Visit to the Château and Gardens of Mongenan

A must-see site in Portets, Gironde. What to see and do at the Château and Gardens of Mongenan

The Château de Mongenan is a historical site located in Portets, Gironde, near Bordeaux. It houses:

• An 18th-century museum ,
• A Masonic Temple ,
• Historic gardens classified as "Remarkable Gardens" .

Guided tour of the museum, the Masonic Temple and the gardens, duration one hour

The guided tour of the 18th-century museum at the Château de Mongenan and its Masonic Temple lasts one hour, allowing ample time to ask questions about the objects and documents on display. The guides have been carefully selected to answer any questions you may have on the following topics: the history of the Graves wine region, Bordeaux in the 18th century, the French East India Company, the history of slavery in Saint-Domingue, the Parliament of Guyenne, the life and work of Rousseau, Linnaeus's botany, science and discoveries under Louis XVI, the history of fashion and textiles in the 18th century, private collections under Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, literary and philosophical salons, Necker, the Girondins, Danton, Robespierre, the September Massacres, the Reign of Terror in Bordeaux, assignats and corruption during the Terror, and the history of Freemasonry in France from the 18th century to the present day. Please feel free to ask them questions. Their answers will sometimes surprise you, as the facts are stubborn, the men are many, and the historical truth is sometimes far removed from what is quickly taught in school textbooks.

Activities and tastings

• Every weekend, events showcase the castle's collections.
• The visit traditionally ends with a tasting of the estate's wines , renowned for their Graves appellation.

Opening Hours and Prices

Visiting hours :

• Open to the public :
  • From January 7 to December 20 : every day (including Sundays and holidays), from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • From July to September : every day, from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pm .
• Guided tours :
  • Duration: 1 hour (museum, Masonic Temple and gardens).
  • Topics covered: history of the Graves wine region, Bordeaux in the 18th century, East India Company, history of slavery, Parliament of Guyenne, life and work of Rousseau, botany, sciences under Louis XVI, history of fashion, Freemasonry, etc.
• Groups : by reservation all year round, at chosen times.

Prices:

• €10 per person,
• €9 for groups of more than 10 people.
• €15 for the combined visit of Mongenan and Lagueloup castles,
• Free for children under 12.