Ideas for visits in Aquitaine
The Cote d’Argent (Silver coast) at Hourtin: Discover the Medoc region and its surrounding area
Welcome to Hourtin Plage, situated in the heart of the Medoc, between the forest, the biggest natural lake in France and the Atlantic ocean.
On the tip of the Medoc, don’t miss seeing the Phare de Cordouan, a lighthouse full of history, built by the famous Prince Noir (Black Prince), Edward Prince of Wales in 1360 and rebuilt by Henry III in 1584. Come and visit it! It will leave you with unforgettable memories through its architecture and its magnificent views over the Gironde estuary.
If you love cycling, discover the Atlantic coast through the cycle trails which take you through the heart of the pine forest where, if you are quiet, you might see a deer with its fawn or other animal from the Hourtin fauna… You will pass then through some pretty little Medoc villages such as Montalivet, whose daily market is worth the effort of a detour! A very large market where you can taste oysters and discover other regional specialities.
Hourtin, split between the market town, the port and the beach gives you the opportunity to choose the place that suits you!
You may prefer perhaps the market town because of its pretty little church square surrounded by craftsmen and famous for the old market on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday mornings during July and August. The port of Hourtin is situated on the biggest lake in France, the Lac d’Hourtin. Full of fish, it will delight keen anglers. It is also surrounded by many walking trails and cycle trails, which allow you to discover the flora and fauna particular to the region.
You can also take part in a range of activities such as sailing, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking or even pedalos or motor boats. You are also sure to pass by the Lagune de Contaut discovering its stunning and diverse vegetation (like royal fern, giant fern) like its fauna (turtles, deer, grey herons..).
The ocean is just a stone’s throw away.. so in season you have access to a large supervised beach. Hourtin Plage is brought to life by small cafes and restaurants, ideal for a short break to make the most of your holiday with a cool drink or a nice ice cream!
In addition to the ocean, the region is particularly interesting for its vineyards! The most prestigious vineyard in the world, that of Pauillac, is open to you. Come and visit the Chateaux, like that of Baron de Rothschild or that of Beychevelles. You can visit the wine cellars and see how the grapes are transformed into a marvellous wine….
La Rive, Les Fontaines de Nava and the Cote d’Argent: Between the Arcachon Basin and the Foret des Landes
Biscarrosse, a surfer’s paradise!
If you love water-sports like surfing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, water-skiing, etc… Biscarrosse is the place for you! These 3 campsites situated by the Lac de Sanguinet (5800 hectares) and just a short distance from the lake and the large Plage de Biscarrosse. Numerous surf schools are in the surrounding area, where you can get your fill of thrills and excitement! Of course there are many other activities to do in the area: cycling, pedalos, catamarans, roller blading, fishing, walking, etc… For the more daring, you can even admire the magnificent Les Landes landscapes from the air by flying over them with your maiden flight, between sea and forest.
Arcachon and the Dune du Pilat
A small village with the biggest sand dune in Europe, the Dune du Pilat and an extraordinary basin. There you can learn about the oyster farming, visit the oyster museum, the basin and also do oyster tasting with lemon or a little white wine. The children can also meet up there at the Water Park of Aqualand or even at the Parc de la Coccinelle where they can see the animals, stroke them, feed them and have fun on the roundabouts!
Bordeaux, the “pearl of Aquitaine”
Prolong your short visit by going to Bordeaux. The capital of Aquitaine offers many beautiful buildings for you to see, like the Place de la Bourse, or the Quinconces, the largest square in Europe (12 hectares – approx. 30 acres). The Rue Sainte Catherine, the longest pedestrianised street in Europe (1,200m) offering all kinds of things to buy with over 250 shops.
One thing you can be sure of is that you will not be bored on our campsites in the heart of Les Landes!
A few regional culinary specialities
- L’agneau de Pauillac (lamb)
- Les sarments du Medoc (mint sweets covered with chocolate, in the shape of a vine twig)
- Les noisettines du Medoc (cherry covered in chocolate)
- Le Cordeillan Bages –gastronomic restaurant with 3 Stars in the Michelin Guide
- La lamproie (sea lamprey)
- Les canneles (dessert) and l’entrecote bordelaise (steak)