getting-to-know-the-gironde-estuary
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Gironde Estuary
The Gironde Estuary includes Bourg, Blaye, Plessac, Berson and many more ports, towns and villages. Bordeaux briefly mentioned on this page and also has it's own page. "La route des Coteaux" offers plenty of leisure activities to suit everyone and so many within a 5 to 45 minute drive including:
- fishing
- jet skiing
- boat trips
- cycling
- walking
- bird spotting
- historic world UNESCO heritage sites Blaye Citadel, Bordeaux Monuments, Ile de Re
- golf
- tennis
- horse riding
- drawing, painting and taking photographs
- bespoke wine tours & tastings
- swimming and fishing @ lac de Moulin Blanc and it's lakeside restaurant
- Blaye Citadel, Bordeaux monuments & buildings + other UNESCO world heritage sites
- roman villa ruins and remains
- Bordeaux ( see separate page)
It's probably worth mentioning as well, Bordeaux has one of the longest shopping streets in France, with all kinds of shops and antique "flea markets" to browse around. Not to mention the fabulous French cafes scattered throughout the area offering refreshments and a time out to simply soak in the French atmosphere.
The Medoc
The beautiful, golden sandy beaches of the Atlantic ocean are easily reached via the Blaye Ferry - it's only a 30 minute crossing and short drive to some beautiful sandy beaches. Lac Arcachon and other nearby lakes offer safe bathing and are a great place for learning and practising any water sport activities. This area is flat and great for cycling and walking - there's lots of cycle paths and routes to explore. Activities here include:
- kite surfing
- wind surfing
- surfing
- water skiing
- sailing
- cycling
- Europe's largest sand dune - the Dune du Pilat is well worth a visit too.
Haute Charente and Charente Maritime
Heading north you will discover the glorious beaches and small fishing ports of the Charente-Maritime such as the Meschers-sur-Gironde, Royan, La Rochelle and of course the jewel of the Atlantic coastline - the Ile de Ré. There is a zoo at Royan, an aquarium at La Rochelle and lots of museums and art galleries with some great antique shops and broncantes throughout this area. Another interesting place to visit is the Remy Martin cognac distillery in the historic town of Cognac. Visits could include:
- surfing and beach activities
- zoo (one of the best in Europe at Royan)
- aquarium (boasts more than 10,000 sea creatures )
- cognac and visit to distillery
- visit to Royan and La Rochelle
- Ile de Re and UNESCO site