Holidays in Le Verdon-sur-Mer, at the tip of the Médoc
Let yourself be transported by the mildness of Le Verdon-sur-Mer, a unique place where the ocean and the waters of the Gironde estuary mingle. A multitude of activities are available in this commune at the tip of the Médoc. Set off from Port-Médoc to see the Cordouan lighthouse or visit the other lighthouses in the commune. Take the little train from the Pointe de Grave to Soulac-sur-Mer or walk along the beach to discover the bunkers that are still buried, not forgetting a visit to the old oyster port, the Saint-Nicolas beach or the Chambrette beach. Enjoy peaceful moments, take advantage of beautiful beaches for swimming sessions and find the accommodation that suits you best.
Ocean beaches or estuary
Ocean beach or estuary
Make your choice (or not) for your holiday in Le Verdon
It’s a rare opportunity : at Le Verdon-sur-Mer, you can swim both on the estuary side and on the ocean side, on two magnificent supervised beaches.
Saint-Nicolas beach has all the spirit and authenticity of a wild Atlantic beach. Nestling behind a wooded dune, it offers all the privacy and calm you’d expect on holiday. Naturists and textiles coexist in perfect harmony, facing the waves that surfers love so much.
On the estuary side, La Chambrette beach overlooks the Charente coast. It’s the place to be for families: the waves are less impetuous here, and Club Mickey allows the children to be a little more impetuous !
If you love the Atlantic coast, take the train ! The cute little tourist train is back in service in fine weather to take you from Verdon to Soulac-sur-Mer. It’s not only practical, but also very pleasant: it runs through the pine forest alongside the ocean, giving passengers a cool breeze that’s much appreciated in summer.
At Le Verdon-sur-Mer, you can reach Royan by ferry from Port Bloc. But don’t leave the estuary too quickly ! The ferry will also take you to the Vieux Port aux Huîtres, a picturesque old oyster-farming port where you’ll find tavernas and artists’ huts in summer, and to Port Médoc, a superb, modern, environmentally-friendly marina where you can go for a walk on the sea or on the estuary (starting point for visits to the Cordouan lighthouse).
This is the world’s last remaining lighthouse, and a visit to it is a must ! For more than 400 years, it has been enthroned as the “king of lighthouses” at the mouth of the Gironde estuary. It is an architectural jewel on the water, the site of numerous innovations over the course of its illustrious history. Augustin Fresnel installed the famous “Fresnel lens” here, which celebrated its bicentenary in 2023.
It was completed in 1611, raised in 1790 and listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCOin July 2021. Getting there by boat is an adventure in itself ! Once there, climb the 301 steps to admire the breathtaking views over the estuary from a height of 67.50 metres.
With the Cordouan lighthouse, Médoc Atlantique has 6 lighthouses on its territory, between the ocean and the estuary. Discover the history of the Grave lighthouse, the Richard lighthouse, the two Hourtin lighthouses and the Saint-Nicolas lighthouse.
I left Cordouan drunk with the wind and the smells of the sea, my head full of stories and spectacular images.
Nathalie
The Atlantic Bunkers
A history to discover
Many remains of the Atlantic Wall can still be seen on the Médoc coast, but it’s between Le Verdon-sur-Mer and Soulac-sur-Mer that you’ll see the most. These are fortified works dating from the Second World War, erected as a line of defence by German troops in 1942. They feared an American invasion via the Atlantic… Today, they are the peaceful canvas of talented graffiti artists, far removed from the conflicts of yesteryear.
In Le Verdon-sur-Mer, between the estuary and the ocean, you’ll find a wide range of shops and restaurants to enhance your stay. Stroll along the port, discover the local shops and take a gourmet break on the terrace. With markets, restaurants and local shops, you’ll find everything you need to relax and enjoy the waterfront.
Nathalie
