When we first heard about Aubyland, we dismissed it as potentially a theme park, but we were so wrong as it turned out to be a fine, well-designed personal transport museum and a tribute, by its owner, to the military and commercial vehicle designs from French manufacturers.
Set deep in one of the most revered winegrowing areas in the world, the wine region known as Saint-Emilion has become home to a host of very interesting commercial and military vehicle exhibits, brought together by vineyard owner Daniel Aubert who hails from a family of viticulteurs (winemakers) stretching back two centuries. The family’s wine operation caters for a worldwide clientele run from their headquarters at ‘Chateau La Couspaude’ an imposing house only a few hundred metres from the UNESCO World Heritage village of the town of Saint-Emilion.
There are three Aubert brothers, Alain, Daniel and Jean-Claude and it is Daniel who has organised this large hanger, turning it into a vehicle museum, open to the public in 2003. Sadly, we think that it is only available to view by appointment now, but if you are in the Bordeaux area, it is certainly worth a visit; you will find it in Saint-Magne-de-Castillon, postcode 33350. Could there be anything finer than a transport museum next to a wine chateau in one of the best winegrowing areas of France, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru? If your French is rusty, you will find that the Auberts speak English, especially Daniel’s
