Sauternes and Barsac Chateaux open day wine tasting
At the beginning of November, the Sauternes and Barsac Châteaux opens its doors for a weekend in which more than 50 estates welcome the public to sample their wines.

© N.Maintenat

© SeeBordeaux.com
Seaside resort situated at the top of Médoc peninsula on the Côte d'Argent
North of Bordeaux by about 90km, this popular seaside resort is a favourite with families who want to have a break by the beach with plenty of activities to keep them happy.
Still rich with traditional culture you'll find everything from interesting architecture and historical villas to weekly markets and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
There is a daily farmers market in Soulac, that sells everything you might need to experience a wonderful local meal with local produce. In the summer months of July and August the market is also on in the evenings.
At the beginning of November, the Sauternes and Barsac Châteaux opens its doors for a weekend in which more than 50 estates welcome the public to sample their wines.
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.
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 association Les Grandes Heures of Saint-Emilion offer you high quality classical concerts held within the magnificent wine estates of Saint-Emilion.
A mass is held where prayers are said for those who have perished at sea, followed by a procession to the Cross of the Sailors. Afterwards, the sea is blessed by the "Sailors of the Women's Committee Fishermen Basin" who throw a crown into the ocean from aboard a lifeboat.
With around 80 winegrowers from the appellation of Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux opening their doors and their bottles for visitors to come and taste their wines in a wonderful atmosphere.
The magnificent UNESCO listed church is nestled in a quiet spot, close to the coastal sand dunes. Its history dates back to the 1st century AD and a saint named Veronique.
There are several museums in the local area, showing the history of this part of the Médoc, from ancient times, through to WWII and today.
A great place to get to grips with the history and modern culture of the area in one hit. Well laid out and a great space for a family trip.
The association "Memorial de la Forteresse du Nord-Medoc" wants to remember to future generations the history of men during the Second World War, and the efforts of French forces to destroy this German fortress.
The origin of this church can be traced back to the legend of the Sainte-Véronique. In the first century AD, after the death of the Virgin, Sainte-Veronica, Saint Amadour and Saint Martial from Palestine, come to live in Soulac.
Travelling from the port at the very tip of the peninsula, at the opening of the Gironde estuary, La Pointe de Grave, the train travels down through Le Verdon and on to Soulac-sur-Mer.
This is a great family resort with around 7km of white sandy beaches backed with pine forests and sand dunes. Three of the main beaches have lifeguards on patrol good to know if you're with children.
As with any of the Atlantic Ocean beaches you need to be careful of the waves and strong undertow.
The beaches extend to 7km of fine-sand beaches along the Atlantic coast; Centre Beach, South Beach and Amelie Beach making up the most popular and closest to the town.
Just 12km away from the town of Hourtin, the beach of Hourtin Plage sits on the Atlantic ocean and offers a wide range of watersports for all levels.
A protected natural reserve with wild marshes, sand dunes and pine forests, this huge body of water is perfect for outdoor activities such as sailing, swimming, water skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, fishing, kite surfing, paddle boarding, or walking and biking along the trails and cycle paths that line the shores of the lake.
Backed by the small town of Carcans Océan, this white sand beach on the western Atlantic coast is a popular surf spot.
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.
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.
Named after the fictional character Corto Maltese, this restaurant is decorated with a nautical theme. Their menu changes weekly depending on the seasonal produce available.
The easiest way to see the coast, the forest and around the town is to make use of the two small tourist trains. One of them does circuits around the streets of the town, a great way to keep children entertained! And the other will take you on a journey up the coast, through the pine forests and to the most northerly point La Pointe de Grave.
Whatever your age or level of riding, you will be welcome at the equestrian centre to share their passion for horses.
Travelling from the port at the very tip of the peninsula, at the opening of the Gironde estuary, La Pointe de Grave, the train travels down through Le Verdon and on to Soulac-sur-Mer.
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.
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.
Each session is tailored to the requirements of the participants.
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.
Nice villa for 10 persons located 4.5 km from the beach and 4 km from the shopping street.
Large and pleasant independent villa of 160m2 situated in the pine forest(enclosed garden) 800 metres from the beach, 1 km from shopping, 2.5 km from the golf and 5 km from the lake.
Close to city centre this villa is located 600 metres from the beach and shopping area and 3 km from the golf.
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.
Villa Gaume is located on the front line a few steps from the famous Dune du Pyla and the Corniche.
Although not a large town by any means there are several good places to stay.
Standing on a dune, Villa " Le Lys des Sables", is located right on the sandy beaches of the Medoc region. Halfway between a hotel and a guest house, this villa in Soulac sur Mer is set in an intimate environment, surrounded by stunning nature with direct access to the beach.