Gironde Holiday Guide
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A wonderful holiday destination with something for everyone
The Gironde is a superb holiday destination for all types of holidaymakers. From families with young children looking for traditional bucket and spade holidays, to teens and twenty somethings seeking surf and excitement, to older couples wanting to relax and enjoy fine wines and food, the Gironde has something for everyone.
Top 5 things to see and do in the Gironde
1. Wine tasting
Along with Burgundy, Bordeaux is the top wine region in France, and produces some of the world's best loved wines. Wine tasting can be done on a try before you buy basis at local caves and wine estates, or you can base a whole holiday around the subject and take a week long course to help you really refine your palate. Whatever you choose, a wine tasting experience in Bordeaux will never be forgotten.
2. Surf
The Atlantic coast, especially in Aquitaine, is the place to go if you want to try your hand at surfing. The wild waves and lively resorts are perfect for young adults to have a really good holiday, while even young children can learn to surf in safety with lessons from qualified instructors at major resorts.
3. Appreciate art
Bordeaux is a city with a fabulously developed cultural side, and its museums and art galleries are well worth exploring. Among the best is the Musée des beaux Arts, home to works by many illustrious artists.
4. Le Teich Ornithological Park
There is a very good ornithological park at Le Teich in the Gironde, which provides a lovely day out with a difference for any lovers of wildlife and families with kids to entertain.
5. La Teste de Buch's sand dune
No one can fail to be impressed by the mighty sand dune at La Teste de Buch near Arcachon. At 500 metres wide and three kilometres long, the mighty pile of sand reaches up to 107 metres above sea level.
Top 5 towns and cities in the Gironde
1. Bordeaux
Bordeaux is one of France's most important cities, and has a lively cosmopolitan ambience alongside its great history and heritage. Above all, to many people, Bordeaux is one of the finest wine producers of the world. Bordeaux city warrants a holiday all to itself, but it also makes an ideal base for enjoying the sights and savours of city life and getting out and about to enjoy the countryside of vineyards and rivers, the Atlantic coast and the Gironde Estuary and the lovely towns and villages all near at hand.
2. Castelmoron d'Albret
From the great city of Bordeaux to the smallest village in the country. That's Castelmoron d'Albret, which covers a site of just four hectares. It's chocolate box pretty, and worth a stop off as you travel around, if only to say you have seen the smallest village of France!
3. Arcachon
Arcachon is a brilliant seaside resort. Silver beaches, pine forests, a well developed centre offering great nightlife and shopping as well as hotels of all types and tariffs, in addition to the best oysters around. Need any more reasons to base yourself in Arcachon? It's a top water sports centre too!
4. St Emilion
Wine lovers simply have to make the pilgrimage to St Emilion. The classic wines of this town are famous throughout the world, but there is far more besides wine to enjoy here. The town is packed with original beautiful architecture and its lovely little streets are historic and charming. Shopping and dining are among the other pleasures to be found in St Emilion, so a stay here is well rewarded.
5. Blaye
Blaye is a fascinating little market town that lies on the Gironde Estuary. Great views out over the estuary can be found from high points, and the town is full of character and colour. The market, held on Saturday mornings makes a traditional and enjoyable start to any weekend, while other attractions include the ruins of a Vauban designed castle and the vineyards that produce top quality wines.
Food and drink in the Gironde
The Gironde is a perfect destination for lovers of fine food and wines. Bordeaux is the gastronomic capital, but quality restaurants are found all over the department, serving oysters and mussels from the seaside towns, beef , lamb, ceps and truffles from the inner countryside and everywhere you will find some of the best wines that France can produce.
How to get to the Gironde
You can take a plane to Bordeaux Airport (Air France, British Airways, Bmi Baby, easyJet, Flybe) or a TGV to Libourne. Bergerac, in the neighbouring Dordogne, also has an airport which allows greater choice of flights.
