Holidays in Vensac : in the heart of the Médoc Atlantique

Located in the heart of the Médoc Atlantique, Vensac is a charming little village waiting to be discovered. An unspoilt natural area, Vensac is a great place for walks through forests and wild dunes. Its mounaques, mischievous dolls, herald the arrival of summer every year. Sheltered by the tender grass, its old mill is still standing. A haven of unspoilt nature, it is the starting point for lush green walks through vineyards and marshes. Enjoy a family holiday and take advantage of the night market to discover the delights of the Médoc. Accommodation couldn’t be easier: campsites, holiday rentals and bed & breakfasts are all available.

From the marshes to the ocean

The secret of Vensac’s wild beach

The beach at Vensac is little-known to tourists, but behind a wild dune and tall grasses, it reveals 2 km of authentic beach where the fierce waves of the Atlantic have a field day. Most visitors come here for a stroll, a family picnic or to observe the bunkers of the Atlantic Wall: swimming is not recommended here because of the particularly dangerous bay beaches.

But isn’t it a wonderful gift to be able to enjoy these unspoilt landscapes? Don’t hesitate to continue your exploration in the middle of the forest.

Wild beach in Vensac

Discovering nature

And butterflies in Vensac

Take a stroll through the Guâ marshes and savour the serenity of the Vensac countryside. In days gone by, the marshes were used for livestock farming, while the land near the ocean was ideal for grazing. Like all wetlands, its biodiversity is fascinating: many species of butterfly flutter their wings around you…

The Gua Marsh Trail

The Vensac mill

Still going strong

It’s one of those heritage treasures that small villages still hold in secret. Built in 1800 and reassembled 2 km further on in 1858 following a marriage, this superb windmill was in operation until 1939, when it had to be shut down because the German army feared it would be used to send signals to British aircraft. The windmill remained dormant until the 1980s, when its owner decided to turn it back into a real tourist attraction! The Moulin de Vensac is no longer open to the public, but remains a landmark of the commune.

The Vensac mill

The pretty dolls of Vensac

Meet the mounaques

Vensac has its very own Médoc Gepetto! In 2001, Souad Bellal came up with a highly original idea to create a bond between the residents of Vensac. One fine summer’s morning, she installed around twenty “mounaques” – rag dolls in Catalan – in their likeness in the church square. As they left their homes, the baker, the mayor, the hairdresser and even the parish priest couldn’t believe their eyes: they found themselves face to face with their miniatures in some hilarious situations! Médoc residents have a sense of humour, and for over 20 years they have been keeping the tradition alive. Every 21 June, Vensac’s mounaques take over the charming village with a new theme, to the delight of children of all ages.

Market day

Time to eat!

In 2001, Vensac became the first commune in the Médoc to organise a Thursday night market in July and August. Since then, it’s been packed to the rafters, and its friendly atmosphere has been emulated by many. A not-to-be-missed venue for gourmets from the Médoc and curious holidaymakers alike, it sets up a large table of local specialities on the church square and invites you to meet some of the finest people in the world. With gambas from the estuary or your future holiday friends, who knows!