Gironde, located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France, is a multi-faceted département. With its 10,000 km² surface area, it offers a varied landscape that stretches from the Atlantic coastline to the renowned vineyards of the Médoc and the vast forests of the Landes de Gascogne.
It’s also here that theGironde estuary empties into the ocean, forming one of Europe’s largest wetlands. This French department also has a rich history, having been the scene of major conflicts and developments over the centuries.
Today, Gironde has become a dynamic territory, with a welcoming population and a thriving economy, thanks in particular to its world-renowned wine industry. Its key figures never cease to impress: more than 3,000 wine châteaux, hundreds of kilometers of Atlantic coastline and thousands of hectares of unspoilt forests. Tourism in Gironde offers you the opportunity to discover its landscapes and spend a vacation in Gironde.
Vacations in Gironde
– Camping Hourtin >
Would you like to book a camping holiday in Nouvelle-Aquitaine? Take advantage of your holiday in Gironde! This département in south-west France offers a vacation experience rich in discovery and wonder. And with good reason! The Gironde reveals its landscapes, its rich history and its exquisite gastronomy. Immerse yourself in the heart of this pretty corner of France by discovering the natural treasures, must-do activities, emblematic towns and culinary heritage of the Gironde in our Gironde campsite guide! From the Arcachon Basin to Hourtin, via Bordeaux, you’ll never be bored!
Activities around the campsite
Gironde, between Médoc and Landes de Gascogne
Must-do activities to discover the region
Would you like to go sightseeing in Gironde on a vacation with family or friends in the heart of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region? And that’s just as well, since the département offers a range of activities to suit all tastes and ages.
Outdoor enthusias ts will be delighted by the many hiking, biking and water sports opportunities along the Atlantic coast. Sandy beaches such asArcachon, Lacanau and Soulac-sur-Mer are ideal for relaxing and sunbathing. Surfers will be delighted by the powerful ocean waves. Finally, nature lovers can explore the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park, an unspoilt nature reserve with exceptional flora and fauna.
Discover Gironde’s tourist attractions and heritage
In addition to outdoor activities and exceptional landscapes, tourism in Gironde offers a wealth of cultural discoveries.
Bordeaux, the department’s capital, is famous for its elegant architecture, captivating museums and fascinating history. The old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a real gem, with its cobbled streets and lively squares.
TheGironde estuary is the setting for breathtaking scenery, where carrelets, or fishing huts on stilts, seem to float on the water. History buffs also won’t want to miss the Citadelle de Blaye (45 min from Bordeaux), an imposing fortress whose construction was supervised by Vauban in the 17th century.
Cities and resorts not to be missed
In addition to Bordeaux, the Gironde is home to a number of towns and seaside resorts that are well worth a visit during your vacation in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
- Arcachon, nestled on the bay of the same name, is famous for its oysters and seaside atmosphere.
- The nearby Dunes du Pilat are the highest sand dunes in Europe, offering spectacular panoramic views of the ocean.
- Saint-Émilion, another UNESCO World Heritage gem, is a small medieval town renowned for its exceptional wines.
- Finally, Pauillac, a village in the heart of the Médoc, is the ideal starting point for visiting the region’s famous wine châteaux.
Typical Médoc and Gironde gastronomy
How can you talk about tourism in Gironde without mentioning the exceptional gastronomy of this New Aquitaine town? The Médoc, in particular, is renowned for its prestigious wines, including crus classés such as Margaux, Latour and Mouton Rothschild.
Visitors will have the opportunity to taste these wines in the cellars of the wine châteaux and appreciate the art of wine tasting. When it comes to cuisine, Gironde offers a palette of authentic flavors, from fresh oysters from Arcachon to duck specialties from the Landes de Gascogne.
The Gironde embodies the quintessence of French tourism, offering a perfect combination of nature, culture, history and gastronomy. Whether you’re a wine lover, a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast or an inveterate gourmand, this department is sure to seduce you. And if you want to enjoy Gironde tourism the way it should be, stay at Les Ourmes campsite!
