.png)
Head to Bordeaux, one of the most beautiful cities in France, much appreciated for its architecture, its wines and its exceptional gastronomy! The rest of the Bordeaux region also offers a variety of breathtaking landscapes and places, perfect for enjoying the hot summer days.
Between wine landscapes, dreamy beaches, architecture and gastronomic itineraries, there is something for everyone in this beautiful part of the South West. We give you our 4 favourite places to visit in the Bordeaux region.
1. The Pilat Dune
A few kilometres from Bordeaux, over 3 km long, lies the highest dune in Europe: the Dune du Pilat. Because of its size, over 100 metres high, it offers a unique view of the Arcachon basin.
Under your feet, you will see almost 40 centuries of history and millions of cubic metres of fine sand constantly in motion. Whether you visit it on foot by climbing the many steps, by paragliding or by hiking on the sand for the most courageous, the show that awaits you at the top of the dune promises to be quite simply grandiose.
For more information on the Dune du Pilat and its exceptional natural monument, go to ladunedupilat.com
2. The Saint-Émilion wine route
Only 45 minutes drive from Bordeaux is the small medieval village of Saint-Émilion, a must for lovers of prestigious red wines.
Start your journey with a visit to the family estate, Château Mauvinon, where you will discover its world and its prestigious wines. You can then stroll through the pretty village of Saint-Émilion, rich in heritage and narrow streets that invite you to discover. On the outskirts of this village, you can continue your journey to Château Ambe Tour Pourret, a 5-hectare wine estate that offers unusual tours and tastings, such as wine and cheese or wine and chocolate, which is quite a programme!
A few kilometres from this estate is the largest vineyard in Saint-Émilion: Château Fombrauge. This 58-hectare estate opens its doors to you to discover its richness, its history and the backstage of its Grand Cru Classé. An interesting stopover to understand the famous classification of Saint-Emilion wines and all its secrets.
The wine route ends at Château Clarisse, an estate that will make you discover the importance of the care given to the soils, the vinification processes and the maturing of the wines in barrels. A must-see visit to end your day dedicated to the richness of the Bordeaux vineyards.
For more information on the various monuments, castles and estate visits, it's right here: ruedesvignerons.com
3. A walk in the city of Bordeaux
A visit to the region is not complete without a tour of the city and its most beautiful corners. The Place de la Bourse is one of the most popular monuments in the summer season, especially for its impressive Miroir d'eau, which allows you to cool off on hot summer days. It also remains one of the city's most beautiful squares for its arched shape and imposing buildings.
You can stroll along the city's many quays, and discover the various places that give rhythm to the life of the Bordelais, such as football and basketball fields, playgrounds for the little ones and pretty green spaces. For shopping enthusiasts, you can continue your discovery of the city in the rue Sainte Catherine, or go to the Place des Quinconces to find (in "normal" times) the Bordeaux festivities such as the fun fair, the Arlette Gruss circus and even the autumn flea market.
To eat, the Halles de Bacalan is the ideal place to savour various French and foreign specialities which, whatever your tastes, will surely satisfy you. These gourmet halls bring together nearly 24 artisanal producers who offer to taste their specialities on convivial tables. On the spot, everyone can choose the speciality they wish to taste, from foie gras from a producer coming directly from the Périgord to oysters and other shellfish from a local shellfish maker, not forgetting the specialities of an Italian caterer or the delights of a truffle grower... All accompanied, of course, by a good glass of Bordeaux wine! And every Friday evening, enjoy your gourmet aperitif to the sound of music to celebrate the start of the weekend in style.
For more information on the city of Bordeaux and its events, go right here: bordeaux-tourisme.com
4. Lège-Cap Ferret, an air of holiday
The Presqu'île de Lège-Cap Ferret offers a diversity of landscapes and activities to satisfy young and old alike. You will be able to benefit from a walk with bicycle while leaving one of the villages which surround the Basin of Arcachon to join the Point of the Ferret Cape while passing by some beautiful places of full nature!
If for you the word "holiday" rhymes with "farniente", many sandy beaches are jostling each other between the side of the Bassin d'Arcachon and that of the Atlantic Ocean, which allows you to choose between a rough or rather calm sea according to your desires.
One of the most beautiful landscapes of Cap Ferret is on the Pointe aux Chevaux. It offers a privileged view of the Ile aux Oiseaux, a magical place that you can also discover by sea kayak or boat. You can go down a few steps from the Pointe aux Chevaux to reach the village of Petit Piquey, a walk full of charm in a privileged place, where you can savour the fresh air of the sea!
For more information on the Lège-Cap Ferret peninsula and its most beautiful places, go to: lege-capferret.com
If you are looking for accommodation in the Bordeaux area, we invite you to read our article: Bordeaux region: our 5 favourite places to stay
If you liked this article, don't hesitate to leave a comment and to subscribe to our newsletter!