Holidays on the estuary
The Gironde estuary, the result of a magical marriage between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, is the largest in Europe ! Opening out onto the Atlantic Ocean, it’s the ideal place to take a stroll, with its many landscapes brimming with treasures to discover. Lighthouses, colourful “carrelets”, markets and gastronomic heritage, with the oysters and prawns of the Médoc, as well as “guinguettes”, small fishing ports and marshes – these are the must-sees of the estuary !
Richard lighthouse
Visit Richard’s Lighthouse
For a 360° view of the estuary and its “carrelets”
Located in Jau-Dignac-et-Loirac, the Richard lighthouse was commissioned in 1870 and operated until 1953. Restored in 1982 to become a magnificent place for walks and picnics, it is now open to the public! From the top of its tower, you can enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the estuary, the carrelets and the marshes.
Picnic at the foot of the Richard Lighthouse
Richard’s Lighthouse is the ideal place for picnics on the banks of the estuary, walks along the marshes or festive evenings with locals and holidaymakers alike. Far from the hustle and bustle of the seaside resorts, you can enjoy the immensity of the Gironde, the calm of the surrounding marshes and the Médoc terroir !
The carrelets of the estuary
An authentic and original experience
A star of the estuary, these fishermen’s huts perched on stilts above the water are a true symbol of local culture, and offer a unique experience for visitors looking to discover the traditions of the region.
The carrelets are built on stilts that sink into the ground and allow them to stand above the water. They are equipped with a net called a “rope”, which is lowered into the water at high tide and hauled up by a hand-cranked winch at low tide. The fish are then caught in the net and collected in a basket.
The carrelets can be seen at the Baluard marsh in Talais or at Jau-Dignac-et-Loirac, from the Richard lighthouse along the dyke to the Richard harbour. A walk along the port of Goulée in Valeyrac also offers a breathtaking view of these emblematic huts lining the Gironde estuary.
The Saint-Vivien-de-Médoc market
An institution for stocking up on local produce
The weekly market in Saint-Vivien-de-Médoc is an essential meeting place. Every Wednesday morning, you can enjoy the warm atmosphere, the beautiful stalls, the friendly producers and their sense of humour, but above all, you can sample local produce such as Médoc oysters! And to make the pleasure last, we invite you to return on Sunday evenings in summer for the night market !
Oyster harbours and guinguettes
A gourmet’s paradise
As well as being full of charm, the estuary’s little ports and guinguettes are home to little creatures that will delight gourmets. Clear oysters, Pacific prawns and esquires thrive in the former salt marshes. Here you can discover how they are farmed and taste these local delicacies direct from the producers! From the port of Goulée, in Valeyrac, to the old oyster port of Verdon-sur-Mer, discover new flavours.
The marshes of the estuary
Escape to landscapes of land and water
Home to herons and egrets, the banks of the Gironde estuary offer an extremely rich palette of landscapes, such as the marshes, which are reminiscent of the Camargue. Accompanied by a naturalist guide, on foot or by bike, let your imagination guide you through this delicate landscape. Discover surprising plants and meet discreet animals during your wanderings.
Glide along the water, fill up on fresh air and admire the birds
On the estuary and its canals, we strongly advise you to take the time to discover the flora and fauna of this remarkable biotope. By stand-up paddle, kayak or boat, set out to conquer Europe’s largest estuary ! At your own pace, with family or friends, you’ll enjoy the vastness of the area and the surrounding nature for a relaxing break.
The horizon is the only limit at Le Verdon-sur-Mer
Resolutely open to the ocean, the town of Le Verdon-sur-Mer has been shaped by sailing and its history. Combining a wealth of tourist attractions, nautical pleasures and gastronomic heritage, its ports open the way to the pleasures of sailing and contemplation. At Port-Médoc, you can jump in a boat and set sail for Cordouan and the estuary ! At the old oyster port, stroll along the colourful huts to delight your eyes and taste buds.
The Cordouan Lighthouse
After discovering the riches of the estuary, set off to conquer its king: the Cordouan lighthouse. We’ll help you prepare for your visit with information on opening times, access and practical advice !
Accommodation around the estuary
Between land and water, the accommodation located near the Gironde estuary offers a unique setting for your holidays. Cosy bed and breakfasts, family-run gîtes, campsites and unusual accommodation let you enjoy the peace and quiet of oyster-farming harbours, unspoilt natural landscapes and sunsets over the water. An ideal starting point for exploring the Médoc in a different way, to the rhythm of the estuary.
