Pretty town to the south east of the city of Bordeaux, on the Garonne river
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Long Night of Museums is an annual event where museums across Europe remain open late into the night, and Bordeaux is no exception.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
Exceptional locations around France, including Bordeaux, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This restaurant serves traditional French dishes. They have an extensive wine list and a terrace overlooking the beautiful vineyards.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The public garden in the city of Bordeaux houses an arboretum, a library and a Natural History Museum.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Located 10 minute drive from Langon this charming hotel features 4 elegant rooms tastefully decorated.
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.
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.
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.
