Ile aux Ouiseax, Arcachon Basin
A small island in the centre of the Arcachon basin
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.
Many birds visit this island, especially during the migrations, but there are also many who live there year round. For example egrets, curlews, sandpipers and black moorhens. In the autumn the winter migrations bring loons, waders, ducks and brant.
The island itself can be difficult to access as it's shrouded in oyster beds separated by large stakes emerging from the water. This is the beauty of this place, the appearance is of preserved nature. With only a few dwarf trees, heather moors, firs and acacias of Japan, only a few wooden huts often spartan (they were formerly used as oyster farmers who operated parks) attest to human presence. These huts are raised up so that they are not affected by the tidal movement.
There are boat trips to the island from the mainland which is a great day out, especially if you enjoy birdwatching.
History & Culture in [locality]
When the first oyster beds were installed in 1860, the oyster farmers reduced their need to travel by constructing cabins.
In 1883 the first cabin on stilts was built, meaning the farmer could monitor the oyster beds even in high tide and shelter in bad weather.
The second was built in 1945, and this hut still exists today, it's the cabin with the red shutters.
The third cabin was built in 1948 by a building contractor, and in 1975 was acquired by the Conservatoire du Littoral.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
Sights in Bordeaux
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Cardinal Palace ruins, Saint Emilion
Located in Saint-Emilion
Gifted to Gaillard de la Mothe by his uncle Bertrand de Goth, Archbishop of Bordeaux, who later became Pope Clement V, the Cardinal Palace sits at the entrance to the city of Saint Emilion.
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Musee des Arts Decoratifs, Bordeaux
Located in Bordeaux
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.
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Memorial de la Fortresse du Nord Medoc Museum, Soulac-sur-Mer
Located in Soulac-sur-Mer
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.
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Grotte Celestine Cave, Rauzan
Located in Rauzan
These limestone caves run under the town of Rauzan and feature an underground river which has had many uses over the last two centuries.
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Musee des Douanes, Bordeaux
Located in Bordeaux
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.
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Maison des Arts et Traditions Populaires, Carcans
Located in Carcans
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.
Beaches in [locality]
Beaches in Bordeaux
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Plage d'Arcachon Beach, Arcahon
Located 3.5 km away
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.
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Plage Pereire Beach, Arcachon
Located 3.9 km away
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.
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Plage d'Eyrac Beach, Arcachon
Located 4.0 km away
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.
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Plage des Abatilles Beach, Arcachon
Located 4.6 km away
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.
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Plage Oceane du Truc Vert Beach
Located 6.2 km away
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.
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Plage du Moulleau Beach, Arcachon
Located 6.5 km away
This area offers great views further down the west coast to the nature reserve of banc d'Arguin and the Great Dune of Pyla.
Things to do in [locality]
Things To Do in Bordeaux
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Golf du Medoc Golf Courses, Le Pian Medoc
Created in 1989, the Golf du Médoc offers 2 remarkable 18-hole courses: Les Châteaux and Les Vignes.
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Tourist Train, Blaye
Located in Blaye
Offering guided tours to allow you explore the heritage and history of the Blaye area.
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Le Train des Grands Vignobles (Vineyard Train) Tour, Saint Emilion
Located in Saint-Emilion
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.
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Bordeaux City Tour
Located in Bordeaux
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.
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Magic Surf School, Lacanau
Located in Lacanau
Each session is tailored to the requirements of the participants.
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Les Petits Chevaux Horse Riding, Soulac-sur-Mer
Whatever your age or level of riding, you will be welcome at the equestrian centre to share their passion for horses.
Dining in [locality]
Restaurants in Bordeaux
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La Grand'Vigne Restaurant, Martillac
Located in Martillac
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.
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Pierre Gagnaire Restaurant
Located in Bordeaux
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.
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Le Pressoir d'Argent Restaurant
Located in Bordeaux
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.
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Hostellerie de Plaisance Restaurant, Saint Emilion
Located in Saint-Emilion
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.
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Chateau de Sanse Restaurant, Sainte-Radegonde
This restaurant is located in the Chateau de Sanse, a beautiful hotel among the vineyards. They serve modern French cuisine in their elegant dining room which has stunning panoramic views of the countryside thanks to its high standpoint.
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La Cabane du Mimbeau Restaurant
From a family of oyster farmers that stretches over six generations, this restaurant serves oysters sourced from the Bassin d'Arcachon along with other types of seafood. Located by the shore, it has a light dining room as well as a terrace.
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Bordeaux
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Aux Quatre Coins du Vin Bar
Located in 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.
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Bar a vin
Located in 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.
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La Conserverie-Converserie Bar
Located in 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.
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La Ligne Rouge Bar
Located in Bordeaux
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.
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Casino d'Arcachon, Arcachon
Located in Arcachon
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.
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Le Caillou
Located in Bordeaux
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.
Villas in [locality]
Villas in Bordeaux
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Lacanau Ocean Villa, Lacanau
Nice villa for 10 persons located 4.5 km from the beach and 4 km from the shopping street.
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Maison de la Cote Villa
Located in Bordeaux
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.
Price: £1,450
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Gaume Villa, Pyla-sur-Mer
Villa Gaume is located on the front line a few steps from the famous Dune du Pyla and the Corniche.
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Lacanau Ocean Villa, Lacanau
Close to city centre this villa is located 600 metres from the beach and shopping area and 3 km from the golf.
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Le Brame Villa
Located in Bordeaux
Situated on the border between Dordogne and Lot et Garonne, Le Brame’s location allows easy exploration of the towns, chȃteaux and landscapes that these two stunning regions offer. Within a 10 to 15 minute drive there are three lovely bastide towns, Villeréal, Monpazier and Monflanquin, to explore, as well as the Chȃteau de Biron which during the summer hosts concerts and light shows. Standing proudly atop a hill, this impressive castle can be seen from the terrace at Le Brame.
Price: £994
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Canon Villa, Lege-Cap-Ferret
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.
Apartments in [locality]
Holiday Rentals in Bordeaux
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Lacanau Ocean Villa, Lacanau
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.
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La Brugère Villa, Baleyssagues
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.
Price: £3,812
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Canon Villa, Lege-Cap-Ferret
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.
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Lacanau Ocean Villa, Lacanau
Close to city centre this villa is located 600 metres from the beach and shopping area and 3 km from the golf.
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Le Clos des Chenes Villa
Located in Bordeaux
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.
Price: £2,090
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Gaume Villa, Pyla-sur-Mer
Villa Gaume is located on the front line a few steps from the famous Dune du Pyla and the Corniche.
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Bordeaux
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La Villa d'O Hotel, Saint-Loubes
Located in Bordeaux
In 2007 the Chateau was completely refurbished by its owners, the traditional feeling was maintained whilst modernising all the rooms.
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L'Estanquet Boutique Hotel, Gujan-Mestras
L'Estanquet has the main house with bespoke bedrooms and a newly converted barn. Situated between the pine forest of Les Landes and the Atlantic Ocean it is perfect place for you to stop and immediately rest & relax. Biscarrosse lake is a stones throw away & sandy beaches lead into the freshwater lake.
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Chateau Rigaud Hotel, East Bordeaux
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.
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Hostellerie de Plaisance, Saint Emilion
Located in Saint-Emilion
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.
Price: €8,315
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Villa La Tosca Hotel, Andernos-les-Bains
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.
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Chateau de Mirambeau, Bordeaux Area
A Renaissance-style castle located in a peaceful park recently reopened following refurbishment in 2016.