Gironde, France travel guide
Gironde is the department of Aquitaine around Bordeaux, and along part of the coast of south-west France.
The highlight of the region is perhaps Bordeaux itself - city of culture, UNESCO world heritage site, new transport system...the city has changed almost beyond recognition in recent years, and is rapidly becoming one of the most interesting and attractive cities in France
Head west from Bordeaux to reach Arcachon - a charming, turn of the century coast resort, with an interesting variety of architecture and access to some very well known attractions - such as the Dune de Pilat, largest sand dune in Europe.
The dune is found at the northern end of the great forest of the Landes, the largest forest in Europe and also home to the Natural Regional Park of Landes and Gascony, with many opportunities for walking, cycling etc. that follows the Leyre river south-east from Arcachon. Canoeing is also popular on the Leyre itself.
The coast north and south from Arcachon has easy access to the Atlantic coast, known as the Cote d'Argent, and several attractive beaches and resorts, including well known Lacanau. At the northern end of the Medoc region, visit the resort at Soulac-sur-Mer to see the 12th century abbey-church. Other resorts include Montalivet, Hourtin, Carcans, Andernos and Cap-Ferret.
Inland from the coast there are a series of extensive lakes, formed from water 'trapped' behind the sand dunes. These include the lakes of Hourtin-Carcans, Lacanau, Parentis, Aureilhan and Cazaux. Leisure industries have developed around these lakes. In the south of the Gironde the lakes and forests at Hostens also offer numerous leisure possibilities
Along the southern edge of the Gironde estuary you can follow the Route des Chateaux du Medoc...and sample the local wine of course. See also the historic town of Blaye.
In the centre of Gironde are a couple of castles of note: a fine castle with a big moat at Chateau de la Brede and also Chateau de Malle, with Italian style gardens that are a classified historic monument. Further south, the Château de Roquetaillade is also worth visiting.
Another very lovely town awaits inland (east) from Bordeaux, at Saint-Emilion. It is a beautiful historical town, running up the hill and looking out across the Gironde vineyards, with a very great reputation for its wine.
To the south, visit the cathedral at Bazas.
International visitors to Gironde usually arrive at Bordeaux airport
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Places to visit in Gironde, France: a local travel guideUse the map of Gironde to see the location of selected places and to continue to explore... Place: |
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