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The most southerly tip of the Lège-Cap-Ferret peninsula
This 'spit' separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Arcachon bay and basin. Best known perhaps for its lighthouse, it's also an upmarket resort with many of France's rich and famous having holiday homes here.
The area is accessible either by road from the north or by a passenger ferry from Arcachon. Still very much a holiday resort for high French society, it's a trendy destination for summer holidays and great place for people watching.
Between sea and forest, there are plenty of hiking trails, bike paths and villages to explore.
On the west coast of the peninsula, sheltered by dunes, the ocean beaches run along a stretch of around 25km. The waves provide the show here!
And on the east coastline there are 15km of beaches, punctuated here and there by small coves, harbours and oyster villages, bordering the Bay of Arcachon.
If you love swimming, sailing, rowing and kayaking, then you are sure to be at home here.
The best time to visit Cap Ferret is on Wednesdays and Saturdays as markets are held on these days all through the year.
Seasonal markets also take place in the smaller villages of Piraillan and Claouey every day during the summer months.
From the last week of November and throughout December, Bordeaux holds its great Christmas market in the Allées de Tourny. A festive event and a good place to pick up an original Christmas gift, or see Santa Claus and let him have your list.
One of the most spectacular views in Cap-Ferret is from the top of the lighthouse, a mere 258 steps up and it will take your breath away...quite literally.
Slightly north of Cap-Ferret town itself on the Arcachon Bay coast is the some town of l'Herbe, and here you will find the bizarre but beautiful La Chapelle de la Villa Algérienne, a Moorish-style catholic church.
Located in the centre of Bordeaux, this museum features paintings and sculptures by some of the best European artists, from the Renaissance to the 20th century.
This excellent museum recounts the history of Bordeaux and the Aquitaine region from prehistoric times through to the 20th century.
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.
Housed in the 18th century Hôtel de Lalande, the museum of decorative arts has a collection of sculptures, ceramics, glass and silverware in its panelled rooms.
The Cité du Vin whose doors opened on 1st June 2016, is an iconic architectural feature situated on the river. it offers a sensory and artistic journey allowing visitors to become familiar with the civilizations of the world of wine.
The Institut Culturel Bernard Magrez wants to be a bridge between tradition and innovation.
This area is blessed with having both ocean front beaches with incredible surf and dramatic waves, plus on the east coast the tranquil beaches and waters of the Arcachon Bay.
This beach is actually supervised during the busy summer months, although you will find that most of the Atlantic beaches are not.
This area offers great views further down the west coast to the nature reserve of banc d'Arguin and the Great Dune of Pyla.
A wide walkway and promenade borders this beautiful beach. There are numerous things to do including games for children, surfing, beach volleyball and of course it's a great setting near the doors to the Atlantic ocean.
This is by far the largest and better known of the Arcachon beaches, stretching some 3km in length with wonderful views over to the chic town of Cap-Ferret and the peninsula beaches.
Belonging to the coastal dunes of Aquitaine, it's a single dune that is always moving and is in fact the tallest sand dune in Europe.
An 800m strip of white sand situated between the Theirs and Eyrac piers this beach is very much in the Arcachon basin and sheltered from the strong Altlantic winds on the coast.
As you can imagine there are a whole host of seafood restaurants along the coast, however there are a few that really stand out and that are a 'must visit' if you're in the area.
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.
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 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 classic French restaurant serves traditional dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. It is located among the vineyards of the Médoc region, in a pleasant park with pine trees.
This restaurant offers a sizeable assortment of 500 wines, combined with a modern gastronomic offer. Its intimate dining area can accommodate 20 people.
This charming restaurant serves a daily changing menu comprising traditional French dishes made with local fresh ingredients from the markets of Bordeaux. Its cute dining room is open to the kitchen, and there is a terrace in the building's patio.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A trip over to the west coast to see the Atlantic Ocean is a must whilst you're on this small peninsula. The waves here are a sight to behold. You can reach the beaches easily by popping on the small train that runs between Plage de l'horizon on the Atlantic coast with the jetty at Jetée de Bélisaire on the Arcachon Bay.
The oyster villages along the eastern coast of Cap Ferret are small, colourful and charming, and most have traditional village centre based around a cluster of small brightly painted cabins. These would originally have been the homes of workers from the oyster industry. And with oysters come great seafood restaurants.
As with most parts of this coastline, cycling is a very popular activity and the easiest and best way to get around too. It's worth hiring a bike for the day and exploring a bit to find some of the more hidden coves and beaches. And being a beach side resort all forms of watersports are of course popular, from kayaking to kitesurfing and deep sea fishing to boating.
With over 1000 animals to meet, from around 75 different species, from the very smallest, all the way up to the largest breeding camels in France.
As it passes through the oldest parts of Bordeaux, making the most of the landscape, the train takes you past the most famous places and monuments of the city.
Created in 1989, the Golf du Médoc offers 2 remarkable 18-hole courses: Les Châteaux and Les Vignes.
Take in Bordeaux’s historic landmarks and modern highlights on a hop-on hop-off double-decker bus tour with panoramic views and audio commentary for all ages.
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.
The public garden in the city of Bordeaux houses an arboretum, a library and a Natural History Museum.
A short, flat walk around the heart of Bordeaux. This route takes in many historical and cultural buildings that are well worth stopping at along the way.
Whether it's your first time on a board or you've been surfing for years, So Nice Surf School will give you the guidance you need to get started or to improve your tricks in a cool, laid-back atmosphere.
Each session is tailored to the requirements of the participants.
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.
Alongside the hotels, guest houses and numerous holiday homes in the area there are also a few really good campsites, perfect for a family 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.
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.
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.
There are a range of hotels and delightful B&B's along the peninsula, mostly small and with a very seaside, Liberty style charm that suits the area. Much of the area feels a little like New England or part of the Hamptons and the accommodation here reflects that too.
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.
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.
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.
A new, sophisticated, relaxed 5 stars refuge has opened in the heart of Bordeaux, where your well-being and comfort are the priority.
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.
In 2007 the Chateau was completely refurbished by its owners, the traditional feeling was maintained whilst modernising all the rooms.
One of the most extraordinary Chateaux in the Gironde located in the countryside within half an hour of the beautiful city of Bordeaux with its international airport and TGV links. Twenty minutes to Saint Emilion and close to a charming town with a range of shops and restaurants.
This house/villa of 1800 m2, built in 1900, on 4 levels, with a land size of 15 ha contains 24 rooms including 15 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 shower rooms and 4 toilets.
With an open view this house/villa of 236 m2, built in 1900, with a land size of 5082 m2 comprises 7 rooms including 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 shower room and 2 toilets.
This 15th and 19th century chateau is perched on a rocky outcrop and overlooks the surrounding countryside and has been entirely renovated.
Owned in the same family for several generations and with a history of excellent wine making including, Bordeaux red, white and rose as well as sweet white wines.
This house/villa of 145 m2, built in 1987, with a land size of 702m2 has 5 rooms including 4 bedrooms, 1 shower room and 1 toilet.
