From Verdon-sur-Mer to Arcachon Bay, the Médoc is characterised by beaches stretching for kilometres. An endless expanse for swimming and water sports. But be careful: the Atlantic can be rough and the coast is subject to strong currents. That is why we recommend you stick to beaches supervised by lifeguards. Please also always follow the rules displayed at each beach, which are usually found at the entrance.
Most beaches are between 10 and 25 minutes’ drive from our holiday home.
The nearest beach is at Le Gurp campsite (15 minutes by car, 25 to 30 minutes by bike). This long bay is ideal for swimming and surfing. In high season, the beach is also patrolled by the coastal rescue service (SCNS). The bay is dotted with old German Wehrmacht bunkers dating from the Second World War, buried in the sand. Every year, graffiti artists from all over the world come to adorn these bunkers with new artwork.
To the south of Soulac-sur-Mer lies the small village of Amélie. You can swim in complete safety on Amélie’s lifeguard-patrolled beach. As winter and autumn storms have eroded parts of Amélie’s dune-lined coastline, a sea wall made of heavy concrete blocks now protects the coast. As a result, the beach has lost much of its charm. However, near the beach is the pizzeria ‘Chez Gonzo’, which serves what is arguably the best pizza in the northern Médoc.
Rue du 8 mai 1945, l'Amélie, 33780 Soulac-sur-Mer
To reach this magnificent ocean beach, you first have to walk half a kilometre through pine forests and dunes. But it’s well worth the detour. From the beach, you’ll enjoy a magnificent view of Courdan Lighthouse and the Gironde estuary .
Allée Brémontier, 33123 Le Verdon-sur-Mer
A little further south, a sandy beach that seems to stretch on forever lies between Vensac Beach and Montalivet Beach. Over twelve kilometres long and patrolled by lifeguards at several points, this beach offers plenty of opportunities for surfing and swimming. In high season, it hosts numerous international surf schools.
30 Boulevard du Front de Mer, 33930 Vendays-Montalivet
Situated in the heart of Soulac’s old town, the main lifeguard-patrolled beach at Soulac-sur-Mer – a traditional 19th-century seaside resort – stretches out opposite it. It is a classic bathing beach which, thanks to its many small channels at low tide, is ideal for families with young children.
Boulevard Charcot, Soulac-sur-Mer, 33780 Soulac-sur-Mer
Between Gurp and Montalivet beaches lies Euronat beach, one of the best-known naturist beaches in France. Only guests at the naturist centre have direct access to the beach. However, it is possible to reach this part of the beach via the north or south. Those wishing to make use of the naturist centre can also purchase a day pass.
EURONAT, route de Dépée, 33590 Grayan-et-l'Hôpital
French cuisine is varied and delicious. In our region, you’ll find everything from traditional ginguettes – those little roadside eateries – right through to fine dining. Below are some of our favourite places. Please always check online beforehand to see if the restaurant is actually open, and, especially during the high season, you really should book a table in advance.
Mr Fouges’ oyster farm, on the banks of the Gironde, remains something of an insider’s secret. Setting off from Port de Talais on foot or by bike towards the Gironde along the sea wall, you’ll come across this oyster farm. In high season, you can sample freshly harvested oysters accompanied by a glass of wine for next to nothing. It’s not a full dinner, but a wonderful snack.
In the harbour of Talais, housed in one of the old fishermen’s huts, is the Relais de Sophie, a wonderful old-fashioned open-air restaurant. It serves seafood and fish of the very highest quality, always accompanied by a very warm welcome.
The port of Saint-Vivien is teeming with restaurants. Fans of mussels or prawns are sure to feel right at home at Café Kayak.
At this rustic beach bar, you can enjoy a pre-dinner drink in peace and quiet or even have a light bite to eat. The atmosphere alone is worth a visit!
This spacious and lively fish restaurant, situated in the ferry port of Verdon-sur-Mer, offers not only a wide selection of fish and seafood, but also meat dishes and vegetarian options. Highly recommended for dessert: the café gourmand!
Just a stone’s throw from the church square, Nicola and Nelly Lahouati run a first-class gourmet restaurant, the Castera. The refined décor, the limited number of tables and the incredibly warm atmosphere make it clear that these two have realised their dream here. It’s a dream that’s in high demand: do remember to book one to two weeks in advance!
