The best MTB trails around Léogeats

Budos Castle is the work of Raymond Guilhem de Budos, nephew of Pope Clement V. Largely supported by his uncle, he rebuilt the old family castle in 1306, adopting the architectural features of the neighboring Château de Villandraut, as evidenced by the following document from King Edward I, written from Wynten on March 9, 1306, to the Seneschal of Gascony[4]: "The Knight of Budos, nephew of Clement V, Sovereign Pontiff, has begged us to allow him to crenellate his house in Budos, to surround it with walls, towers, moats, and finally to fortify it. Out of respect for the Sovereign Pontiff, and because a fortress of this nature will protect not only our possessions in this part of Guienne, but also the subjects of the Pope's nephew, we grant the aforementioned Raymond permission to fortify his castle and we grant it to him, his heirs, and successors in perpetuity, and we undertake not to disturb him in any way in this possession." In 1422-23, the King of England took possession of the castle and placed Pons, Lord of Castillon, in charge. Around 1433, Henry VI granted the lands and the castle to the Duke of Gloucester. In 1446-47, Budos was given to Gaston IV of Foix-Béarn, Count of Foix, following the death of the Earl of Gloucester. After the conquest of Guyenne, the Budos family, which had supported the cause of France, regained possession of its lordships in Guyenne. Purchased from the Budos family by Raymond de La Roque in 1571, Budos Castle suffered a severe assault in 1652 during the Fronde Wars. Lasserre ransacked, pillaged, and burned its archives. The Budos lordship remained in the La Roque family until the Revolution, which nearly destroyed it. It was sold as national property and used as a quarry to build dikes on the Ciron. In 1841, the Gironde Historical Monuments Commission was informed of this by Léo Drouyn. In 1860, it became the property of Léon de Brivazac, son of Delphine Catherine de La Roque de Budos (born at the castle in 1789). Five descendants (including Savary de Beauregard) entrusted it to the Adichats association, which brings together young people to enhance and preserve what can be preserved. The castle was registered as a historic monument in 1988

The castle has variable opening hours. In August, we found the gates closed. It only opens at 2:30 PM.

A tree has knocked down part of the bank at the start of the trail, but it's still passable even by bike.

single rolling along the ciron

Mountain bike ride with exceptional organization and guaranteed friendliness

Worth seeing and imposing castle ruins.

The Château de Villandraut is a medieval castle located in the town of Villandraut, in the department of Gironde, France. Built in the 14th century, it is considered one of the best examples of military Gothic architecture in the region. Villandraut Castle was built under the order of Bertrand de Goth, future Pope Clement V, who wanted to reside there after being elected Pope. The castle was then used as a residence for the French royal family during the Wars of Religion. The castle of Villandraut is surrounded by moats and has a drawbridge, a walkway and several imposing towers. It also houses a chapel, a great hall and royal apartments. The castle is open to visitors who can discover its history and architecture through guided tours, exhibitions and cultural events organized throughout the year.

Beautiful ruins of the castle of Budos, accessible by road but also by paths along the river. Much nicer!