L'Estanquet Boutique Hotel, Gujan-Mestras

Running from the ferry terminal at Belisaire on the Arcachon Bay side of the peninsula this small train link passengers to the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast.

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.

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.

Whatever your age or level of riding, you will be welcome at the equestrian centre to share their passion for horses.

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

After discovering the city of Saint Emilion this train tour takes you out into the countryside and surrounding vineyards to discover more about the history and culture of wine in this region.

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.

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.

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 very close to the seaside, this restaurant features the outstanding creations of chef Thierry Renou. He combines fresh and seasonal products from the region of Gironde and the Bassin d'Arcachon with exotic influences, mainly Asian, gathered along his international travels.

This restaurant serves classic French dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, revisited by a Japanese chef. Their dining area is simple and elegant, and their menu changes daily for lunch and every two weeks for "à la carte".

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.

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.

A small, peaceful and tranquil beach that is situated at the entrance to the marina and is the most sheltered of all the beaches around Arcachon due to its location within the basin.

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.

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

Built for the Duke of Epernon in the 16th century, this lavish château contained over 50 bedrooms!

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.

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.

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. 

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

The beautiful estate and house of the domain Malagar inspired many pages of writing in some of Mauriac's most famous novels; Flesh and Blood, Destinies and The Knot of Vipers.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Le Porge Ocean becomes a 'local' beach for the Bordeaux summer holidayers.

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.

On the left bank of the Garonne, 50km inland, south east from Bordeaux, Langon is perfectly located for visiting the impressive Château de Roquetaillade and sampling the Sauternes wines to the east and the Entre-Deux-Mers wines to the north.