Holidays in the heart of the Gironde estuary

Holidays with family or friends

Take to the Estuary

By stand-up paddle, kayak or boat, with your family or your mates, set out to conquer Europe’s largest estuary! There’s something so special about sailing here, somewhere between the tranquillity of a river and the first tides felt from the ocean. Here, board sports are practised in harmony with the flora and fauna of a remarkable biotope that you can enjoy observing in the relaxing atmosphere of the silty waters of the Gironde, while savouring the thrills promised by the immensity of the estuary and its far-reaching horizons.

Activities near the Estuary

Lighthouses and carrelets

A heritage unique in the world

Recharge your smartphones: these little square wooden fishermen’s huts are particularly Instagrammable. Their large fishing nets, from which the carrelets take their name, dive into the caramel waters of the estuary at high tide to catch prawns and small fish.

The lighthouses of the estuary have guided so many sailors inland. Just imagine… At the tip of the Médoc at Le Verdon, the Cordouan lighthouse, the Versailles of the Seas, is the last maritime lighthouse still manned by a lighthouse keeper. It echoes the Grave lighthouse, which lined the channel with the Saint-Nicolas lighthouse and now houses the fascinating Cordouan Lighthouse and Lighthouses and Beacons Museum.

In Jau-Dignac-et-Loirac, the Richard lighthouse is a delight: climb its 63 steps for a panoramic view of the estuary and discover the history of life on the estuary in its museum.

Holidays in the heart of nature on

The Gironde Estuary

An exceptional site with an exceptional natural heritage. The marshes of the Médoc have a Camargue feel, in a landscape of land and water. This is the kingdom of herons and egrets, and of many migratory birds that find refuge in the estuarine islands. On foot, by bike or on horseback, turn off the engine and set off to discover unknown plants and discreet animals that make their home here. Our advice: follow a naturalist guide to perfect your explorer’s soul with your family.

On the move in the

Conquest of the Estuary

Numerous walks and hiking trails bring you the very best of the Gironde estuary. On land, guided tours are available in the Conseiller marshes at Verdon-sur-Mer. In Queyrac, a hiking trail winds its way through vineyards and marshes. And the Valeyrac estuary trail will tell you the story of the mudflats, now favourable to livestock farming and agriculture, before you fall in love with the natural beauty of the port of Goulée. In Talais, a charming oyster-farming port awaits you in the middle of the estuarine marshes!

From the water, set sail for the islands of the estuary. Wild and atypical, they are home to unspoilt nature and completely exotic landscapes.

All the paths of the estuary

From port to port

Food lovers will love the epicurean Estuary

The estuary forms a coastline that is discreet but full of charm, where typical little ports invite you to stroll and discover. From Talais to Valeyrac, via Saint-Vivien-de-Médoc, these peaceful harbours bear witness to a living heritage, with marshes, oyster huts and wooden pontoons. Here, you can take your time watching the boats, chatting to the fishermen and, of course, sampling the local flavours.

Médoc oysters with their bluish hues, esquires, prawns: the products of the estuary can be savoured at the source, in a hut, on the terrace of a guinguette or at the market. Between two tastings, the ports become the ideal starting point for a stroll, a meeting or a simple moment of calm in front of the water. A concentrate of the Médoc Atlantique, authentic and generous.