Ile aux Ouiseax

The association "Memorial de la Forteresse du Nord-Medoc" wants to remember to future generations the history of men during the Second World War, and the efforts of French forces to destroy this German fortress.

This church, sited in the higher part of Saint-Emilion town, is incredible underground feat, carved out of the rock over three centuries.

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.

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

These limestone caves run under the town of Rauzan and feature an underground river which has had many uses over the last two centuries. 

The monks originally lived just outside Saint-Emilion, but in 1338 they obtained permission from the Pope to establish a monastery within the walls. The cloister was built in the 14th-century.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Truc Vert ocean beach is accessible by walkways April to October, and supervised by lifeguards from mid June to mid September. In the absence of monitoring an emergency call station is on site.

This area offers great views further down the west coast to the nature reserve of banc d'Arguin and the Great Dune of Pyla.

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.

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.

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.

This small Italian restaurant serves fresh market cuisine in its modern dining room and terrace. They also have an assortment of Italian wines from various regions.

This gourmet one Michelin star restaurant serves the refined and contemporary creations of Manuela and Thomas L'Hérisson. Their choice of dishes adapt according to the products available in each season, and is served in a light dining room that overlooks the river Dordogne.

Read our guide to Bordeaux markets page to find out which market to visit when. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a typical French market is an absolute must for anyone exploring everything French.

Every September, runners gather for the Médoc marathon which winds its way through over 50 vineyards of this special region. 

Bringing together music, urban cultures and issues around climate change, this festival aims to bring together people from different sectors of Bordeaux for a truly unique set of events.

Exceptional locations around France, including Bordeaux, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.

The association Les Grandes Heures of Saint-Emilion offer you high quality classical concerts held within the magnificent wine estates of Saint-Emilion.

The Autumn festival in Saint-Emilion celebrates the wine and heritage of this medieval city. The 'Jurade' are the Saint-Emilion wine brotherhood who historically had administrative rights over the town. As part of the festival they parade through the town in their traditional crimson robes, reminiscent of the all-powerful aldermen of centuries past.

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

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

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.

100% electric and 100% silent, the infamous tuk-tuk comes to Saint Emilion to take you on a tour or the town and the vineyards that surround it.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Close to city centre this villa is located 600 metres from the beach and shopping area and 3 km from the golf.

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.

Villa Gaume is located on the front line a few steps from the famous Dune du Pyla and the Corniche.

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.

Nestled in the picturesque countryside not far from the pretty bastide of Lalinde on the banks of the River Dordogne, Le Clos des Chênes is one of the most beautifully restored farmhouses and its setting one of the most restful we have come across.

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.

Nice villa for 10 persons located 4.5 km from the beach and 4 km from the shopping street.

A fine example of the French ‘Maison de Maitre’, La Brugère is an impressive and elegant property, surrounded by a spacious, attractive garden with an eye catching pool area, and only a 5 minute drive from the charming town of Duras, home to cafes, restaurants, and shops. In short, La Brugère is a superb haven for groups of any size to reunite and enjoy a memorable holiday.

Villa Gaume is located on the front line a few steps from the famous Dune du Pyla and the Corniche.

Close to city centre this villa is located 600 metres from the beach and shopping area and 3 km from the golf.

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.

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.

In the heart of the vineyards of Bordeaux, half an hour from Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion, or also one hour and half from the Arcachon Bay, Clos Marcamps welcomes you in a chartreuse of the 19th century, entirely renovated with the charm and the comfort of today.

You can either stay in one of the comfortable tree-houses in the forest canapé 9 metres off the ground. Or one of the cosy bubbles which in a unique modern form of logging in your own little private clearing in the woods.

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.

Right in the centre of Bordeaux, you'll find Mama Shelter on Place Saint Christoly, not far from the Mollat bookshop and the town hall. Barely 10 minutes from the Saint Jean railway station and 30 minutes from the airport, in the blink of an eye you can find yourself in this other world bordered by the Garonne river.

This house/villa (architect house) of 130 m2, with a land size of 5000 m2 contains 4 rooms including 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and 2 toilets.

In a quiet environment , this house/villa of 106,98 m2, built in 1980, with a land size of 2000 m2 comprises 6 rooms including 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and 1 toilet.

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.

Near Langon, in a privileged environment and a fabulous 360o view, this beautiful Chartreuse 550 m2 is in the middle of 10ha42 of which 7ha are AOC Bordeaux vines.

Built on a 1136m2 plot, this villa consists of 3 levels offering 450m2 living space and has several terraces with views.

This furnished apartment of 31 m2 with sea view, in a building of 5 floors with a lift is located on the 4th floor.