The pretty town of Saint-Macaire is a good base for seeing the area around Langon. It dates back to the 1st century AD and grew as a battlement town in the first half of the last millennium.
Saint-Macaire
Pretty town to the south east of the city of Bordeaux, on the Garonne river
It has a beautiful medieval church, the Eglise Saint-Sauveur-et-Saint-Martin, sited on the edge of a cliff, and many attractive noble buildings.
Events in Saint-Macaire
The Centre Francois Mauriac puts on many cultural events throughout the year, including musical events and literary recitals. You should check their website for up to date event details.
Being a medieval town there are several festivals that celebrate their history and heritage, including the Medieval Day in August, a wonderful mix of costumes, dance and music for all to enjoy.
Events in Saint-Macaire
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Beaujolais Nouveau 
Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in Saint-Macaire
The town's history and name dates back to the 1st century when the Greek monk Makarios settled here. Since then its wealth and prosperity has come from wine production, like many of the towns in the Gironde area.
Much of the town was restored in the 1800's but it has managed to retain much of its charm and medieval heritage. It once sat directly on the banks of the river Garonne however tidal flow has changed the land somewhat and it now sits slightly away from rivers edge.
When it served as a port there were many merchants who built impressive houses here, much of which can still be seen and enjoyed.
Sights & Attractions in Saint-Macaire
The church in this small town somewhat dominates the area as it's a fairly large structure. The 14th century mural inside are what people come to see in the Eglise de Saint Sauveur et Saint Martin.
A visit to nearby Malagar, the country home of author François Mauriac is a must for any literary buff, or even for those who enjoy looking around the mansions of the Bordeaux region. Courtesy of the Centre Francois Mauriac the house has been converted into a museum, preserved and renovated.
Sights in Saint-Macaire
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Eglise Saint-Sauveur et Saint-Martin, Saint Macaire 
Eglise Saint-Sauveur et Saint-Martin, Saint Macaire
An impressive medieval church on the banks of the Garonne river
Constructed between the 12th and 15th centuries this church was built with a dual purpose of being a priory and as well as a place of worship.
Read more about Eglise Saint-Sauveur et Saint-Martin, Saint Macaire
Beaches in Saint-Macaire
Beaches in Bordeaux
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Plage d'Eyrac Beach, Arcachon 
Plage d'Eyrac Beach, Arcachon
East of the main Plage d'Arcachon close to the marina and port
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 d'Arcachon Beach, Arcahon 
Plage d'Arcachon Beach, Arcahon
The main beach along the seafront promenade of the town of Arcachon
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 
Plage Pereire Beach, Arcachon
Around 3km of fine sand looking over to the Cap-Ferret peninsula
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 des Abatilles Beach, Arcachon 
Plage des Abatilles Beach, Arcachon
Running south along the west coast from the Pereire area
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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Dune du Pilat Beach 
Dune du Pilat Beach
Dune of Pilat is located at the entrance to the Bay of Arcachon
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.
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Plage du Moulleau Beach, Arcachon 
Plage du Moulleau Beach, Arcachon
Close to where the basin of Arcachon meets the Atlantic ocean
This area offers great views further down the west coast to the nature reserve of banc d'Arguin and the Great Dune of Pyla.
Dining in Saint-Macaire
Restaurants in Saint-Macaire
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Claude Darroze Restaurant, Langon 
Claude Darroze Restaurant, Langon
A Michelin starred restaurant serving traditional French cuisine
Part of the Darroze family tradition, this restaurant serves a selection of classic French dishes prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients to perfection. They can be enjoyed in its elegant dining room or the pleasant terrace under the trees.
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Le Nord Sud Restaurant, Verdelais
Traditional French restaurant in the historic town of Verdelais
This restaurant is located in the centre of the town of Verdelais, inside a beautiful 18th-century building. They serve classic French dishes in a contemporary atmosphere.
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Le Saprien Restaurant, Sauternes
French restaurant in the famous wine region of the Sauternais
This restaurant serves traditional French dishes. They have an extensive wine list and a terrace overlooking the beautiful vineyards.
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Chateau de la Tour Restaurant, Cadillac
Refined French restaurant with wonderful views of the 17th-century Château de Cadillac
This restaurant serves traditional but sophisticated French cuisine made with local produce. Its spacious and airy dining area overlooks the magnificent Château de Cadillac, home of the Dukes of Épernon and one of the first examples of French-style architecture.
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Auberge de l'Ancienne Poste Restaurant, Podensac
Traditional French restaurant in the heart of the beautiful medieval village of Rions
Situated near the river Garonne, this restaurant has a selection of classic French dishes. Set in an 18th-century house, one of the three rooms is dominated by an imposing open fireplace where the chef grills regional produce.
Read more about Auberge de l'Ancienne Poste Restaurant, Podensac
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Aux Fontaines Restaurant, La Reole 
Aux Fontaines Restaurant, La Reole
Traditional French restaurant in the Entre-Deux-Mers wine region
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.
Nightlife in Saint-Macaire
Bars & Clubs in Saint-Macaire
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La Ligne Rouge Bar 
La Ligne Rouge Bar
Wine bar offering international references in the centre of 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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Le Caillou 
Le Caillou
Musical diversity in the heart of the city of 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.
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Aux Quatre Coins du Vin Bar
Wine bar in the centre of Bordeaux with a clever self-service system
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 
Bar a vin
Bar run by young sommeliers with a vast selection of wines from the Bordeaux region
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
Charming wine bar and delicatessen shop in the Quartier des Chartrons
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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Casino d'Arcachon, Arcachon
A casino situated on the beach front in a beautiful Chateau-style builing
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.
Things to do in Saint-Macaire
The area around Saint Macaire is perfect for walking, cycling and horse riding.
There are plenty of marked pathways, specifically designed for hiking, others for cycling and certain areas for horse riding. you can easily spend a day wandering the paths along the Garonne river, losing yourself in the Landes forest and enjoying the rolling countryside of the area known as Entre-Deux-Mers.
Things To Do in Saint-Macaire
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La Ferme Exotique Animal & Nature Park, South Bordeaux
Wildlife and leisure park close to the city of Bordeaux
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.
Read more about La Ferme Exotique Animal & Nature Park, South Bordeaux
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Le Train des Grands Vignobles (Vineyard Train) Tour, Saint Emilion
The perfect way to tour the hilly wine region of St 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.
Read more about Le Train des Grands Vignobles (Vineyard Train) Tour, Saint Emilion
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Tuk-Tuk Tour (Wine Tour), Saint Emilion
An original & entertaining way to see the city & its vineyards
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.
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Bordeaux City Tour 
Bordeaux City Tour
See the sights of Bordeaux at your own pace by open-top bus
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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Le Petit Train de Bordeaux, City of Bordeaux
Explore this grand city from the comfort of the tourist train
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.
Read more about Le Petit Train de Bordeaux, City of Bordeaux
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Public Garden
Beautiful public garden & green space in the heart of the city
The public garden in the city of Bordeaux houses an arboretum, a library and a Natural History Museum.
Watersports in Saint-Macaire
Watersports in Saint-Macaire
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So Nice Surf School, Le Porge
Surf school on the quiet beach of north Le Porge
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.
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Magic Surf School, Lacanau
Teaching, coaching & surf lessons that will turn you into a pro
Each session is tailored to the requirements of the participants.
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Estuaire Jet Ski, Le Verdon sur Mer
Jet ski lessons, hire & inflatable fun!
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.
Holiday Rentals in Saint-Macaire
Holiday Rentals in Saint-Macaire
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Marie Villa
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.
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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.
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Maison de la Cote Villa
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.
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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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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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Le Brame Villa
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.
Hotels in Saint-Macaire
Hotels in Saint-Macaire
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Les Feuilles d'Acanthe, Saint Macaire
A beautiful stone house located in the medieval town
At the crossroads of Bordeaux, St Emilion, and the bay of Arcachon, the Feuilles d’Acanthe is an enchanting hotel of just twelve rooms, in which the past harmonizes with the present.
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Hotel Claude Darroze, Langon
Located just a 30 minute drive from Bordeaux
In Langon, at the heart of world-famous wine country, Jean Charles Darroze, member of a family dynasty well known in the gastronomic arts, welcomes you to this former postal relay station to spend a delightful holiday.
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Villa Corterra, Fargues
30 minutes from the centre of Bordeaux
Located 10 minute drive from Langon this charming hotel features 4 elegant rooms tastefully decorated.
Property For Sale in Saint-Macaire
Property for Sale in Saint-Macaire
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Chateau For Sale, Langon - Ref.0473
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.
