Beach Resorts in Bordeaux — 7 of Our Favourites

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.

The area is accessible either by road from the north or by a passenger ferry from Arcachon. Still very much a holiday resort for high French society, it's a trendy destination for summer holidays and great place for people watching.

Between sea and forest, there are plenty of hiking trails, bike paths and villages to explore.

On the west coast of the peninsula, sheltered by dunes, the ocean beaches run along a stretch of around 25km. The waves provide the show here!

And on the east coastline there are 15km of beaches, punctuated here and there by small coves, harbours and oyster villages, bordering the Bay of Arcachon.

If you love swimming, sailing, rowing and kayaking, then you are sure to be at home here.

Still rich with traditional culture you'll find everything from interesting architecture and historical villas to weekly markets and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Situated to the south of the Lac d'Hourtin, between Hourtin and Lacanau, Carcans is known to be a fantastic family resort with multitudes of outdoor sports and activities to keep the whole family entertained.

The resort of Carcans is divided in several parts:

• Carcans Bourg is the original and oldest part of the town.
• Le Pouch is located between the forest and the moor.
• Maubuisson and the recreation area of Bombannes are situated by the lake
• Finally there is the little town of Carcans Océan which has been constructed at the ocean.

A cosy little town with a handful of nice bars and restaurants, it's the perfect place to enjoy the sun and the beach in laid-back surroundings.

Surfing is one of the most popular activities at Carcans Océan as the Atlantic throws up some huge waves.

The town consists of several locations: Lacanau Ville located 10km inland, le Moutchic, Carreyre, La Grande Escoure and Talaris around the lake, and Lacanau Océan at the beach front.

Lacanau Ville is the original part of the town, that’s where the main infrastructure is located - shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

At its southern entrance of the bay from the Atlantic ocean, Arcachon is crowned by Europe's largest sand dune, the Dune du Pyla (Pilat), nearly 3km long, 500m wide, and reaching up to 110m in height.

On the opposite side of the inlet is the penninsula of Cap-Ferret, a popular resort with celebrities, many of whom have holiday homes in this chic seaside resort.

The town itself is loosely divided into five sections:

• Ville d'été - the summer town, which runs along the northern coast. It's situated next to the beach and has a wide selection of restaurants, bars and shops.
• Ville d'Automne - the autumn town, is to the east and runs around the marina and port areas of the town, including Aiguillon.
• Ville d'Hiver - the winter town, is situated south of the Ville d'été and is where you will find the hundreds of 'Belle Époque' style villas from the end of the 19th century.
• Ville de Printemps - the spring town, sits to the west of Arcachon and closest to the lovely beaches such as Pereire.
• Le Moulleau - a beach resort to the south-west of Arcachon.

One of the smaller seafront resorts along the coastline, with Lacanau being the largest, Hourtin Plage is an attractive and well maintained tourist destination.

The town of Hourtin itself is about 12km inland and is a quiet, pretty town with an open green space in the centre, near to the church. There is a purpose built cycle path that runs between the town and the coast so one can be easily accessed from the other.