France’s sixth largest city is an invitation to bien vivre. A toast in Bordeaux is not just joy to share but tradition made into art, capable of driving one of the most thriving sectors of the French economy. In vino veritas: the city is the queen of French oenology, an established and world-famous reality. But the Bourbon area is much more than that, revealing beautiful destinations just a few kilometers from the urban center where you can immerse yourself in nature and stay in some open-air facilities.
Before diving into nature combed by the Atlantic breeze, the historic center of Bordeaux is worth a visit. Saint-Pierre, Saint Paul and the Triangle d’Or are the beating heart of the city. As a first stop, climb the bell tower of the Saint André Cathedral to take in a wonderful view of the city, get lost in the small alleys and squares paved with Saint-Paul , dating from the 14th-16th centuries, a golden age for local commerce when rivers of wine flowed and lavish palaces flourished everywhere.
Indulge in a stroll along the Garonne River to discover one of the most beautiful and well-equipped quays in the world, overlooked by typical red-brick buildings that were once warehouses, now converted into cultural and entertainment venues. Walk along the promenade to the elegant Stock Exchange Square where two imposing twin architectures, that of the Chamber of Commerce, and the Customs Museum, face each other. Both are reflected in the Miroir d’Eau , a fountain only two centimeters deep that creates a mirror of water and a spectacular play of reflections.
Also reach the door of the Grosse-Cloche , which takes its name from the large 1775 bell that towers in the wide arch above it. This building is the symbol of Bordeaux, built in the 15th century, as well as one of the most important civil monuments of the Bordeaux Middle Ages.
In the old town, be sure to stop at some typical restaurant to taste a particular variation of the renowned French cuisine: here you will find land, sea and river dishes. Among the most renowned products are caviar from Gironde and oysters from the Bassin d’Arcachon .
A vacation in nature
Worth the trip is the location of Médoc , northwest of Bordeaux, located along the western shore of the Gironde estuary. This area is a paradise for French oenology: this fertile area, formed by the confluence of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, is home to some of the most renowned vineyards: it boasts Mouton Rothschild, Latour and Lafite Rothschild. Stop also at Pauillac , the town that sits on the banks of the Garonne River in the heart of the wine region. Here you can participate in magnificent wine tastings, accompanied by the best local gastronomic products.
If you want to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the sea, point your compass to the Bassin d’Arcachon , the most popular destination for Bordeaux people when they want to take a day trip out and relax on the beach. Arcachon Bay is located 65 km southwest of Bordeaux, at the southern end of the Atlantic coast. Here, very long golden beaches chase each other, which are also easily accessible by bicycle as they are connected by practical bicycle paths. In the small town of Arcachon, you will have the opportunity to rent bicycles, and from there you can follow the track that runs along the coast for 8 km in a southerly direction until you reach the magnificent Dune du Pilat: 110 m in height and 2, 7 km in length make it Europe’s largest dune. Climbing to the top is a thrill, and from the top you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Arcachon basin and the maritime pine forest at the foot of the huge golden sand dune.
For lovers of birdwatching , again from Arcachon, you can opt to get to theIsland of Birds, which is known for this activity. The birdlife here is extraordinary; there are numerous hidden cabins to observe it carefully. Alternatively, you can make a stop at Cap Ferret , easily reached by ferry. It is a small, picturesque village surrounded by dense pine forest, an authentic French idyll, very famous for oyster farming. If you want to have a gastronomic experience and taste this local specialty, pin a tasting in the localities of Gujan-Mestras, Biganos, and Lanton.
Camping
Free camping is not prohibited in France, but care must still be taken as there are many restrictions.
Some areas are prohibited from parking RVs or pitching tents including:
- nature reserves;
- private property;
- beaches;
- public roads;
- within 500 meters of a tourist attraction or monument.
The risk of staying overnight in unpermitted areas is to incur fines of up to 1,500 euros.
Lastly, always pay attention to the signs: if you read. “Camping réglementé – s’adresser à la mairie” , “Regulated campsites – contact the town hall,” contact the appropriate office of the municipality, which will be able to tell you where the nearest pitches used for the service are located.
In the region of N eggs Aquitaine , where the city of Bordeaux is located , the best destination to experience an unforgettable camping stay is the resort of Arcachon .
Here you can choose beautiful facilities, most of them 4 or 5 stars.
Among the most interesting proposals:
- Camping du Petit Nice, located in Pyla-sur-Mer.
- Camping De Fointaine Vieille Club d’Arcachon , one step away from the center of Arcachon.
- Camping des Embruns is the perfect facility to relax and have fun thanks to a well-equipped aquatic complex that includes games, slides, SPA, solarium.
- Camping Les viviers , located on the edge of the Arcachon basin and not far from the island of birds, will offer a unique experience. Ideal for birdwatchers.
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