© La Reole
A town close to the border of the department of the Gironde
This hilly town used to be the second largest in the region during medieval times, and it's home to the oldest town hall in France dating back to the 12th century.
Situated on the banks of the river Garonne, this small town is full of narrow hilly streets with some amazing examples of medieval architecture.
Its Eglise de Saint-Pierre is an impressively preserved Benedictine abbey located in the cobbled centre of town. The suspension bridge crossing the Garonne river was designed by Gustave Eiffel, prior to him shooting to fame for the design of Paris' most iconic structure.
Le Réole also has an interesting, if odd, museum of 'to scale' matchstick models.
If you happen to be visiting La Réole in early July then you will be lucky enough to catch the night Farmers Market - a wonderful and festive occasion that really brings the town to life.
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.
At the beginning of November, the Sauternes and Barsac Châteaux opens its doors for a weekend in which more than 50 estates welcome the public to sample their wines.
From the last week of November and throughout December, Bordeaux holds its great Christmas market in the Allées de Tourny. A festive event and a good place to pick up an original Christmas gift, or see Santa Claus and let him have your list.
The association Les Grandes Heures of Saint-Emilion offer you high quality classical concerts held within the magnificent wine estates of Saint-Emilion.
A mass is held where prayers are said for those who have perished at sea, followed by a procession to the Cross of the Sailors. Afterwards, the sea is blessed by the "Sailors of the Women's Committee Fishermen Basin" who throw a crown into the ocean from aboard a lifeboat.
With around 80 winegrowers from the appellation of Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux opening their doors and their bottles for visitors to come and taste their wines in a wonderful atmosphere.
A town that grew up around the monastery which was founded there in the 7th or 8th century. It flourished during medieval times and was then the regions second largest city after Bordeaux. It carried favour with royalty and was as such granted a certain amount of freedom to self-govern by Richard the Lionheart. It was he who ordered the building of the town hall, which is now France's oldest building of its kind.
La Réole continued to be an important town into the 17th century when the parliament of Bordeaux was exiled there on two separate occasions, in 1678 and again in 1690.
The Benedictine monastery was built in the 18th century and is still in use today as the municipal offices. Perhaps one of the most impressive structures in the town.
The main thing to see in La Réole is the Benedictine Abbey. Although it is no longer in use as cloisters, it is however accessible to the public and now houses the administrative services of the area.
Known as the Abbaye de La Réole and the Prieuré des Bénédictines, it was abandoned by the monks in 1790 and today houses the administrative services of La Réole.
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.
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 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.
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.
This restaurant serves classic French dishes made with locally-sourced produce, and a menu that changes according to the seasons. Set in a beautiful 19th-century building, it has a terrace and a garden besides its large dining rooms.
The impressive suspension bridge that spans the river Garonne is the work of renowned engineer Gustave Eiffel...although this was done long before he reached fame for the creation of the Eiffel Tower in Paris! Taking a walk across the river gives a stunning view of the town so it is worth the trip over.
A short, flat walk around the heart of Bordeaux. This route takes in many historical and cultural buildings that are well worth stopping at along the way.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Emilie and Florian are glad to welcome you in this manor of the 18th century, in cottages or guest rooms. This large and traditional stone building will charm you thanks to its high ceilings and exposed beams, its Gironde’s tiles and grand fireplaces.
L'Autre Vie, an 18th century farmhouse, is a blend of a traditional bed and breakfast and a chic boutique hotel surrounded by the famous vineyards of Bordeaux.
