Beaches in Bordeaux — 15 of Our Favourites

Supervised in the summer, the beautiful sandy beaches of Hourtin offer the perfect environment for relaxation, and it's also great for kids, who can enjoy the calm waters of the lake safely.

Awarded the Famille Plus label, the resort of Hourtin is especially good for little ones, with its Children's Island, a 10-hectare leisure park designed for children aged from three months to 12 years old, situated in the lake itself.

Access to the beach is free, but wild camping/caravanning, parking of vehicles, dogs (free or on a lead), use of sound equipment and instruments, rubbish dumps, use of fire (day or night) are prohibited on the beach.

Tiralo's are available in July and August, which makes the beach and the water more accessible to wheelchair users as they can use this to access the water in a safe environment.

It's advisable to always reflect the colours of the flags installed by MNS to avoid swimming outside the monitored areas, beware of breaking waves and undertow.

The promenade that runs along behind the beach is full of shops, bars and restaurants and is close to the town centre, should you need to stretch your legs away from the glorious sunshine.

It's also particularly popular with beach volleyball players, so you shouldn't be bored as you sunbathe with that to watch.

From this beach you can access the Ile aux Ouiseax - Bird Island. So named because it plays host to many sea and migratory birds throughout the year. It's also well known for the huts on stilts that surround its coast line.

Lifeguards are on patrol here from mid June to mid September.

Consisting of about 60million m3 of sand, the Dune du Pilat measures between 100 - 115m high, depending on the year. The dune is 2.7km in length and 500m wide.

There is an information point where you can discover more about the area which also hosts free events and exhibitions and offers guided tours. A picnic area with benches, water fountains and litter bins is also available.

During the summer months from April until early November there is also a staircase (160 steps) installed to allow easier access to the summit.

Access to the dune is free. You can park here but parking is paid.

The reception area is available for people with reduced mobility. There are eight disabled parking spaces, toilets, a reception building and tourist information which have all been adapted for disabled access.

With lifeguards on site from mid June to mid September is certainly feels safer, but be warned the water is freezing and there is a strong undertow, so don't stray too far from the shore if you're just going for a paddle and stay within the monitored areas (between the flags). In the absence of the lifeguards there is an emergency call station on site.

This beautiful long beach feels fairly wild and rugged and can be reached using the small train from the ferry terminal on the opposite coast if coming from Arcachon.

Perfect for a family day at the beach as there are numerous shaded areas under the pine trees that litter this coastal area, plus some good children's playgrounds.

It's the perfect point for kitesurfing and windsurfing too as it gets a good breeze from the Atlantic coast.

In the absence of monitoring an emergency call station is onsite. It's always advisable to take into account the colours of the flags installed by MNS to avoid swimming outside the monitored areas, beware of breaking waves and undertow.

Tiralo's are available in July and August which makes the beach and the water more accessible to wheelchair users as they can use this to access the water in a safe environment.

Access to the beach is free, but wild camping/caravanning, parking of vehicles, dogs (free or on a lead), use of sound equipment and instruments, rubbish dumps, use of fire (day or night) are prohibited on the beach.

The Bordelais have often associated it with being a nudist beach...which is not entirely true. If you follow the wooden walkway to the parking entrance then you will find that everyone is in a bathing suit.

But if you are forced to park the car further and use more discreet paths, then you may well be surprised. This is not a 100% naturist beach, but maybe 70%.

As Hourtin is traditionally a family resort you'll find plenty of activities for children. The surf schools and other watersports instructors can introduce you to the waves of one of the most beautiful beaches on the ocean, in complete safety.

Once the good weather arrives in the spring this beach starts to become popular with sunbathers trying to grab the first few rays, and it's a great stopping point for walkers who are enjoying the the sights of the oceanic basin.

The waters here are clear blue and the sand very fine and white. Due to the width of the beaches running along the stretch, there is certainly plenty of space for everyone so it should never feel too crowded.

A great beach to enjoy with kids...make sure they have their fishing nets with them as there is an abundance of crabs, muscles and eels to play with.

The perfect place to enjoy the sun and the beach in laid-back surroundings. It’s a cosy little town with a handful of nice bars and restaurants. Surfing is a very popular activity at Carcans Océan.

Situated right after the Plage des Abatilles as you travel south down the coast, a very beautiful beach although narrower and steeper than some of the others.

A great beach for families who are keen for a swim or just want to enjoy the sunshine with an ice cream, it's also popular with the young party set of Arcachon and you will often find them gathering here after a big night out.

It makes up one of the largest beach resorts in the Aquitaine and hosts several international sporting events, including the Lacanau Pro (surfing) competition.

Surf is the main focus of the beach here, although it's also a great spot for other beach and water sports and sun bathing.

You can enjoy its sports facilities, cycle paths and lawns to relax with your family or friends. Lifeguards from mid June to September, and there are sunshades, beach huts and deckchairs for hire along the strip.

These three beaches are also monitored by lifeguards during the summer months, so are perfect family beaches.

It's possible to rent beach tents if you're planning to spend the day at the beach and feel you need the shade from the sun...what better way to spend at day by the coast?!