Atlantic Villa, Hourtin

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

The beaches extend to 7km of fine-sand beaches along the Atlantic coast; Centre Beach, South Beach and Amelie Beach making up the most popular and closest to the town.

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.

Owned by Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, this château produces some of the great Médocs.

The building itself was regenerated and built with the materials from a previous church when it became too small!

Situated on the left bank of the gironde estuary, opposite the Citadel of Blaye and the Fort Pate, it was built by Vauban in the 17th century. The three buildings together formed a barrier to block the Gironde estuary from attack.

The fortified citadel at Blaye, standing on the opposite bank of the river Gironde to Fort Médoc, forms, along with Fort Paté, the region's 17th-century defence against river attack.

Travelling from the port at the very tip of the peninsula, at the opening of the Gironde estuary, La Pointe de Grave, the train travels down through Le Verdon and on to Soulac-sur-Mer.

Situated within the ground of the hotel Relais de Margaux Golf & Spa this beautiful course sits on the banks of the Gironde estuary.

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

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.

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

Part of the Médoc's Lakes which is made up of the municipalities of Lacanau, Carcans, and Hourtin.

Part of the Médoc's Lakes which is made up of the municipalities of Lacanau, Carcans, and Hourtin.

Huge amounts of the region are covered in vines, growing the grapes which produce some of Bordeaux's finest wines. across around 1,500 vineyards.

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.

An entire village that had been abandoned by the middle of the 20th century, was beautifully restored in 2003. 

The vineyards around this town produce some of the best wines in Bordeaux. Located on the Gironde estuary, Pauillac itself has grown up as a port town.