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The closest and quietest of the beach towns near to the city of Bordeaux
Le Porge Ocean becomes a 'local' beach for the Bordeaux summer holidayers.
Much less known to tourists as the other towns of Lacanau, Biscarosse and Arcachon, it certainly doesn't have the same appeal as these places but it does allow you to avoid the traffic jams if you are travelling from the city.
On the way back to Bordeaux, it's always nice to make a stop in the small towns nearby. For example, in Le Porge, there is the Pick-Up Café which is very nice and just two minutes walk, you can also enjoy the regularly organised market in the main square.
Amongst other local events and concerts that take place throughout the year this village also has a weekly market.
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 area of Le Porge was essentially moors, marshes and dunes until the nineteenth century. Over the years, the town was transformed with various natural hazards and human interventions: in 1827, there were 6,712 acres of moors and marshes, and in 1887, this had declined to only 2,000 hectares of heathland .
The village developed along a North-South axis, following the shape of an arc between the dunes, rivers and drained wetlands area.
Until the seventeenth century, the population was virtually a self-sufficient small farming community. The swampy areas had been drained by the digging of the Canal des Etangs which runs from Lac d'Hourtin further north, then into the Etang de Lacanau past La Porge and the water is then discharged into the Bay of Arcachon. It was inaugurated on 31st May, 1864. The canal allowed farming of crops before nature took over and caused the land to form open moorlands. The seeding of the moors with pine trees, the sale of pines and resin tapping allowed the town to flourish and grow.
In 1986, the tapping (harvesting pine resin) was stopped, due to competition from countries such as Greece and Portugal.
Today, Le Porge is a seaside resort.
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.
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.
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.
This excellent museum recounts the history of Bordeaux and the Aquitaine region from prehistoric times through to the 20th century.
The existing Roman Catholic church was built in the late 11th and early 12th century in a Romanesque style. However, it is thought that the original Benedictine church was built at the request of Clovis, the Merovingian King in the 5th century.
Imposing on the Place Canteloupe in Bordeaux, this Gothic church took over 200 years to construct from the 14th to the 16th century.
Le Porge beach is also known for its large waves and strong undertow, even if the rescuers are not far away, you must remain cautious as you would for many of the ocean beaches.
The Bordelais have often associated it with being a nudist beach...which is not entirely true. If you follow the wooden walkway to the parking entrance then you will find that everyone is in a bathing suit. But if you are forced to park the car further and use more discrete paths, then you may well be surprised. This is not a 100% naturist beach, but maybe 70%...
Le Porge beach is also known for its large waves and strong undertow, even if the rescuers are not far away, you must remain cautious as you would for many of the ocean beaches.
Beach Grand Crohot Lege is accessible by walkways throughout the year, and is supervised by lifeguards from mid June to mid September.
Over time, the wind and ocean currents have gradually created a wall of sand dunes, behind which streams and rivers have allowed the formation of lakes and freshwater ponds.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Established in 1932, this family owned restaurant offers a menu full of classic French dishes with special emphasis on foie gras. The art déco dining area provides a quiet romantic atmosphere.
Centrally located, this restaurant serves traditional French dishes made with fresh ingredients. There is also a small bistro across the road serving drinks and tapas, perfect for events.
This restaurant serves traditional gourmet French dishes carefully prepared. They have a romantic dining room and a terrace surrounding the swimming pool.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As with most seaside resorts along the west coast of the Gironde, there are a multitude of outdoor sports to enjoy locally, such as golf, kayaking, cycling, surfing, horse riding and hiking.
Designed as a public green space in the 19th-century, this 28-hectare historical park is home to around 3000 trees, 1000 of which are more than a century old.
Created in 1989, the Golf du Médoc offers 2 remarkable 18-hole courses: Les Châteaux and Les Vignes.
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.
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.
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.
With a varied and interesting mix of wildlife, you can learn about the animals, conservation and about the zoo's research projects, whilst walking amidst the enclosures.
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.
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.
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.
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 six luxury guest rooms combine charm, elegance and sophistication: with a reworked Napoleon III style, decked out in floral pinks, greens and violets, and sparkling raspberry, they are absolutely charming, and showcase French master craftsmen, with Braquenie embroidered fabrics by Pierre Frey in silk taffeta, Houles soft furnishings, Moissonnier furniture and Hermes products in the bathrooms.
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.
Located in the heart of Bordeaux, the Burdigala Hotel was completely refurbished in summer 2011, and its elegant yet relaxed atmosphere provides a welcome sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the city.
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.
The majestic hall of the Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa designed by Jacques Garcia is impressive. Marble, Bordeaux stone, warm-tone fabrics (plum, mauve, deep red), 18th century-inspired furnishings, original floral creations: an invitation to peace and tranquillity.
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.
This house/villa of 1800 m2, built in 1900, on 4 levels, with a land size of 15 ha contains 24 rooms including 15 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 shower rooms and 4 toilets.
With an open view this house/villa of 236 m2, built in 1900, with a land size of 5082 m2 comprises 7 rooms including 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 shower room and 2 toilets.
Only 20 minutes from Bordeaux airport and 15 minutes from the station, this beautiful XVIIth Century chateau with large outbuildings is set on 50 hectares.
Original Private Mansion in the prestigious district of Chartrons just a few steps away from all convenience with a sunny garden and a south-west facing swimming pool.
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.
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.
