All the seaside beach by the ocean in Gironde!

Located below the Charente-Maritime and the mouth of the Gironde , the department's seaside resorts are the first, after this break in the coastal facade . They are followed by those of the Landes, then of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, up to the Spanish border. This long continuity of beaches and sand dunes forms the Atlantic coast of New Aquitaine .

As soon as we talk about seaside resorts, we imagine baths recognized for their healing virtues… The quality of fresh or marine water must be irreproachable. In fact, they are often located in a preserved environment . These seaside towns are located opposite the seafront . They provide comfort and a multitude of nautical activities, directly on the beach. But there are still many wild spaces . This time, no selection, from north to south, we follow the coast, to reveal all the strengths of these fifteen resorts.

Le Verdon-sur-Mer, in the Gironde estuary

About 100 km from Bordeaux, we begin our coastal walk in the Médoc , at the Pointe de Grave , at the end of the Gironde estuary , in Verdon-sur-Mer . Between the river and the ocean , the setting is truly exceptional. You have access to the beaches of La Chambrette, Saint-Nicolas, Maison de Grave and Cantines, but be very careful because swimming is dangerous there.

On the nautical base of Port Médoc, you have access to all kinds of activities: Flyboard, jet ski and towed buoys at Flyjet33 ; surfing at Fishandtwins surf school … An atypical visit and a nice boat trip, do you like it? You embark at Verdon-sur-Mer, to reach the only lighthouse at sea open to visitors : the Cordouan lighthouse . You can also take the ferry for a leisurely crossing or for a dynamic walk , it's a star that you need: Vedettes La Bohème . If you prefer a more natural site, you will appreciate the Advisor's marsh more.

Photo: Le Verdon-sur-Mer

Soulac-sur-Mer: view of the Courdouan lighthouse

Soulac-sur-Mer is one of the resorts at the origin of sea bathing . It also has an atypical heritage : a fortress and a German battery ! Are you a gamer? There is even a casino . It is also a more family-friendly beach area: the north, central and south beaches and Amélie beach are well appointed and equipped .

For an initiation, there are many surf schools . You can also ride or take a sea bath on horseback with Balad'Anne . In another style, you get on your bike on the famous Vélodyssée , to reach the Dune du Pyla. You are cycling enthusiasts, this article is for you!

Photo: Soulac-sur-Mer

Grayan-et-l'Hôpital, the largest naturist center

Grayan-et-l'Hôpital is best known for its beach and its Euronat naturist center . Another beach, that of Gurp, in the middle of the blockhouses , offers an original setting for swimming which is supervised in summer.

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Vendays Montalivet and its helio-marine center

Vendays Montalivet is a resort focused on sport: equestrian centers and polo school , surf schools , sailing club , Karting track , paintball , parachuting , and even an adventure park and its mini-golf course. Sure, everyone will find what they are looking for!

On the beach side, there is also a choice. The north beach is wild and sporty . The central beach, facing the city center, is more suitable for families with its first aid station, shops and restaurants nearby. The south beach is located near the helio-marine center. Some are naturists . It is also a family beach, with a surf school and many activities available.

Naujac-sur-Mer, one of the wildest of the silver coast

Naujac-sur-Mer favors green tourism . Its Pin Sec beach is aptly named since it is surrounded by pine forest . 10 km from the village and accessible only on foot, it has remained wild. In return, only a few wooden cabins are installed there during the summer to ensure a minimum service of small shops and restaurants.

Hourtin, the ^2nd largest natural lake in France

If you hesitate between a sea water bath or a fresh water bath , it is in Hourtin that you have to go. On the large beach of Hourtin, you will have access to all the classic nautical activities : surfing , water skiing , canoeing or Hawaiian canoe ...

Carcans-Hourtin lake and its two beaches: Piqueyrot and that of the port, also allow you to learn to sail or go on boat trips . The children's island , with mini-golf and playground, will be greatly appreciated by the youngest. Do you want more sensations? Meet at Splash Park to have fun on its inflatable structures : slides, catapult, trampoline, climbing wall ...

Between lake and ocean, the Contaut lagoon , in the Hourtin dunes and marshes nature reserve , is a must-see.

Photo: Hourtin

Carcans, a wild space between lake and ocean

Sharing the lake with Hourtin, Carcans has three beaches on the lake: Bombannes, Maubuisson and Montaut. You can go water skiing and wakeboarding at the Aventura Gliss or the Ski Nautique Club de Bombannes ; rent a boat at Maubuisson Nautic , or bikes for a tour of the lake at Fun Bike .

Its two ocean beaches: central and south, forming a 15 km long stretch of fine sand, are a little less easy to access for children because you have to take the cycle path and cross the dunes . You will find several surf schools there .

Lacanau, famous surf spot

60 km from Bordeaux, Lacanau has many facets. Three very different worlds are to be discovered in this essential seaside resort. Dynamic and festive atmosphere in Lacanau-ville with its shops, restaurants and nightlife.

Sporting atmosphere in Lacanau-Océan. The North, Central, South, Super-South and Lion beaches are famous for surfing. The further south you descend, the more natural and wild the environment. On the other hand, swimming can be dangerous there, because of these strong currents. Of course, on the beaches, you have everything you need to learn to surf .

Family atmosphere in Lacanau-lac , on the beaches of Moutchic and Grande Escoure, where many activities are available. For a visit to Lacanau, follow our blogger on a walk . Les Balades de Robinson takes you on an excursion aboard its pinnacles, traditional Gascon boats. If you prefer to take a walk, you will walk on the paths of the Berle and or in the nature reserve of the pond .

Photo: Lacanau

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Le Porge, in the heart of the forest

Le Porge is the ideal place for nature lovers . No shops or structures all year round, on the main beach of Gressier. They are outside, hidden behind the dune. Even wilder , Jenny's beach is naturist .

A sporting activity, accessible to all, do you like it? The tree climbing park : the People of the Peaks welcomes families with children from two years old.

Photo: Le Porge

Lège Cap-Ferret, the charm of a peninsula

The Lège Cap-Ferret peninsula is a natural site in an exceptional setting. Its eleven beaches are all magnificent. From the beach of Grand Crohot to that of Pastourelle, there is something for everyone. Historically very popular with tourists, the activities are so numerous that we cannot mention them all here. Our selection of service providers is at your disposal: surfing and other board sports , boat rental or excursions ,…. For a family ride, board the little train .

Three natural sites are worth a visit: the Prés Salés nature reserve , the tip of the cape , and the Piraillan reservoirs . The traditional fishing village of Claouey-le-Four opens its oyster huts to visitors.

Photo: Cap Ferret

Ares, on the edge of the Prés Salés

We enter the Arcachon basin . The point of interest of Arès is its nature reserve . It is the largest “ Pré Salé d'Aquitaine ” . Shellfish fishing and walking are better suited to this than swimming, especially on its greenway . To swim anyway, there is the Saint Brice basin , between Arès and Arcachon. The village is very friendly. The station has been converted into a pétanque area, a very pleasant meeting place.

Andernos les Bains, in the heart of Gallo-Roman villas

The Gallo-Roman remains give an undeniable character to the village of Andernos-les-Bains . So as not to miss any of this beautiful heritage , the tourist office offers a "tour of the villas ". There is also a jazz festival there to spend beautiful evenings under the tamarisk trees. For a nature walk, you have the Quinconces site.

The seaside resort has no shortage of assets in terms of its beaches: that of the oyster port, beach of La Jetée, Bétey, or Mauret. Nautical center , children's area , they are well equipped and offer many activities: learn to sail at the Andernosian water sports area , take a boat trip with the union of Arcachon boatmen , or learn to surf at the Andade, the basin's surf school . You can also rent bikes from Vélocation .

Photo: Andernos les Bains

Lanton, to the rhythm of the tides

At high tide, you will enjoy the beaches of Cassy and Taussat. At low tide, it is shellfish fishing that will delight young and old alike ... Swimming is possible in the Lanton basin . At the tourist office you will find all the information you need to take a naturalist canoe trip or a boat trip. pinasse from port to port .

Audenge and its wetland

Audenge is a small typical port of the Gironde. It is also a very preserved environment which offers you magnificent walks within the Domaine de Certes-Graveyron , between swamp and ornithological park of Teich . Follow our blogger to discover this natural site .

The tide plays tricks in Audenge and you can only enjoy swimming at high tide. To overcome this difficulty, the port has a seawater basin , very practical for swimming at any time.

Photo: Audenge - Domaine de Certes-Graveyron

Gujan Mestras and its oyster ports

Gujan Mestras brings together 7 ports . There is something to taste, taste and learn all about at the Oyster House . To admire the ports and the basin from above, Vertical T'Air offers parasailing .

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Arcachon, within the basin

Arcachon is the favorite resort of Bordeaux residents and this is not surprising because the city knows how to attract tourists. There are many ways to discover the basin: aboard a boat for a ride or for hire , by bike with Dingovélos … To make sure you don't miss a thing, here is our report on a complete tour of the basin by bike .

The beaches are also very pleasant, because protected by the basin, the waters are calmer and warmer . In addition, the choice is vast and varied: Aiguillon beach, intimate and quiet ; that of Eyrac with its promenade towards the port, the central beach at the edge of the city center, the Péreire beach and its view on Cap-Ferret , that of Abatilles towards the Pyla, but for a beautiful panorama on the dune , choose Moulleau beach.

Photo: Arcachon

Pyla-sur-Mer and its immense dune

About 60 km from Bordeaux, in Pyla-sur-Mer , the main attraction is the ascent of this extraordinary dune . In the town, there are also 7 beaches from Daniel Meller beach to Salie Sud beach, enough to satisfy all your desires. For a change, you can test the yachting , paragliding and microlight with Pyla Airways , or scuba diving at Circle divers Pyla .

Photo: Dune du Pyla

La Teste-de-Buch, at the foot of the Landes

60 km from Bordeaux, you are in the largest municipality in France. Between its oyster huts , its coastal path at the foot of the Pyla dune , its salt meadows and its 10,000 hectares of maritime pine forest , Lake Cazaux and its nautical base, Teste-de-Buche can truly satisfy all your desires.

As for the beaches, it is on the lake that it is the most interesting. Its calm waters are ideal for the little ones and swimming is supervised in season. The pine forest provides pleasant shaded areas at the edge of the water and beautiful walks. To test canoe-kayak, stand-up-paddle, Hawaiian canoe, or even wave-rafting, go to the paddle school : Yak Océan . To go a little higher, contact the sports parachuting school in the basin. You can also take an atypical excursion to the Banc d'Arguin .

And here we are, we went down the entire Gironde coast. To discover the region differently: Take to the heights during a hot-air balloon flight at Ferme du Ciel or in a microlight at Médoc ULM Évasion .

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Article written by Stéphanie Tempier for the Bordeaux Gironde Guide.

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