Country France Department Gironde Intercommunality Fronsac Area 15.29 km² Local time Saturday 1:04 AM | Region Nouvelle-Aquitaine Canton Fronsac Population (2012) 1,146 Elevation 30 m Arrondissement Libourne | |
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Weather 10°C, Wind W at 10 km/h, 83% Humidity Points of interest Château du Gaby, Château Moulin Pey‑Labrie, Château Canon Saint‑Mic, Vignobles Alain Roux GFA | ||
Fronsac is a French commune in the Gironde department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in southwestern France. The town gave its name to the Fronsac AOC wine.
Contents
Map of 33126 Fronsac, France
Geography
The commune is situated in the Fronsadais and is bordered on the south by the Dordogne River and on the east by the Isle River, which separates it from Libourne. Fronsac is 40 km northeast of Bordeaux and 5 km northwest of Libourne and the Saint-Émilion and Pomerol appellations.
History
Fronsac's mound owes its history to its privileged position. It was the site of the Gauls' market, the Romans erected an altar there, and Charlemagne built a fortified camp on the mound ("Franciacus") in 769, where the Basques led by duke Lupo came to pledge allegiance to the Frankish King after Aquitaine's submission. In 849, Fronsac was pillaged by Hasting, the chief of the Vikings. The Marechal of Richelieu had a "folly" built there, to an extravagant architectural design, where he held courtly entertainments. As word spread of these events, the renown of Fronsac's wines was carried with it to the Court of Versailles. In the 18th Century, the names of Fronsac and Canon Fronsac enjoyed a very good reputation. It was at this time that the concept of "cru" first appeared in the Libournais.
Sights
Personalities
International Relations
Wine
Situated on the right bank of the Gironde River, the commune is an appellation in itself, as well as a sub-appellation, Canon-Fronsac AOC.