{"id":169562,"date":"2024-06-24T12:49:04","date_gmt":"2024-06-24T10:49:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mondocamping.com\/bordeaux-between-good-wine-camping-and-nature\/"},"modified":"2024-06-24T12:49:08","modified_gmt":"2024-06-24T10:49:08","slug":"bordeaux-between-good-wine-camping-and-nature","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mondocamping.com\/en\/bordeaux-between-good-wine-camping-and-nature\/","title":{"rendered":"Bordeaux, between good wine, camping and nature"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

France’s sixth largest city is an invitation to bien vivre<\/em>. A toast in Bordeaux <\/strong>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<\/em>: 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. <\/p>\n\n

Before diving into nature combed by the Atlantic breeze, the historic center of Bordeaux <\/em> is worth a visit. \n Saint-Pierre, Saint Paul <\/em>\n<\/strong>and the \n Triangle d’Or <\/em>\n<\/strong>are the beating heart of the city. As a first stop, climb the bell tower of the <\/em>Saint Andr\u00e9 Cathedral<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>to take in a wonderful view of the city, get lost in the small alleys and squares paved with <\/strong>\n Saint-Paul<\/em>\n<\/strong>,<\/em> dating from the 14th-16th centuries, a golden age for local commerce when rivers of wine flowed and lavish palaces flourished everywhere. <\/p>\n\n

Indulge in a stroll along the Garonne<\/em> River<\/strong> to<\/em> 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<\/strong> where two imposing twin architectures, that of the Chamber of Commerce<\/strong>, and the Customs Museum<\/strong>, face each other. Both are reflected in the \n Miroir d’Eau<\/em>\n<\/strong>,<\/em> a fountain only two centimeters deep that creates a mirror of water and a spectacular play of reflections. <\/p>\n

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Miroir d’Eau, Stock Exchange Square, photo credit: Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Also reach the door of the \n Grosse-Cloche<\/em>\n<\/strong>, which takes its name from the large 1775 bell that towers in the wide arch above it. This building is the symbol of Bordeaux<\/em>, built in the 15th century, as well as one of the most important civil monuments of the Bordeaux Middle Ages. <\/p>\n\n

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 <\/strong>and oysters from the <\/strong>\n Bassin d’Arcachon<\/em>\n<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

A vacation in nature<\/h2>\n\n

Worth the trip is the location of \n M\u00e9doc<\/em>\n<\/strong>,<\/em> northwest of Bordeaux<\/em>, located along the western shore of the Gironde estuary. This area is a paradise for French oenology<\/strong>: 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 <\/em>and Lafite Rothschild<\/em>. Stop also at <\/em>\n Pauillac<\/em>\n<\/strong>, the town that sits on the banks of the Garonne<\/em> River in the heart of the wine region. Here you can participate in magnificent wine tastings, accompanied by the best local gastronomic products. <\/p>\n\n

If you want to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the sea, point your compass to the \n Bassin d’Arcachon<\/em>\n<\/strong>, <\/em>the most popular destination for Bordeaux people when they want to take a day trip out and relax on the beach. <\/em> Arcachon Bay <\/em>is located 65 km southwest of Bordeaux, <\/em>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, <\/em>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<\/em><\/strong>: 110 m in height and 2, 7 km in length make it Europe’s largest dune<\/strong>. Climbing to the top is a thrill, and from the top you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Arcachon<\/em> basin and the maritime pine forest at the foot of the huge golden sand dune. <\/p>\n\n

For lovers of \n birdwatching<\/em>\n<\/strong>, again from Arcachon, <\/em>you can opt to get to theIsland of Birds<\/strong>, 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 \n Cap Ferret<\/em>\n<\/strong>, easily reached by ferry. It is a small, picturesque village surrounded by dense pine forest, an authentic French idyll, very famous for oyster<\/strong> 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<\/em>.<\/p>\n

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Dune du Pilat, photo credit: Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Camping <\/h2>\n\n

Free camping is not prohibited in France<\/strong>, but care must still be taken as there are many restrictions. <\/p>\n\n

Some areas are prohibited from parking RVs or pitching tents including: <\/p>\n\n