Saint-Vivien-de-Médoc, the authentic charm of the Médoc villages
Saint-Vivien-de-Médoc has the typical charm of the Médoc villages on the estuary, where a stroll through the marshes gives you the feeling of being alone in the world, while enjoying the festive atmosphere of the country markets and authentic guinguettes. On a stroll, its contemporary church is a local landmark and its small harbour is generous with unexpected local gourmet specialities. Natural charm has never been so fashionable !
The harbour
In the port of Saint-Vivien-de-Médoc…
The Estuary sings !
The villages on the banks of the Gironde Estuary, the largest in Europe, invite you to stroll and contemplate. And Saint-Vivien-de-Médoc is no exception: as soon as you leave the town centre, a stroll through its ancient salt marshes promises a moment of true serenity. The scents, the colours, the silence… it’s all unique here !
At the end of a narrow channel and a road lined with greenery and wild flowers, continue your walk to the small fishing and yachting port. What a jewel… And what an atmosphere! You’ll find the Médoc epicurean spirit here, as you sit down with friends at a guinguette or enjoy a tasting session in an oyster hut. As a family, kayaking and other water sports are just waiting for you !
A bit of history: the religious origins of the name of the commune
The commune was once called Bibian, but for several centuries it accumulated a string of nicknames in its birth certificate… Then Vivien, the bishop of Saintes, wanted to extend the influence of Saintonge over these lands, and named the commune Saint-Vivien. It later became Saint-Vivien-de-Médoc, so as not to be confused with other Saint-Vivien in the Gironde.
Nathalie
The bell tower of the church of Saint-Vivien-de-Médoc
Moorish, did you say Moorish ?
The church of Saint-Vivien-de-Médoc is a curiosity of the Gironde: just look at the contemporary bell tower that overlooks it. Surprising, isn’t it ?
Built in the 6th century, this church has seen barbarian invasions, wars of religion, fires, the Revolution and more. Of its 12th-century Romanesque architecture, only the apse remains. After extensive repairs in the 19th century, lightning and bombing during the Second World War destroyed its bell tower.
In the 1950s, the architect André Larcher from Arcachon was commissioned to rebuild it. He opted for an original and unusual style for religious buildings, but one that was all the rage at the time on the Atlantic coast: the Moorish style. The new square concrete tower decorated with a screen was blessed in 1957. Since then, its original face has been the pride of the inhabitants !
The Saint-Vivien-de-Médoc market is an institution in the region. It’s held every Wednesday morning, and goes into overtime on Sunday evenings in summer. People come from far and wide to find the best products, but also to enjoy the warm atmosphere that only small villages can offer.
Around the church square, there’s a festive atmosphere for gourmets and sweet tooths. Zola could have written “The belly of the Médoc” here ! Quality local produce, fruit and vegetable stalls, home-made sweets, Médoc charcuterie and farmhouse cheeses sit side by side with handcrafted and decorative objects, the kind that make the most authentic holiday memories.
In the heart of the Médoc marshes, spirulina producer Joël Villeneuve has truly introduced this green gold to Médoc Atlantique ! Spirulina is a highly fashionable “superfood”, whose benefits have been recognised by the WHO. And what luck : while there are fewer than 200 producers in France, you’ll be lucky enough to be able to discover its artisanal production at Pointe d’Argent, in Saint-Vivien-de-Médoc.
In the heart of the unspoilt countryside of Saint-Vivien-de-Médoc, Eau Médoc water farm has been perpetuating its unique know-how, between land and estuary, since 1989. Set on ancient Médoc polders, the farm makes the most of 17 hectares of salt marshes where the famous special Médoc oysters, Gigas Méduli, are matured. Discover an authentic product, shaped by nature. The farm’s oysters and other products are available all year round at local markets and from a number of partners in the region.
Extend your tasting experience at the table or in the open air
Are you more of a guinguette or a traditional restaurant ? There’s no shortage of good restaurants in Saint-Vivien-de-Médoc, whatever your tastes.
The village’s former salt marshes also provide the setting for unforgettable outdoor tastings. They are ideal for aquaculture, with Médoc oysters and estuary prawns being farmed in a natural environment.
Nathalie
