Left bank
Where to stay in the Médoc
On this bank the choice is between being near the ramp and being near the châteaux. They are not the same villages, and the difference is paid in kilometres at breakfast.
The D2 crosses five appellations over roughly 80 km. Choosing between Margaux, Pauillac and Lamarque is really choosing how far up that road you want to wake up, and how far you will be from the slipway.
Where to base yourself
- Lamarque and Cussac-Fort-Médoc. Next to the ramp and to Fort Médoc. The choice if you are taking an early sailing back, or if you want to see all three points of Vauban's estuary lock in one day.
- Margaux, to the south. The densest concentration of classified châteaux, with the most addresses and places to eat. The best balance between the vineyard and reaching the ferry.
- Saint-Julien and Pauillac, north. The heart of the great growths, with three of the five 1855 first growths at Pauillac. Further from the ramp, so plan for it if you are returning by ferry.
Places to stay along the Route des Châteaux
Margaux, Saint-Julien, Pauillac and the villages in between, with availability for your dates.
External content
This map comes from Stay22 and sets cookies. It loads only when you ask for it.
You book with our partner. We may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Booking in the vineyard
The Médoc has few hotels and many guest rooms on wine estates. That changes two things: capacity is small, so harvest weekends and spring holidays fill months ahead, and a good number of addresses close for part of the winter.
Getting back by ferry
From Pauillac or Saint-Estèphe, coming back down to Lamarque takes time on a road that runs through every village. Add the 30 minutes at the ramp before choosing your sailing. See the timetable.
Or the other bank
If your stay is about the citadel and the estuary rather than the vineyard, the right bank is the logical base. Where to stay in Blaye, and what to see in the Médoc.
Updated : September 2026