The 2026 Night of the Castles: enjoy a romantic break in a château in the Gers
The Night of the Castles returns on 16, 17 and 18 October 2026 at numerous historic sites across France. This heritage event offers the chance to explore the châteaux after dark, then to extend the experience with a romantic getaway for two at the Château de Castelneau in Gironde, in the heart of the Entre-deux-Mers region.
To mark the 2026 Night of the Castles, we invite you to rediscover the pleasure of staying in a residence steeped in history. When you’re looking for a a romantic château in the Gers Or, more broadly speaking, in the South-West, you could also head to the Gironde and the Entre-deux-Mers wine region. Situated in Saint-Léon, between Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion, our family-run estate combines a historic château, vineyards, guest rooms and unspoilt surroundings, making it the perfect setting for a romantic getaway.
The 2026 Night of the Castles, an event celebrating our heritage
The eighth edition of The Night of the Castles takes place on Friday 16, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026. Over the course of the weekend, monuments in various regions of France open their doors at nightfall and offer tours or events tailored to their history.
Several castles in Nouvelle-Aquitaine feature in the announced programme. Each participating site sets its own opening hours and programme, which may include a night-time tour, a tour of the gardens, a historical presentation or a cultural event. It is therefore advisable to check the official programme before planning your visit.
This event also serves as a reminder of the importance of passing on our heritage. The Ministry of Culture emphasises the role of historic monuments and heritage sites in preserving the architecture, history and identity of local areas.
Extend the experience with a romantic break in Gironde
After an evening tour, staying in a château allows you to maintain the same theme throughout the weekend. At Château de Castelneau, we welcome you to a peaceful setting, surrounded by vineyards, woodland and rolling countryside. The estate is situated in Saint-Léon, in the heart of the Gironde, near Créon and La Sauve-Majeure.
Our château is a family home with a history stretching back several centuries. The present building dates back to the Middle Ages and has evolved over the generations. Today, we preserve this heritage whilst continuing our wine-growing business and welcoming visitors keen to discover the Entre-deux-Mers region.
For your stay as a couple, you can choose from our holiday cottages and guest rooms in Gironde. The accommodation is situated within the estate, allowing guests to enjoy its surroundings first-hand.
Discover the vineyard and the history of Château de Castelneau
For several generations, our estate has combined life at the château with the cultivation of the vineyards. We offer tours and tastings in the Entre-deux-Mers region providing a better understanding of the estate’s layout, its family history, the work carried out in the vineyard and the various stages of winemaking.
Depending on the tour you choose, the itinerary may include the castle’s grounds, the vineyards, the wine cellars or certain historic rooms. The tasting session then offers the chance to discover the estate’s wines and the characteristics of our terroir. This activity fits perfectly into a romantic break, particularly for couples wishing to combine heritage and wine tourism.
The castle is situated a few kilometres from La Sauve-Majeure Abbey. The chapel Entre-deux-Mers Tourism Castelneau is also worth a visit among the historic estates to explore around Saint-Léon.
A setting perfect for marriage proposals and celebrations
The atmosphere of a château in autumn can also provide the perfect backdrop for a special occasion. Whether it’s the anniversary of when you first met, a marriage proposal or a getaway organised ahead of wedding preparations, this offers a simple and harmonious setting, surrounded by vineyards and historic buildings.
We also welcome couples who wish to to organise their wedding in a château in Gironde. The various areas of the estate allow you to plan a reception tailored to the number of guests and the schedule for the day.
The Night of the Castles therefore provides an interesting starting point for thinking about holding a celebration at a historic venue. It offers a different way to discover the architecture, gardens and night-time atmosphere of these properties, whilst reminding us that a castle can remain a living, inhabited place that is passed down through the generations.
Plan your holiday for October 2026
To plan your trip, we recommend that you first check the final list of monuments taking part in La Nuit des Châteaux. Opening times, access details and events vary from site to site. Some visits require advance booking.
You can then book one or more nights at the Château de Castelneau and plan your itinerary around the villages, vineyards and heritage sites of the Entre-deux-Mers region. Our location means you can visit various places without having to make too many long journeys.
To find out about available accommodation or to ask us a question about tours of the estate, you can use our contact page. We can advise you on the options best suited to the length and arrangements of your stay.
FAQ
When will *La Nuit des Châteaux* 2026 take place?
The 2026 Night of the Castles is scheduled for Friday 16, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October. Opening days may vary from one participating monument to another.
Is Castelneau Castle in the Gers?
No. Castelneau Castle is situated in Saint-Léon, in Gironde, in the heart of the Entre-deux-Mers region. It is situated between Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion. Travellers looking for a romantic château in the Gers may therefore also wish to consider this neighbouring destination in the South-West.
Can you stay overnight at Castelneau Castle?
Yes, we offer a number of holiday cottages and guest rooms on the estate. They allow you to stay in a historic, wine-growing setting for a night, a weekend or several days.
Can we visit the estate during our stay?
We offer tours of the château, the vineyard and the cellars, accompanied by a wine tasting. The content and duration vary depending on the package chosen. Advance booking is recommended.
Does the château host weddings?
Yes, the Château de Castelneau hosts weddings, receptions and other private events. The estate’s venues can be arranged to suit the type of event and the number of guests.
What is there to see around Saint-Léon?
You can explore Créon, La Sauve-Majeure Abbey, the wine-growing landscapes of the Entre-deux-Mers, Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion. There are also several routes that take you through the bastides and villages of the Gironde.
