Discover the Gironde whilst staying in a holiday home near Bordeaux

From a holiday home near Bordeaux you can enjoy the beautiful and varied region. One day is not enough to walk around the city of Bordeaux and visit the various sights and exhibitions. Shopping streets full of designer items, souvenirs, clothing and other items will be happy to welcome you during your holiday in the Gironde. The area around Bordeaux is also worth a visit. This part of France can be visited from the holiday park by car or in other ways. Cycling and walking are also very popular in this region. After a pleasant trip through the Gironde and the Landes, you can return to your holiday home near Bordeaux and unwind completely. After dinner, you can make plans for the next day. Discover all that Bordeaux and the surrounding region around it, has to offer.

Things to do in Bordeaux

For an exciting day during your holiday, you don't even need to leave Bordeaux. There's so much to see and do in and around Bordeaux:
Place de la Bourse and Miroir d'Eau: Visit this iconic 18th-century square with its photogenic reflecting pool
Museums: Explore the CAPC Museum of Modern Art which is located in an old warehouse and the Musée d'Aquitaine to learn more about local history
Cultural highlights such as the Grand Théâtre and Saint-André
Cathedral La Cité du Vin, an interactive wine museum
Wine Tastings: Daily wine tours to taste the famous Bordeaux wines. There are even tasting cruises on the Garonne River

Nature in the Bordeaux region

Aquitaine is known for its beautiful and varied nature. Part of the Aquitaine is the Gironde department with Bordeaux as its capital. If you have already visited Bordeaux from your holiday home and want to see something different, take a tour of the area. There is a plenty to do such as, visiting the famous vineyards around Bordeaux, exploring the sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast or going on bike rides through the surrounding landscapes
Dune du Pilat – The highest sand dune in Europe with beautiful views over the ocean, the seaside resorts and the Landes forest.
Lac d'Hourtin – Large freshwater lake ideal for swimming, sailing and water sports.

Beach & Coast

Take a walk on one of many beaches in the Bordeaux area.
Cap Ferret – Luxurious and picturesque peninsula with beautiful beaches and delicious fish restaurants.
Lacanau-Océan – Popular surf spot with a bustling boulevard and wide sandy beaches.
Carcans-Plage – Quieter beach with pristine dunes and great waves for surfers.

Shopping in Bordeaux

A holiday home near Bordeaux offers an excellent base for a day of shopping in Bordeaux
Rue Sainte-Catherine: With a length of 1.2 kilometres, this is one of the longest car-free shopping streets in Europe. Here you will find a wide range of shops, from large international chains to local boutiques.
Les Rives d'Arcins: A large shopping center located in Bègles, just outside Bordeaux, with numerous shops and restaurants.

Triangle d'Or (Golden Triangle): Bordered by Place de la Comédie, Place Tourny, and Place Gambetta, this area is home to luxury boutiques such as Louis Vuitton and Hermès.
Galerie des Grands Hommes: A striking circular shopping center with a glass façade, located in the heart of the Golden Triangle.
Mériadeck Shopping Center: Located on the Rue du Château d'Eau, it offers a variety of shops under one roof.
Chartrons district: Known for its antique shops and flea markets, ideal for lovers of vintage and unique finds.

Regional Natural Parks

Nouvelle-Aquitaine has a couple of nature reserves. These parks offer a wide variety of natural wonders, such as moors, peat bogs, forests and valleys:
Parc Naturel Régional des Landes de Gascogne – Perfect for hiking, cycling and canoeing through unspoilt nature.
Parc Naturel Régional du Médoc
Réserve Ornithologique du Teich: A must-visit for bird lovers, with 323 observable species and more than 6 km of hiking trails, the Gironde offers countless opportunities for nature lovers, from birdwatching and hiking to exploring unique ecosystems.

Parc Natural Marin

Bassin d'Arcachon – A beautiful bay with oyster farms, beautiful beaches and the bird sanctuary of Le Teich.
Parc Naturel Marin de l'Estuaire de la Gironde et de la Mer des Pertuis
Réserve Naturelle Nationale des Prés Salés d'Arès-Lège Cap Ferret: The largest salt meadow area in Aquitaine, ideal for birdwatching
Banc d'Arguin: A constantly changing sandbank at the entrance to the basin, classified as a nature reserve. From your holiday home in Bordeaux you can easily visit this sandbank. With its diverse landscapes, from coastal areas to forests and marshes, it is an ideal destination for those looking to experience nature in all its splendor.

Markets in Bordeaux

Bordeaux has about thirty open-air markets that take place throughout the year, except for on the 1st of January 1 and the 25th of December. Some notable markets include:
Marché des Capucins: The largest and oldest market in the city, open daily and offering a wide range of fresh produce and local specialties.
Marché des Quais: Located on the Quai des Chartrons, this market takes place every Sunday and has food stalls with artisanal products and flowers.

Markets in the Gironde region

In addition to Bordeaux, there are numerous markets throughout the Gironde region that are worth visiting. There are weekly markets that mainly sell vegetables, fruit and other food. A lot of clothing is also sold here. In addition to these markets, the areas hosts annual fairs that are linked to certain festivals. Finally, the area also has flea markets where furniture, chairs and other consumer items that are superfluous are sold. Nice markets to visit are:
Arcachon Market: Open from Tuesday to Sunday, offers fresh seafood and local delicacies.
Saint-Émilion Market: Every Wednesday and Sunday, known for its local wines and artisanal products.

Water sports in the Bordeaux region

Located on the southwest coast of France, the Gironde offers a range of water sports possibilities thanks to its extensive coastline, the Bassin d'Arcachon and various lakes and rivers.
Surfing: The beaches of Lacanau, Montalivet and Carcans are popular destinations for surfers of all levels. There are numerous surf schools that offer lessons and rentals, such as the Maya Surf School in Montalivet. You can also visit the Landes holiday village and the Landes beaches from the holiday village.
Sailing and boating: With more than 120 km of coastline, the Gironde is ideal for sailing enthusiasts. The Bassin d'Arcachon and the large lakes, such as the Hourtin-Carcans lake, offer excellent conditions for sailing, windsurfing and catamaran sailing. There are several sailing schools and boat rental companies that offer courses and equipment.
Canoeing and Kayaking: The Dordogne, Isle and Dronne rivers are perfect for canoe and kayak trips. These rivers wind through picturesque landscapes, offering both calm stretches for beginners and more challenging stretches for the more experienced paddlers.
Boat trips: For those who prefer to relax, there are several boat trips available. You can explore the Gironde estuary, visit the famous Cordouan lighthouse or enjoy a cruise on the Garonne with a view of the city of Bordeaux. Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, the Gironde has something to offer for every water sports enthusiast. Book your holiday home near Bordeaux and enjoy all this beauty.

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