Destinations: France > Atlantic Coast > Gironde

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Gironde

Sandy pine forests and huge sandy beaches, Bordeaux and famous wines

With over 120 kms of sandy coastline bordered by many miles of pine forests, the parc régional des Landes has long been a favourite destination for holidaymakers and water sports enthusiasts who love the With over 120 kms of sandy coastline bordered by many miles of pine forests, the parc régional des Landes has long been a favourite destination for holidaymakers and water sports enthusiasts who love the rolling waves of the Atlantic. The wine growing areas of Medoc, Bordeaux, Sauternes, St-Emilion to name but a few are all nearby. Bordeaux, the centre of wine production since the C12th is an upbeat city with graceful buildings and concourses lining the historic Quai Louis XVIII whilst the centre buzzes with chic boutiques and cafés. The Cathedrale St Andre, a UNESCO world heritage site, is well worth a visit. Arcachon has been a very popular coastal resort since the late C19th and the elegant villas and mansions of the Ville d’hiver bear witness to this. Visitors from Bordeaux take the forty minute train ride across the flat sandy forests to enjoy this vibrant town. The resorts of Cap Ferret, Lacanau, Carcans are a magnet for surfers. For wine lovers, a visit to the Haut Médoc or St Emilion and Graves will be a must!On summer weekends, the Bordelais escape en masse to ARCACHON, the oldest resort on the Côte d'Argent and a forty-minute train ride across flat, sandy forest from Bordeaux. The beaches of white sand are magnificent but can be crowded, and its central jetties, Thiers and Eyrac, are busy with boats going off on an array of cruises. Read More...

Beaches and dunes One of the most amazing sites in this area is the immense Dune du Pilat at 30m high and 3km long, climb to the top for fantastic views out to sea! The relatively undeveloped coast between the Bassin d'Arcachon and the Gironde to the north is dotted with resorts such as Soulac, Montalivet, Lacanau, and Carcans, with their huge beaches, naturist villages and surfing facilities.

Cycling and walking There is no direct coastal road between Cap Ferret and Soulac to the north, but there are 500 km of tracks under tall pines in sandy forests exclusively for bicycles, 2000 km of sign-posted walking paths, most of which are open to mountain bikes. The Gironde is a perfect way to discover the richness of the area at your own pace. Bicycle hire is widely available in resorts.

Wine Take time to tour the vineyards of the Médoc on the south side of the Gironde. Many famous producers can be found along the ‘route des châteaux’ including Margaux, Beychevelle, Mouton Rothschild, Lafite and Rothschild. Visit Graves, on the left bank of the Garonne, famous for its clarets, and the sweet Sauternes or dry whites a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.

Golf With around a dozen golf clubs offering high quality golf courses, the Gironde is becoming a well known golfing destination so staying at one of our Gironde villas makes a golfing break a very affordable holiday for golfers and perhaps their non-golfing partners!