Cadillac – Stage 1 of My Tour de France of Stopovers

🚗 From Cadillac to Cadillac: a story that keeps on rolling

For the first stage of my Tour de France of Stopovers, I headed to Cadillac, on the banks of the Garonne River.
The stopover is managed by the La Gironde du Sud Tourist Office and the Convergence Garonne Community of Communes.

A little anecdote: did you know that the town of Cadillac gave its name to the famous American car brand? Antoine de Lamothe-Cadillac, who was born here, founded Detroit in 1701, and the brand later paid tribute to him. Proof that even a small town on the Garonne can leave its mark on history far beyond its borders.

🌊 First steps along the quays: stress melts away

onestly, I felt a mix of excitement and stress at the start. But as soon as I set foot on the quays and started talking all things fluvial, it all disappeared.

I had the chance to meet Jessica Sierra Rambla, stopover manager for the tourist office, and Thomas Filliatre, elected official and president of the Tourist Office. We talked about welcoming cruise passengers and crews. And honestly, it’s refreshing to see such committed people, because river tourism is often not a priority. Here, you can really feel a genuine desire to do things right. Everything is carefully thought out: brochures for cruise companies, maps handed out to passengers (this map would later guide my afternoon walk)… Even though navigation isn’t always easy, especially when passing under the Pont de Pierre in Bordeaux, everything here is done to ensure the best possible welcome.

📖 A guestbook that comes to life

Then came a small moment that truly touched me: Jessica and Thomas filled in my guestbook. It may seem simple, but seeing their words written down makes everything feel real. This is a project coming to life, with real encounters and real memories.

🥖 Market day, lucky day

After the meeting, I wandered through the streets. Luckily, it was market day, and it was a real pleasure to hear Americans chatting in front of the stalls. There’s no denying it… a local market has a charm all of its own.

🗺️ Following the discovery trail

I then set off on the city’s discovery trail designed for cruise passengers. Starting from the pontoon, the route allows you to explore the highlights of this charming little town in a leisurely hour.
Passing through the Porte de la Mer, I reached the heart of the town center. There, I was immediately struck by the flood markers. It reminds you that no matter what we do, the river ultimately does as it pleases… I passed by the market hall, the church, and the Porte de l’Horloge (a name that often reminds me that I’m from Normandy and live near the Rue du Gros Horloge).

🏰 The château: grandeur and memory

Next stop: the Château of Cadillac. An incredible monument. First a château, then a women’s prison. I promise I behaved myself — I didn’t stay locked in! 😅
It’s an impressive place, blending grandeur with memory. I think I’ll remember this château for a long time: you move from excess and wealth… to far less pleasant moments. Stepping into a cell, it’s hard not to imagine the harsh conditions of detention at the time.

🎯 A first stage that sets the bar high

A fascinating first day that came to an end… and promised many more to come.
Cadillac set the bar very high right from the start, and I now understand why this stopover won the diagnostic offered by AF Fluvial Conseil.