About the Towns & Villages around Bordeaux

Situated close to the Port of Arcachon this beautiful church is in the heart of the old town and fishing village area.

A great place to get to grips with the history and modern culture of the area in one hit. Well laid out and a great space for a family trip.

Sitting on the stunning Place de la Bourse, the museum of customs is located in the former customs house and presents the history of the customs administration. 

These limestone caves run under the town of Rauzan and feature an underground river which has had many uses over the last two centuries. 

This small museum was established in 1975 by local people who wanted to preserve and remember their local heritage and the history of the Medoc / Bordeaux area.

Situated a little inland on the peninsula to protect the building from erosion, it was placed there to monitor and protect the numerous vessels entering the basin from the strong ocean currents.

This beach is actually supervised during the busy summer months, although you will find that most of the Atlantic beaches are not.

A protected natural reserve with wild marshes, sand dunes and pine forests, this huge body of water is perfect for outdoor activities such as sailing, swimming, water skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, fishing, kite surfing, paddle boarding, or walking and biking along the trails and cycle paths that line the shores of the lake.

Over time, the wind and ocean currents have gradually created a wall of sand dunes, behind which streams and rivers have allowed the formation of lakes and freshwater ponds.

Just 12km away from the town of Hourtin, the beach of Hourtin Plage sits on the Atlantic ocean and offers a wide range of watersports for all levels.

Le Porge beach is also known for its large waves and strong undertow, even if the rescuers are not far away, you must remain cautious as you would for many of the ocean beaches.

Backed by the small town of Carcans Océan, this white sand beach on the western Atlantic coast is a popular surf spot.

This elegant and sophisticated two Michelin star restaurant offers creative dishes designed by chef Cédric Béchade, who plays with colours and textures in his cuisine.

Chef Nicolas Masse offers in this restaurant a combination of traditional French cuisine, made with fresh seasonal ingredients from the southwest sourced from local producers, with unusual influences from all around the world. His creations can be paired with a large selection of wines, by the counsel of head sommelier Aurélien Farouil.

Situated in the luxurious surroundings of Le Grand Hotel de Bordeaux, this restaurant offers diners an elegant yet intimate restaurant styled in a palette of mauve and orange with a handcrafted marquetry floor.

Situated in a gorgeous white stone townhouse built in the classical style of the late 19th century, this restaurant is part of the joint project of Bernard Magrez, owner of various wineries in the Bordeaux area, and Pierre Gagnaire.

This small typical hut is situated right in the beach, overlooking the Bassin d'Arcachon. They serve very fresh oysters as well as other types of seafood and local wine.

Named after the fictional character Corto Maltese, this restaurant is decorated with a nautical theme. Their menu changes weekly depending on the seasonal produce available.

Exceptional locations around France, including Bordeaux, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.

Every September, runners gather for the Médoc marathon which winds its way through over 50 vineyards of this special region. 

The Autumn festival in Saint-Emilion celebrates the wine and heritage of this medieval city. The 'Jurade' are the Saint-Emilion wine brotherhood who historically had administrative rights over the town. As part of the festival they parade through the town in their traditional crimson robes, reminiscent of the all-powerful aldermen of centuries past.

The association Les Grandes Heures of Saint-Emilion offer you high quality classical concerts held within the magnificent wine estates of Saint-Emilion.

Bringing together music, urban cultures and issues around climate change, this festival aims to bring together people from different sectors of Bordeaux for a truly unique set of events.

Read our guide to Bordeaux markets page to find out which market to visit when. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a typical French market is an absolute must for anyone exploring everything French.

Since 1983 Vedettes La Bohême welcome you to visit the Cordouan lighthouse or to discover the mouth of the estuary of the Gironde.

Created in 1989, the Golf du Médoc offers 2 remarkable 18-hole courses: Les Châteaux and Les Vignes.

Labelled as a 'Jardin Remarquable' (remarkable garden) by the Ministry of Culture, this park originated in the 19th-century. Situated in rural Blanquefort, a 20 minute drive from the centre of Bordeaux.

You will be able to hire and learn how to drive a jet ski, with the assistance of qualified instructors, you can be on the water within 15 minutes.

The course, whose tree lined fairways are set in natural forests of maritime pines, mimosas, oaks and evergreen strawberry bushes, is hilly on the front nine and flatter over the back nine with several water hazards.

Come and experience the ancient art of thousands of years... archery!

A diverse music programming that showcases some of the best local and national talent in jazz, music of the World, blues and many other expressions.

One of the best places to taste wines from the Bordeaux region. Located on the ground floor of the headquarters of the Conseil Interprofessionel du Vin de Bordeaux, the bar's team is very knowledgeable and passionate. They give tasting advice, extensive information on the grapes and suggestions for matching food and wine.

This bar has an old-fashioned decoration that creates a very warm atmosphere. Their wine list includes many French references, as well as from other parts of the world. They can be enjoyed in their cosy interior or the patio, accompanied by selections of local delicatessen.

Centrally located, this bar offers a large selection of wines, especially French but also from other parts of the world. Customers can taste them through a self-service method, and they can be accompanied by regional delicatessen.

The beautiful building of Chateau Deganne was converted in 1904 into a casino. In the early twentieth century Paris and Bordeaux bourgeoisie came to spend the summer in Arcachon. Thus the town had to create distractions - a casino.

Situated at the foot of the historical Porte Cailhau, this bar has a list of more than 100 wines. They are focused on international products as well as some lesser-known wines from Bordeaux.

Beautiful villa of 300m2 living space located on the heights of the Canon in the heart of Cap Ferret with a nice view of Arcachon Bay.

Nice villa for 10 persons located 4.5 km from the beach and 4 km from the shopping street.

Beaches and ocean, forest and lakes meet in perfect harmony in this much sought after area south of Bordeaux, known as ‘Bisca Grands Lacs’. Golden sandy beaches line the Atlantic coast as far as the eye can see, walking and cycling trails criss-cross the tranquil verdant pine forests whilst the three ‘Grands Lacs’ offer that tantalising combination of water sports, beaches and swimming alongside vibrant villages and small marinas.

Villa Gaume is located on the front line a few steps from the famous Dune du Pyla and the Corniche.

Close to city centre this villa is located 600 metres from the beach and shopping area and 3 km from the golf.

Nestled in the picturesque countryside not far from the pretty bastide of Lalinde on the banks of the River Dordogne, Le Clos des Chênes is one of the most beautifully restored farmhouses and its setting one of the most restful we have come across.

Villa Gaume is located on the front line a few steps from the famous Dune du Pyla and the Corniche.

Nice villa for 10 persons located 4.5 km from the beach and 4 km from the shopping street.

Excellent wines and delicious food are synonymous with South West France and so it is with great pleasure that they include Villa Marie in their portfolio, where gastronomic delights are to be found on the doorstep: the vineyards of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte are just 1.3km away (a 20 minute walk), with the restaurants of the renowned spa hotel, Les Sources de Caudalie, a few 100 metres further along. Equally enticing is the proximity of the region’s capital, Bordeaux. Easily accessible by both car and public transport, visits to this wonderful city will become an integral part of the holiday.

Beautiful villa of 300m2 living space located on the heights of the Canon in the heart of Cap Ferret with a nice view of Arcachon Bay.

Located in south of Lacanau-Ocean this apartment with nice sea view, terrace and garden furnitures is close to the beach and shops.

Situated on the border between Dordogne and Lot et Garonne, Le Brame’s location allows easy exploration of the towns, chȃteaux and landscapes that these two stunning regions offer. Within a 10 to 15 minute drive there are three lovely bastide towns, Villeréal, Monpazier and Monflanquin, to explore, as well as the Chȃteau de Biron which during the summer hosts concerts and light shows. Standing proudly atop a hill, this impressive castle can be seen from the terrace at Le Brame.

The majestic hall of the Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa designed by Jacques Garcia is impressive. Marble, Bordeaux stone, warm-tone fabrics (plum, mauve, deep red), 18th century-inspired furnishings, original floral creations: an invitation to peace and tranquillity.

In the shade of the wisteria, La Maison du Bassin offers its guests a complete change of scene and the charm of a family home. An ocean paradise, where nothing seems to have changed since the beginning of time.

The six luxury guest rooms combine charm, elegance and sophistication: with a reworked Napoleon III style, decked out in floral pinks, greens and violets, and sparkling raspberry, they are absolutely charming, and showcase French master craftsmen, with Braquenie embroidered fabrics by Pierre Frey in silk taffeta, Houles soft furnishings, Moissonnier furniture and Hermes products in the bathrooms.

This rural chateau set in the heart of the Bordeaux vines. With a passionate, attentive team running this working French country estate. Most bookings are for the chateau as a whole, group holidays, birthdays, parties and weddings. Or you can book just a room and join in the party.

Right in the centre of Bordeaux, you'll find Mama Shelter on Place Saint Christoly, not far from the Mollat bookshop and the town hall. Barely 10 minutes from the Saint Jean railway station and 30 minutes from the airport, in the blink of an eye you can find yourself in this other world bordered by the Garonne river.

In the heart of the vineyards of Bordeaux, half an hour from Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion, or also one hour and half from the Arcachon Bay, Clos Marcamps welcomes you in a chartreuse of the 19th century, entirely renovated with the charm and the comfort of today.