walk through or sit in an impeccably manicured park to take in fresh air and beautiful greenery. The Bourgailh site is a  large forest and is even referred to as the “ green lung” of Bordeaux. A leisurely walk through the forest will take you among huge oaks, pines and heather. Here, you can also visit a greenhouse that has a garden and tropical plants. There are engaging educational activities around the environmental theme that one can participate in to learn more about nature.

Be sure to climb the the observation tower, it offers a unique view  in this otherwise very flat region.

3. Go to the Zoo de Bordeaux Pessac

Makis_Cattas_-_crédit_Zoo_bordeaux_Pessacby ZooBdxPessac – Wikimedia Commons

A day at the zoo is always fun for people of all ages. Discover the magical world  of wildlife, see animals from thea African bush to those from Asia and South America. Meet lions, tigers, lemurs, red pandas, tapirs, giraffes, fishing cats, Asian otters and so many other animals.

It’s an activity fit for the whole family. There are loads of things to do at the zoo, a wide selection of animals to see and fun outdoor activities throughout the day. Be sure to catch the free flying parrot show. The little ones and adults alike will be absolutely blown away.

4. Eglise Saint Martin

Église_Saint-Martin_(Pessac) by Symac / Sylvain Machefert Wikimedia Commons

Found between the main railway station and Place de la Républiqu, is Saint Martin’s Church. Dating back to the third century, the current structure was partially completed in the 13th Century, with transepts being added over the following centuries. The building boasts a rather interesting narthex, a very distinct area at the western entrance of some early Christian churches, separated off by a railing. It is grande and a site to behold.

Throughout the church, there are then-and-now information boards that are quite fascinating and will tell you every interesting facts you need to know about the church.

What stands out the most is the architecture.the church is adorned with big sandstone pillars and huge ceiling arcs make the interior impressive.  The base of the church was part of Gallo-Roman town fortifications.

Eclipse St. Martin is quiet and solemn.

5. Château Haut-Brion

Haut Brion By BillBl originally posted to Flickr as Chateau Haut-Brion

A darling name in Bordeaux winemaking world. This site is short of breathtaking. From architecture to wine on the premises, it one of the gems of the region.

The estate Château Haut-Brion dates back to April 1525 when Jean de Pontac married Jeanne de Bellon, who brought to him this land for her dowery . All the vineyards are located together by the château itself and on the also across the road.

Enjoy a tour which includes watching a video about the history of Chateau, the wine making process and the tasting of their second wine.

6. Cite Fruges-Le Corbusier

Cité Frugès, PessacCité Frugès, Pessac By JosepBC – Wikimedia Commons

In 1923, a Swiss architect  named Le Corbusier was asked to design houses for workers on a field outside Bordeaux by sugar merchant Henry Fruges. Local bourgeoisie didn’t especially like the houses in blue, mint and ocre  calling them the Sultan’s because resembled the flat roofed cubicle style of French Northern African territories.

Despite the forward thinking of Frugès and Le Corbusier, the project  failed. The bold Modernist architecture was too “risky”, and many workers refused to rent the apartments. Today they have people living in them. Some are the descendants of the original owners. The site is protected by the Unesco World Monument list with strict restrictions not to alter them in any way. They have been preserved.

7. Break a sweat at UrbanSoccer

If you like soccer then you are in for a treat! There are 31 UrbanSoccer centers in France and Pessac is not an exception. These soccer parks are the solution to easily practice football leisurely, in easily accessible and well located centers.

Their agendas include playing football immediately after work, in all weather, on indoor and / or outdoor fields in the latest generation synthetic grass.

If you or your kids are sporty and active, this is a nice plan. No booking is needed, you can just pop in. They have a bar and restaurant that is Chic and has the friendliest staff.

You can  watch matches and chat after exercise in a relaxed atmosphere in the Club House. Or just watch your loved ones play and cheer them on.

These fun spaces can also  be privatized for parties and / or during tournaments. If a soccer themed celebration is your idea of a good time, this is the spot for you.  There is a fun and upbeat atmosphere blending the culture the town holds and modernity.

8. Drink more Wine at Château Haut Bacalan

Chateau Haut BacalanGoogle

In the heart of Pessac on the outskirts of Bordeaux, lies Château Haut-Bacalan. The Château Haut-Bacalan once belonged to the Baron de Montesquieu and it was here that this eminent philosopher planted his vines in 1726. The acclaimed philosopher of Enlightenment was the first person to establish a domain here, before selling it to M de Bacalan, a solicitor from Bordeaux, closely connected to the kings of Navarre, who gave his name to this estate.

In the vineyard, planted with the maximum of 10 000 vines per hectare, work is carried out manually. The seven hectares of vines are planted with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. The wines of Château Haut-Bacalan are typified by the fruity, elegant round aromas that Corinne and Charles-Henri Gonet love with complex flavours, presenting a subtle mixture of black ripe fruits, spices and vanilla, velvet tannins, full body, balanced structure ending in a long nice finish.

9. Go Shopping at La Galerie – Géant Pessac

La Galerie – Geant Pessac by Google

The Galerie Géant Pessac (formerly Bois de Bersol) is a shopping center in the southwest suburbs of Bordeaux. Located in Pessac, it has 60 shops, boutiques and restaurants, set up around a Géant Casino hypermarket and a small shopping mall where you can find brands such as Camaïeu, Cléor, San Marina, Jules, Pimkie.

It is a ood place to waste away the aftwrnoon. You honestly will find everything you want like Fashion, jewelry and accessories, Beauty and health, Restaurants, food and Hobbies and services. Name it all they’ve got it.

10. Attend a Concert at Sortie 13

Sortie 13 getlstd-property-photo Google

Music is food for the soul and for music lovers this place offers nothing less than a buffet.

Located on the edge of the Bordeaux ring road, in Pessacit is known to host various cultural activities. There are two very distinct spaces: A space dedicated to the visual arts – The other dedicated to music. It is designed to allow the meeting of different arts and exchanges with the public, Sortie 13 is a set of spaces that lets you experience all aspects of the arts be it music theater or just anything visual arts. All I know is that you will have the time of your life. Come. Visit. Enjoy.