Getaways around Bordeaux

Background

Around the host city, discover territories rich in architecture, history and varied landscapes.

A seagull’s flight away, it is the Gironde estuary: secret islands, Vauban lock and its fortifications, squares – these funny fishing huts placed on the shores – a unique and fascinating world, to discover by car or on a river cruise departing from Bordeaux.

An hour drive away, is Arcachon Bay: the Belle Époque seaside resort and listed villas, Dune du Pilat, small oyster ports and the unmissable Cap-Ferret. If you fancy a moving ocean, spaces, beaches, fragrant pines? Let’s go to the coast to see the lakes and beaches of Lacanau, Soulac, Montalivet.

TO THE NORTH,
THE CHARENTE AND THE POITOU

To the north of Bordeaux, the Charente reveals its famous Cognac and Saintes houses.
Royan, city of art and history, combines modern Bauhaus architecture and typical villas of the 20s. Off the coast, the Cordouan lighthouse can be visited at the pace of the tides.

Two hours away: the old port of La Rochelle, its three monumental towers and the arcades of its historic center. At the heart of the city, the Aquarium is one of the largest in Europe. Off the coast, nature escape between land and sea on the islands of Ré, Aix, Madame and Oléron.

Two and a half hours away: going to Poitiers, crossing the Marais Poitevin – largest marsh on the Atlantic coast – go to the Vallée des Singes and Futuroscope.

Halfway between Poitiers and Bordeaux is Angoulême, capital of comics and its facades which give pride of place to drawings and bubbles of all kinds!

TO THE EAST, THE LIMOUSIN,
THE PÉRIGORD AND THE LOT-ET-GARONNE

Head east to Limoges where the Adrien Débouché National Museum presents machines and tools linked to the porcelain-making skills that have made the city famous.

Further east, Aubusson is home to the Cité Internationale de la tapisserie. Going back to the Dordogne valley, you come across breathtaking villages such as Collonges-la-Rouge or Rocamadour.

Périgord, land of delights: proud castles, gourmet markets in Sarlat and Périgueux, Bergerac wines and the International Center for Cave Art. Going down to Lot-et-Garonne, Villeréal is classified as the most beautiful village in France. Coming back to Bordeaux, Marmande attracts more than 160 festival-goers every June for the Garorock festival. Passage required by Agen, capital of the department!

TO THE SOUTH,
THE LANDES AND THE BASQUE COUNTRY

To the south of Bordeaux lies the Landes forest, the largest expanse of maritime pines in Europe. Bordered by magnificent ocean beaches over 100 km suitable for surfing, it is a land of gastronomy, well-being and ferias in Dax,

Mont-de-Marsan and in all the villages of Chalosse.

Unusual, the Marquèze ecomuseum immerses you in the life of the Landes de Gascogne in the XNUMXth century!

Change of scene guaranteed in the Basque Country with its villages, its sense of celebration, Biarritz and its surf spots, Saint-Jean-de-Luz and its port.

Further inland, the Béarn reveals Pau and its British charm, unspoiled valleys, the kingdom of hiking and ski resorts.