Explore the treasures around Bordeaux
The city of Bordeaux has many assets and a very pleasant quality of life. But if you want change of scenery and make extraordinary discoveries, get in your car and go on an adventure! Fancy wide open spaces or tiny cobbled streets, the possibilities are not lacking. And if you are thirsty for knowledge, the region is full of unforgettable historical sites. Here are our 6 must-see visits and activities to do around Bordeaux!
Climb to the top of the dune of Pilat
Marking the entrance to the Bassin d'Arcachon, the Dune du Pilat is a must-see around Bordeaux. The figures concerning it make you dizzy: 60 million cubic meters of sand, 109 meters high, 2 meters long and 700 meters wide. This is theat the highest dune in Europe and one of the most visited sites in France. It can of course be observed from below but the main activity is to climb to the top. Arm yourself with courage and move forward, your efforts will be greatly rewarded! At the top, it is a breathtaking view that awaits you : on one side the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean, on the other the immense pine forests.
The dune of Pilat
Take a walk in Saint-Emilion
One of the most beautiful villages to see around Bordeaux! Dating from the Middle Ages, Saint-Emilion has been listed by UNESCO since 1999. Inseparable from its wine appellation, a visit to the village offers a magnificent parenthesis out of time. Take a walk through its cobbled streets, sit on the terrace of a café in a small square or admire the Tour du Roy. And if you have an adventurous soul, be sure to go for a walk in the catacombs and in the rock church, the largest in Europe. Fans of unusual visits can stroll on the Paths of Crafts which will make you discover the artists of the city.
Visit the Arcachon basin
An unforgettable getaway, less than an hour around Bordeaux! The Arcachon Basin will delight lovers of wild nature and wide open spaces. With its 220 km of cycle paths, it is the kingdom of cycling! Those who prefer to walk can follow the various paths in the pine forests, in search of local birds. Between two walks, enjoy the beach: with its vast expanses of golden sand, the Bassin d'Arcachon is a true paradise. You can also visit an oyster farm and feast on succulent oysters in one of the picturesque villages in the area. The Arcachon Basin can also be visited by boat, either thanks to the numerous shuttles or during a guided excursion.
Arcachon bay
Take the Médoc wine route
If you are a wine lover, this route is ideal for exploring the best wine châteaux around Bordeaux. 50 km long and famous all over the world, it will take you to the most famous cellars such as Margaux, Laffite-Rothschild, Latour or Saint-Estèphe. Thus, the Médoc counts 18 classified Grands Crus. The tasting sessions, which are better to book in advance, will make you discover incredible nectars and an oenological journey that you won't soon forget. And if you want to live an extraordinary and educational experience, do “a tasting in the dark”!
Admire the Lascaux Cave
History buffs and the curious will not miss this visit around Bordeaux. The Lascaux Cave is located in the Dordogne, near Montignac, so it will take around 1h30 by car to get there. Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Lascaux Cave was discovered in 1940 by 4 teenagers. To protect the original cave, the site is now closed and under close surveillance. On the other hand, you can visit its exact replica, Lascaux IV, and discover this gem of cave art. Your journey into prehistoric times will begin with a 1 hour guided tour (including 30 minutes in the cave itself). Then you can continue the visit using a digital tablet which will provide you with a lot of information on the paintings and engravings. In short: exciting!
Painting in the Lascaux cave
READ ALSO : Hiking in the Dordogne Valley: the most beautiful trails
Take a surf lesson
Need to do some sport while enjoying the ocean around Bordeaux? Local sport par excellence, surfing can combine all your desires. The best spots to learn are in Cap-Ferret or Lacanau. Usually the courses combine a theoretical teaching and a passage to practice, all part of a process of sensibilisation à l'environnement.
Ready to discover all these wonders around Bordeaux?
The Gironde offers many possibilities for walks and visits. The time of a day outside the city or for a getaway of a few days, do not hesitate to go on an adventure ! Do you know any unusual or charming places around Bordeaux? You can share them with us in the comments!
