Nature / Park Sights in Bordeaux — 7 of Our Favourites

1. Dune du Pilat Beach

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.

Between ocean and forest, it moves from between one and five metres towards the east per year under the influence of prevailing winds and tides, gradually covering the adjoining forest.

Consisting of about 60million m3 of sand, the Dune du Pilat measures between 100 - 115m high, depending on the year. The dune is 2.7km in length and 500m wide.

There is an information point where you can discover more about the area which also hosts free events and exhibitions and offers guided tours. A picnic area with benches, water fountains and litter bins is also available.

During the summer months from April until early November there is also a staircase (160 steps) installed to allow easier access to the summit.

Access to the dune is free. You can park here but parking is paid.

The reception area is available for people with reduced mobility. There are eight disabled parking spaces, toilets, a reception building and tourist information which have all been adapted for disabled access.

2. Parc de Majolan Park, Blanquefort

Labelled as a 'Jardin Remarquable' (remarkable garden) by the Ministry of Culture, this park originated in the 19th-century. Situated in rural Blanquefort, a 20 minute drive from the centre of Bordeaux.

With the added bonus of having its very own cave to explore, as well as a lake, fountains and gardens, this park is perfect for a romantic stroll or a family outing. There is a special playground for younger children from the ages of 1 to 12 years.

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3. Zoo Bassin d'Arcachon

With more than 800 animals, spread across an area of 22 hectares, the zoo offers you the chance to discover extraordinary and rare animals.

Their collection of animals includes Indian rhinos, orangutans from Borneo, giraffes, African elephants, white tigers, red pandas, lemurs, brightly coloured parrots and much more. Alongside the animals you will find various fun and educational activities for the whole family to enjoy.

As well as a snack outlet there are picnic facilities.

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4. Teich Bird Reserve & Nature Park

Teich Bird Reserve is 110 hectares of wooded area, reed beds, meadow, saltmarsh and water that has been made into a protected nature reserve, and managed with a view to attracting wild birds so that they can be seen at closer quarters by the public.

Stretching out between the mainland sector right up to the coastline of the Arcachon Basin, this area offers a wide variety of natural habitats that are suitable for many different bird species, which will either make these areas their permanent home or alternatively, a temporary resting place. The birds found here are entirely wild and behave in exactly the same way that they would outside of the reserve’s boundaries. They are not given additional food or kept in a semi-captive state.

The reserve is visited on foot along a 6 km-long circular path. The path goes through or runs alongside the full range of different natural habitats found in the Teich Bird Reserve, enabling you to build up a good overall picture of the site and its surrounding areas.

The role played by the reserve in the conservation of some rarer species is recognized as being of international significance.

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2 houses on stilts in shallow water, sand & marsh

5. Ile aux Ouiseax

Location: Bordeaux

During low tide the island stretches to 16km in circumference but is a mere 5km at high tide. Known for its birds, (hence the name) and also the presence of 'Les Cabanes Tchanquées' - houses on stilts.

Many birds visit this island, especially during the migrations, but there are also many who live there year round. For example egrets, curlews, sandpipers and black moorhens. In the autumn the winter migrations bring loons, waders, ducks and brant.

The island itself can be difficult to access as it's shrouded in oyster beds separated by large stakes emerging from the water. This is the beauty of this place, the appearance is of preserved nature. With only a few dwarf trees, heather moors, firs and acacias of Japan, only a few wooden huts often spartan (they were formerly used as oyster farmers who operated parks) attest to human presence. These huts are raised up so that they are not affected by the tidal movement.

There are boat trips to the island from the mainland which is a great day out, especially if you enjoy birdwatching.

6. Public Garden

Location: Bordeaux

The public garden in the city of Bordeaux houses an arboretum, a library and a Natural History Museum.

Created in 1746, the public garden is a green area of 10.8 hectares located in the centre of the city. Designed by the landscape architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel, it is the first garden in France creation specifically for opening to the public. His work was seen to be very 'French' and likened to the work of Le Nôtre, the illustrious gardener of Versailles.

This park is free to enter. Open every day from 7am.
Closures:

From 1 April to 31 May: 20:00
From June 1st to August 31st: 21:00
From 1 to 30 September: 20:00
From 1 to 31 October: 19:00
From 1 November to 14 February: 18:00
From 15 February to 31 March: 19:00

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7. Parc Bordelais

Location: Bordeaux

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.

Its wide walkways will lead walkers and joggers through a protected historic oak grove, an English river and all kinds of vegetable staging. Inside the park you will also find games for children, an animal park, a small train and the puppet theatrer 'Le Guignol Guérin' which will also delight children.

This park is free to enter. Open every day from 7am.
Closures:

From 1 April to 31 May: 20:00
From June 1st to August 31st: 21:00
From 1 to 30 September: 20:00
From 1 to 31 October: 19:00
From 1 November to 14 February: 18:00
From 15 February to 31 March: 19:00

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