Masts tinkling in the wind, a white ferry gliding towards Royan, terraces facing the pontoons: at the northern tip of the Médoc, Port-Médoc is a setting apart, between the Gironde estuary and the Atlantic Ocean. Our team at Campsite Les Ourmes, our campsite in Gironde, presents this different stage of the Médoc coastline: marina capacities, crossing to Royan, dockside tables and practical tips to make the most of your day.
Key points to remember
- Port-Médoc stands at the northern tip of the Médoc, at Le Verdon-sur-Mer, between the Gironde estuary and the Atlantic Ocean.
- The marina has several hundred berths and can accommodate yachts and pleasure craft up to 25 meters in length.
- A sea ferry runs to Royan in around 20 minutes, with several daily rotations in high season.
- The quayside is home to seafood restaurants, brasseries, cocktail bars and the cellars of the Médoc’s grands crus.
- Allow 95 km from Bordeaux, 20 km from Soulac-sur-Mer and around 30 km from Lac d’Hourtin.
Port-Médoc, where the estuary meets the ocean
Port-Médoc occupies a rare position: at the very north of the Médoc peninsula, at Le Verdon-sur-Mer, where the Gironde estuary meets the Atlantic Ocean. On one side, Europe’s largest estuary and its shifting sandbanks; on the other, the rollers of the Atlantic and the wild beaches from Soulac to Montalivet. On the spot, the iodized air and the unobstructed view as far as the Royal coast immediately set the tone for the open sea.
This double frontage makes the port a rare playground for yachtsmen, who can reach the open sea in just a few miles, or head up the estuary towards Bordeaux. Our Campsite Les Ourmes team regularly directs our guests here, in search of a different kind of stopover between lake, vineyards and ocean.
Our favorite: join the Vedettes La Bohème, the port’s historic operator, for a trip to the Cordouan lighthouse on its sandbar in the middle of the estuary. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this “Versailles of the sea” can be visited at low tide, after a short barefoot walk from the boat. A half-day out of time that our holidaymakers come back for every season!
Directions from Campsite Les Ourmes to Port-Médoc
From Campsite Les Ourmes in Hourtin, it’s about 30km to Port-Médoc, in Le Verdon-sur-Mer. Here’s how to get there:
The marina: capacities, facilities and dockside services
Walking along the pontoons is one of the simple pleasures of the day. The marina boasts 950 moorings in a 15-hectare basin, including 95 berths booked for visitors. With its Blue Flag label, the marina is one of the best-equipped on the Atlantic coast, with an airlock that regulates entry according to the tides, and a careening area for on-site maintenance. Boaters also benefit from a full range of services for their stopover:
- All pontoons are equipped with water, electricity and wifi.
- Washrooms and laundry facilities are available 24 hours a day.
- A fueling station is integrated into the port.
- The technical area handles hull lifting and storage.
- Video surveillance covers pontoons and parking lots.
In terms of atmosphere, the quayside is home to Le Bistrot du Port, Le Belem and Le Ponton, three port addresses that make the marina one of the most popular promenades on the Médoc coast in season.
The ferry to Royan, a 30-minute crossing
From Port-Médoc, the ferry takes you to Royan in just 30 minutes. On board, you take your time: coffee in hand, watching the ballet of gulls, the comings and goings of cargo ships bound for Bordeaux and, on a clear day, the Cordouan lighthouse resting on its sandbank. The crossing, operated by the Gironde ferries, traverses 7 km of estuary between currents and merchant ships.
In high season, the first departure from Royan is at 7.50 a.m. on weekdays, with several round trips throughout the day. Book early for July and August, or you may have to wait one or two rotations. Beyond its practicality, the ferry takes you to the Côte de Beauté charentaise in less than an hour: Belle Époque villas, family beaches and ocean-facing ice creams. For holidaymakers at Les Ourmes Campsite in the Médoc, this is often the most relaxing excursion of the week!
Our tip: if you take the ferry on foot, take the opportunity to picnic on the Royan side of the waterfront promenade. On the return journey, opt for the late-day rotation: the golden light on the estuary and, sometimes, the passage of tall ships towards Bordeaux transform 30 minutes of crossing into a suspended moment. And don’t forget to book online the day before in high season!
Where to eat and drink in Port-Médoc
At aperitif time, Port-Médoc reveals its liveliest face: the pontoons come alive, the first glasses clink and the terraces fill up. The main esplanade concentrates a mosaic of addresses with a variety of atmospheres, from family lunches to more festive evenings. Here are our guests’ favorite options:
- Le Bistrot du Port focuses on market cuisine and fish: calamari a la plancha, half-cooked tuna with sesame or salmon pavé, terrace facing the boats.
- On the panoramic terrace, Le Belem offers an affordable daily menu, perfect for a meal overlooking the marina.
- For families, Le Ponton completes the port trio with accessible cuisine and simple service.
- At Chez Pibalou, meat and fish are grilled over the fire of Médoc vines, accompanied by homemade French fries.
When it comes to gastronomy, the port takes full advantage of its Médoc roots: pibale, lamprey à la bordelaise and seafood can all be enjoyed just a stone’s throw from the Médoc, Pauillac or Margaux grands crus. A fine overview of the flavours of the Gironde, to be savoured without haste!
Would you like to combine a stopover on a yacht, wild Atlantic beaches and strolls through the Médoc vineyards during your next stay? Put down your bags in Hourtin and make our Campsite your base for a trip as far as Port-Médoc.
FAQ – Port-Médoc
Can you visit Port-Médoc without a boat?
Absolutely, Port-Médoc is very easy to visit on foot, without a boat. The marina offers a free stroll along the pontoons, several terraced restaurants, ice-cream parlors and a few boutiques. The port also lends itself to family outings, extended by the Pointe de Grave, the Cordouan lighthouse by excursion boat, or the nearby Amélie beach.
What can you do around Port-Médoc in a day?
Around Port-Médoc, a day out combines marina, beach, vineyards and embarkation to Royan. You can start with a stroll along the pontoons, embark on a tasting at a Saint-Estèphe or Pauillac winegrower’s, then finish with a swim on the Amélie beach. The Cordouan lighthouse remains the most memorable excursion!
How does the ferry between Port-Médoc and Royan work?
The ferry between Port-Médoc and Royan links the two banks of the estuary in around 30 minutes. It welcomes pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles. In high season, the first departures start at 7:50 a.m., with several round trips a day. Book early for July and August, or you may have to wait for one or two more round trips.