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.
Lacanau Ocean Beach, Lacanau
A 15km stretch of sand beach situated on the Atlantic Ocean
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.
Setting & Location
Part of the beach here is backed by the town of Lacanau Ocean and the Boulevard de la Plage along the beach front.
Water Safety & Clarity
This is the Atlantic Ocean so the water can be rough, choppy and incredibly cold. However, go on the right day and you will get the perfect seaside conditions, gentle lapping waves to jump over and a cooling breeze to make the sunshine bearable.
These beaches are lifeguard monitored during the summer months.
Beach Quality
The sand is fine and white. It stretches for some 15km and is wide for most of that length.
Watersports Nearby
The perfect beach for surfing and other watersports you will find plenty to do here.
From kite surfing and kayaking to windsurfing and actual surfing this beach is a lot of fun.
Long and wide it's also good for setting up a family base for the day, allowing plenty of space for sunbathing, picnics and sand castle building.
Villas nearby
Villas in Bordeaux
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Canon Villa, Lege-Cap-Ferret
7 bedroom Villa in Bordeaux. Sleeps 14
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.
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Marie Villa
3 bedroom Villa in Bordeaux. Sleeps 6
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.
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Lacanau Ocean Villa, Lacanau
5 bedroom Villa in Bordeaux. Sleeps 10
Nice villa for 10 persons located 4.5 km from the beach and 4 km from the shopping street.
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Gaume Villa, Pyla-sur-Mer
4 bedroom Villa in Bordeaux. Sleeps 8
Villa Gaume is located on the front line a few steps from the famous Dune du Pyla and the Corniche.
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Maison de la Cote Villa
3 bedroom Villa near Bordeaux. Sleeps 6
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.
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Lacanau Ocean Villa, Lacanau
4 bedroom Villa in Bordeaux. Sleeps 8
Large and pleasant independent villa of 160m2 situated in the pine forest(enclosed garden) 800 metres from the beach, 1 km from shopping, 2.5 km from the golf and 5 km from the lake.
Hotels nearby
Hotels in Bordeaux
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Chateau de Mirambeau, Bordeaux Area
Located between land and sea, in a well-known wine region
A Renaissance-style castle located in a peaceful park recently reopened following refurbishment in 2016.
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Les Sources de Caudalie, Martillac
Sense of detail and service of a Palace combined with a warm and family atmosphere
Les Sources de Caudalie, located among the vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, a Graves great growth, was established in 1999. Between vineyards and forests, at only 20 minutes from Bordeaux centre, the architect Yves Collet created from scratch contemporary buildings from recycled local materials in tune with the surroundings.
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Hotel Burdigala
Contemporary refinement in the heart of Bordeaux
Located in the heart of Bordeaux, the Burdigala Hotel was completely refurbished in summer 2011, and its elegant yet relaxed atmosphere provides a welcome sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the city.
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Villa La Tosca Hotel, Andernos-les-Bains
Tucked away in the Bassin d'Arcachon off the Atlantic ocean
This exclusive country estate offers 8 bedrooms, all ensuite. 4 of which still retain their original marble fire places. All rooms have breathtaking views of either the ocean or the pine forest.
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Hostellerie de Plaisance, Saint Emilion
At the heart of the famous medieval city of Saint Emilion
The Hostellerie de Plaisance is an unusual and unique place, offering surprising perspectives on the village’s architecture and the edges of the vineyard landscapes.
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Chateau Rigaud Hotel, East Bordeaux
Blurring the boundaries between boutique hotel & private house rental
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.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Lacanau
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Magic Surf School, Lacanau
Teaching, coaching & surf lessons that will turn you into a pro
Each session is tailored to the requirements of the participants.
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Lacanau Garden Golf Course
A beautiful golf course situated close to the west coast of Bordeaux
Situated in the heart of the forest between the lake and the ocean, the 18 hole Ardilouse ensures a quiet round in some stunning scenery
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Lacanau
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La Cabane Restaurant, Lacanau 
La Cabane Restaurant, Lacanau
French restaurant with exotic touches in the surfing paradise of Lacanau
Situated in Lacanau-Océan, this restaurant offers a selection of French dishes combined with exotic influences from Africa and Asia. Their cuisine is served in a relaxed atmosphere induced by its Balinese decor.
Sights nearby
Sights in Bordeaux
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Maison des Arts et Traditions Populaires, Carcans
A museum displaying & preserving the local heritage of the area
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.
Read more about Maison des Arts et Traditions Populaires, Carcans
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Ile aux Ouiseax 
Ile aux Ouiseax
A small island in the centre of the Arcachon basin
During low tide the island stretches to 16km in circumference but is a mere 5km at high tide. Known for its birds, (hence the name) and also the presence of 'Les Cabanes Tchanquées' - houses on stilts.
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La Chapelle de la Villa Algerienne, l'Herbe 
La Chapelle de la Villa Algerienne, l'Herbe
A Moorish style church nestled on the coast of the Arcachon Bay
In 1863 Leo Lesca and his brother bought a large estate on the edge of Arcachon basin. When they returned from Algeria, they built a fabulous home, the "Villa Algerian" which was surrounded by a park with the most exotic flora.
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Notre Dame Basilica - La Chapelle des Marins, Arcachon 
Notre Dame Basilica - La Chapelle des Marins, Arcachon
Known as the Chapel of the Sailors, built in 1722
The Shrine of Our Lady of Arcachon was founded by a Franciscan, Father Thomas Illyricus. On January 16, 1624, the chapel Thomas Illyricus was overthrown by a storm.
Read more about Notre Dame Basilica - La Chapelle des Marins, Arcachon
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Eglise Saint Ferdinand, Arcachon 
Eglise Saint Ferdinand, Arcachon
A Neo-Roman style church that was built around 1900
Situated close to the Port of Arcachon this beautiful church is in the heart of the old town and fishing village area.
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Le Phare du Cap-Ferret Museum
Lighthouse that ensures safe passage into Bay of Arcachon
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.
Golf-clubs nearby
Golf Courses in Bordeaux
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Golf du Medoc Golf Courses, Le Pian Medoc
Two of Europe's finest golf courses in the heart of the Medoc
Created in 1989, the Golf du Médoc offers 2 remarkable 18-hole courses: Les Châteaux and Les Vignes.
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Margaux Garden Golf Course, Margaux
Golf course on the Gironde estuary open to all
Situated within the ground of the hotel Relais de Margaux Golf & Spa this beautiful course sits on the banks of the Gironde estuary.
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Arcachon International Golf Course, Arcachon
Situated close to the highest dune in Europe, it enjoys an exceptional location
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.
Read more about Arcachon International Golf Course, Arcachon
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Lacanau Garden Golf Course
A beautiful golf course situated close to the west coast of Bordeaux
Situated in the heart of the forest between the lake and the ocean, the 18 hole Ardilouse ensures a quiet round in some stunning scenery
Towns nearby
Towns & Villages in Bordeaux
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Lacanau 
Lacanau
Famous for its beautiful beach and of course great surf
As well as being a surfers paradise, Lacanau is also a golfers paradise, with three golf courses in the beautiful setting of the forest close to the sea and to the lake.
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Carcans 
Carcans
A great family resort in the western Medoc-Oceane area of the Gironde
Part of the Médoc's Lakes which is made up of the municipalities of Lacanau, Carcans, and Hourtin.
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Le Porge 
Le Porge
The closest and quietest of the beach towns near to the city of Bordeaux
Le Porge Ocean becomes a 'local' beach for the Bordeaux summer holidayers.
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Hourtin 
Hourtin
Small town and seaside resort, half way up the west coast of the Médoc peninsula
Part of the Médoc's Lakes which is made up of the municipalities of Lacanau, Carcans, and Hourtin.
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Ile aux Ouiseax
Ile aux Ouiseax
A small island in the centre of the Arcachon basin
During low tide the island stretches to 16km in circumference but is a mere 5km at high tide. Known for its birds, (hence the name) and also the presence of 'Les Cabanes Tchanquées' - houses on stilts.
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Arcachon 
Arcachon
Popular seaside resort 55km south-west of the city of Bordeaux
Traditionally the town of Arcachon was popular weekend retreat for those needing to escape the big city of Bordeaux. It has also been associated with a place of health and recovery where people were sent to 'take the air' and recuperate from various ailments at the turn of the 19th century.
