The unmissable sites and the most beautiful corners of Gironde

In the Gironde department, Bordeaux is the star city, which attracts all eyes and will satisfy all your desires. There are so many monuments to see and tourist activities to do that it is out of competition! So, we are going to leave this beautiful city to lose ourselves in the corners of its other territories, around Bordeaux: to tour its basin, stroll along its maritime facade, admire the unique landscapes of the mouth of the river and l'Entre-deux-mers... We take you to discover its historical or natural, cultural or unusual heritage... Here are the unmissable sites in Gironde to appreciate the department at its true value!

The Pilat dune

At the entrance to the Arcachon basin, the Pilat dune is a large-scale natural site. Climbing this huge sand dune that shifts over time and absorbs the forest below is a challenge in itself. The view of the ocean, beaches and basin is dazzling. We visited it for you: Here is our article on the Pilat dune (fr). At the foot of the dune, you access the coastal path, which goes around the Arcachon basin and takes you from Teste-de-Buch to the Lège Cap-Ferret peninsula, passing through the reserve of salt meadows.

The Arguin bench

Opposite the dune, the Banc d'Arguin is a sandbank that is constantly evolving. It is an unusual nature reserve which is home to many birds. An area is completely protected to allow them to make their nest and protect the chicks. The rest of the bank is only accessible by boat, during excursions to Banc d'Arguin. It’s an atypical universe and you’ll feel a bit like you’re at the end of the world…

The Arès and Lège-Cap-Ferret salt meadows nature reserve

On the other side of the basin, on the edge of the Lège Cap-Ferret peninsula, is the Prés Salés nature reserve. It is the largest “Pré Salé d’Aquitaine”. Its fauna and flora are characteristic of this very specific environment, between fresh water and salt water. The coastal path crosses it, from Lège to the oyster port of Arès.

The Gujan-Mestras coastal path and its 7 oyster ports

The commune of Gujan-Mestras brings together 7 ports over 7 km! Each has its history and its particularity to discover during a hike or bike ride. La Hume, with its marina and beach, is a place to relax. The former stranding port of Meyran has been transformed into a dynamic fishing and oyster farming port. Gujan is very typical, with its white tiles for the spats. Larros was a sardine fishing port, but today it is famous for its shipyards. The Canal Port, as its name suggests, was built to serve as a canal, and this original design allows for a beautiful view of the basin. La Barbotière is the oldest port in the town. As for the last port, that of La Mole, it is the smallest, but also the wildest.

The Teich ornithological reserve

The Teich ornithological reserve is a privileged site for observing birds in their natural environment. You can take informative and relaxing walks there, there are several trails to take, observation huts and magnificent viewpoints. The complete tour of the Reserve takes approximately 4 hours. 260 species of birds are recorded and to be able to appreciate them, the Reserve is open all year round. A tip: Check the tide times before leaving and come at high tide, you see more birds!

The Corniche path in Bourg-sur-Gironde

The Corniche path, leaving from Bourg-sur-Gironde, reveals many treasures at the mouth. It runs along the estuary at the junction between the Dordogne and the Gironde and crosses natural and wild spaces. You will see troglodyte houses, square cabins and you can take breaks at the numerous viewpoints, equipped with informative panels on the environment and the history of the place.

The Celestine Cave

Inside the Célestine cave, you penetrate the bowels of the earth for an immersive experience. Dressed as a speleologist, you will follow the underground river at the origin of the formation of the cave. It is located in Rauzan, in Entre-deux-mers, below Libourne.

The Dunes Nature Reserve and the Hourtin marsh

Located north of Lake Hourtin, the Hourtin dunes and marshes nature reserve is an ecological curiosity that is a must-see. A walking tour takes you through the heart of this atypical ecosystem, which brings together different worlds: The beach and the dunes, with a magnificent view of the ocean, the Contaut lagoon, with its original fauna and flora, the pine forest and Lake Hourtin.

If you wish to extend the visit, just below Lake Hourtin is Lake Lacanau. In Lacanau-lac, you can walk on the Moutchic and Grande Escoure beaches, on the Berle trails, or in the Etang nature reserve.

The fortified castle of Roquetaillade

In the south of Gironde, near Langon, there is an impressive medieval castle. It is a true medieval fortified castle, inhabited by the same family for seven centuries. He knew how to transcend time and fashions, and adapt to his new functions. On the estate, you will visit two castles and a chapel.

The fossil oyster cliff of Sainte-Croix-du-Mont

Sainte-Croix-du-Mont offers an unusual mineral picture. This perched village has a cliff whose wall is made of fossilized oysters. Dated several million years ago, this geological feature is unique in France. The village and its cliff overlook the river and you can admire a magnificent panorama.

Bird Island

Bird Island cannot be visited but you can tour it by boat. In addition to the charming guided walk, you can admire the incessant ballet of birds that migrate to this island. The boat gets as close as possible to the oyster beds and typical huts of the basin. You can also make a stopover at Cap-Ferret. We tested it for you: our article on Bird Island with the union of Arcachon boatmen (fr).

This is our walk of the must-see sites of the Gironde which ends. We hope that we have inspired you for a future stay in the region. If you want to know more, here is our page on Bordeaux and Gironde: its geography, its history…

To organize your stay more easily, discover our “Around me” option: Our geolocation service helps you find nearby visits and activities, a restaurant, or your accommodation.

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Article written by Stéphanie Tempier for the Bordeaux Gironde Guide.