L'Estanquet Boutique Hotel, Gujan-Mestras

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

This restaurant serves traditional gourmet French dishes carefully prepared. They have a romantic dining room and a terrace surrounding the swimming pool.

This restaurant is situated right in front of the port of Andernos-les-Bains. It is specialised in seafood, serving fresh fish as well as shellfish platters and the famous oysters of the Bassin d'Arcachon.

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.

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.

The beautiful building of Chateau Deganne was converted in 1904 into a casino. In the early twentieth century Paris and Bordeaux bourgeoisie came to spend the summer in Arcachon. Thus the town had to create distractions - a casino.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

With more than 800 animals, spread across an area of 22 hectares, the zoo offers you the chance to discover extraordinary and rare animals.

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.

Founded in 1864 this stunning church was built in a Byzantine and Tuscan style and it houses one of the rarest statues of the Virgin of the Advent (the pregnant Virgin) in France.

Located in Gujan-Mestras, capital of oyster of Arcachon Bay, Oyster House invites you to discover the art of oyster farming, production techniques and the history of the oyster over centuries.

Teich Bird Reserve is 110 hectares of wooded area, reed beds, meadow, saltmarsh and water that has been made into a protected nature reserve, and managed with a view to attracting wild birds so that they can be seen at closer quarters by the public. 

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.

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.