A PIECE OFHISTORY Halt at the Customs House This is the Northern Medoc Region, where the very tip of the estuary has always been scorned by the ocean, Saint Christoly de Médoc. Back in those days, wine was transported on barges down to Blaye and Bordeaux. Here the customs officials verified the merchandise and levied duties. The customs authorities may have moved to town, but their house stayed here. The Maison du Douanier has become a charming restaurant at the entrance of the little port with our terrace and dining room overlooking the Gironde River.