The highest point in Albret, Xaintrailles offers exceptional panoramic views of the diverse landscapes of Lot-et-Garonne: to the north, the Garonne plain and its orchards; to the south, the green plain of the Baïse; to the east, the hillsides of Brulhois and its vineyards; and to the west, the mysterious Landes forest.
Located on the ancient Roman road of Ténarèze (connecting Bordeaux to the Pyrenees), the village is the birthplace of Poton de Xaintrailles, companion of Joan of Arc, who drove the English out of Aquitaine and was Marshal of France. He left the village a 12th-century castle, which was later converted into a manor house.
Xaintrailles has around 400 inhabitants. Located on a 190-meter hill on the edge of the Landes forest, the municipality of Xaintrailles consists mainly of one-third forest and two-thirds farmland.
The etymology of the town's name surely comes from the evolution of the name of the lords of the village castle, which changed from Sancta-ralha to Sainctaraille and finally to what is now Xaintrailles. Its 12th-century castle was converted into a fortified manor house by Poton de Saintrailles, a companion of Joan of Arc who drove the English out of Aquitaine and was made Marshal of France by Charles VII in the 15th century. 
It was restored in the 18th century to its current style under the direction of Arnaud-Jean-Jacques, Count of Lau, Marquis of Lusignan. The Lau de Lusignan: Armand Joseph, Count of Lau, Marquis of Lusignan, married the last descendant of Poton in 1724.
It should be noted that Poton de Xaintrailles was a 15th-century Gascon warrior who was awarded the title of royal squire by Charles VII. He was also a comrade-in-arms of Joan of Arc, alongside Etienne de Vignoles, known as "La Hire." He also played an active role in the reconquest of Guyenne. The Marquis de Lusignan acquired not only the estates of Lau, but also those of Lusignan des Montesquiou and Montpezat. He thus became Count and Marquis of Xaintrailles. He owned the lands of Frégimont, Thouars, St Martin, and Xaintrailles. Today, the castle is inhabited by its owners, and visits are possible by appointment.
George Sand at the Château de Xaintrailles:
George Sand slept in a room located in the keep, which was separate from the castle. From the observation tower, 200 meters above sea level, we can enjoy the most beautiful view of Albret: to the east, we can see the hills of Espiens and Montagnac; to the west, the Landes region stretches out; and to the south, the Baïse valley dominates. When the weather permitted, George Sand would go there to see the Pyrenees mountain range.
The Legend of the Fairy Melusine:
Raymond, Count of Poitou, met Melusine, the beautiful princess of Albania, daughter of Elénas and the fairy Pressine. The latter condemned Melusine, for having killed her husband, to become a serpent on Saturdays.
Raymond fell madly in love with Melusine. He asked her to marry him, and she agreed on one condition: she made him promise not to try to see her one day a week, on Saturdays. Raymond agreed. However, one evening, under pressure from his family, Raymond gave in to curiosity and went to his wife's room. He broke down the door with his sword. He saw Melusine in her bath, combing her long hair and snapping a long snake's tail that stretched from her waist to her feet. She was shocked when she saw her husband... She was then condemned to lose her human form and crawl forever.
In the castle, Melusine appears as half-woman, half-serpent, her hair blowing in the wind, her wings spread, above the Lusignan coat of arms, under the portico. She is also present in the keep and in the archive room. She was the protective fairy of the Lau de Lusignan family. According to legend, Melusine and Poton both watch over the castle of Xaintrailles...
The local economy is mainly based on wine production, but there is also a factory producing boards and pallets. Xaintrailles also has a school and a multi-service center with a post office.
For more information:See detailsof the architectural heritage of Xaintrailles...
Découvrez l’Hôtel Henri IV, hôtel 3 étoiles de charme situé au cœur de Nérac, idéal pour un week-end, une étape touristique ou un séjour détente.
Envie d’une escapade en Albret ? Découvrez l’Hôtel Henri IV, hôtel 3 étoiles de charme situé au cœur de Nérac, idéal pour un week-end, une étape touristique ou un séjour détente.
