Beach Towns Near Bordeaux- Exploring 13 Worth Visiting
Bordeaux is famous for its wine production. However, it’s good to remember that the Atlantic Ocean is close by. Numerous beaches within a short distance of a town make it a unique destination. Within Bordeaux, the beach towns of Arcachon and Cap Ferret offer many tourist activities, including surfing, kite surfing, cycling, and hiking. It makes me wonder, what are the beach towns near Bordeaux?
So, what are the 13 beach towns near Bordeaux? They are from the northwest and heading towards Bordeaux: La Rochelle, Chatelaillons-Plage, Fouras, Royan, St. Georges de Diddone, Soulac Sur Mer, and Montalivet. From Bordeaux, heading towards the Spanish border, are Biscarrosse, Mimizan, Capbreton, Bayonne, Biarritz, and St. Jean de Luz.
The Bordeaux region is famous for many things, not just wine. Just south of Bordeaux is the Garonne river estuary, where the Gironde meets the Dordogne. The estuary supports an array of wildlife, including flamingos, egrets, herons and sectors set aside for oyster farming. There are sandy beaches and pine forests in the area, as well as several golf courses. The village of Langon is nearby — it has a medieval quarter with cobbled streets.
With so many things to see in this region, it’s natural to be curious about the beaches and coastal towns nearby. I will cover these beach towns, dive a bit deeper into what you can see and do there, and describe a bit more about Bordeaux. Keep reading, you won’t want to miss it!
Let’s get started.
What Are the Towns Near Bordeaux that Have a Beach? a List of 13 Nearby Towns
From the Northwest and Heading Towards Bordeaux, These Nearby Towns Are Found:
#1- La Rochelle, France
La Rochelle is one of the most historic cities in France, with origins dating back to the 9th century. It is known for its maze of cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings, cobbled streets, and ancient churches. La Rochelle is also home to a 1,000-year-old lighthouse and a museum dedicated to its maritime history.
La Rochelle is France’s southernmost city. It boasts a lively port and a stunning seafront. It has many beaches that are easily accessible. You can go surfing or swimming or laze on the beach. People also visit La Rochelle for its historical monuments.
#2- Chatelaillons-Plage
Chatelaillons-Plage is one of the most beautiful seaside resorts of France. It is located in the Vendee department on the Atlantic coast. It is a famous holiday resort and attracts people all throughout the year. On the beach, you can see the ocean on one side and a sandy beach on the other side. The resort’s wide variety of attractions have made it popular with visitors.
Chatelaillons-Plage is located west of Paris and is famous because of its sandy beach. This beach is a surfing spot with waves up to 4 m height.
#3- Fouras
Fouras is an ancient city, and one of the two towns of the prefecture of Morbihan on the Breton island of Ile de Rae. The commune includes Fouras proper and the town of Locmariaquer.
Fouras is a beach town in France located on the northwest coast near Saint-Nazaire, in Pays de la Loire. Fouras has beautiful sandy beaches, stunning scenery and that small-town feeling.
#4- Royan
Royan is a small town on the Atlantic coast of France. It is a popular summer destination for tourists with its many sandy beaches and coves. Visitors enjoy swimming and sunbathing in the warm Mediterranean waters. Sailors and surfers also frequent the town.
#5- St. Georges de Diddone
St. Georges de Diddone is a coastal town of the Charente-Maritime region in France. It is located on the west bank of the Charente River and north of Royan at the mouth of the Gironde estuary. The town is known for its beaches, its marina and its fishing port.
#6- Soulac sur Mer
Located a mere 50 kilometers from Bordeaux is the small commune of Soulac sur Mer with its beautiful sandy beaches stretching for miles along the Atlantic coast. It also has stunning scenery and historical sites like Citadelle Vauban and Basilica of Notre Dame de la Fin des Terres.
Soulac-Sur-Mer is a beautiful seaside town on the Atlantic coast of France. The beaches are lined with colorful fishing boats, and the town boasts a spectacular old town with cobblestone streets, old buildings, and old houses. The coastline is dotted with colorful villas overlooking the sea.
#7- Montalivet
The small town of Montalivet is located on the estuary of Gironde, near Bordeaux. This seaside destination is known for its stunning beaches and spectacular views. It’s also home to numerous restaurants and shops, making it a great spot to stop and explore while visiting the area.
The town offers both quiet walks and peaceful recreation. The beach is pebbly and shallow but warm, making it perfect for relaxing in the sun. The beach is home to two lighthouses, one built in 1838 and the other in 1866. The beach is a popular destination for tourists in the summer.
From Bordeaux, Heading Towards the Spanish Border, These Beautiful Seaside Towns Are Found:
#8- Biscarrosse
Biscarrosse is a beach town in the Charente-Maritime department of Western France. It is known for its beaches and its fishing harbor. Many residents commute to the city of Bordeaux for work.
#9- Mimizan
Located in the Landes region of France, Mimizan is a great beach destination with over 20 kilometers of sandy beaches perfect for swimming or enjoying fun water sports like surfing, bodyboarding, or kitesurfing! The area also has plenty of nature reserves, stunning wildlife attractions, and an array of interesting historical sites in nearby towns.
Mimizan is a small seaside resort in the southwest of France. The beaches of Mimizan are long, sandy, and perfect for sunbathing. The coast is dotted with pine trees and bathed in sunshine. At low tide, the beaches turn into wide expanses of sand. The water is warm and shallow, making it ideal for swimming.
#10- Capbreton
Capbreton is a small beach resort situated in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in France. It is a popular resort for families and couples from France and other European countries. The town has several beaches, including Plage de l’Aiguillon and Plage du Quartiers d’Arguin. Activities you can do on the beach include swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
Capbreton is a small town located near the French border with Spain. Capbreton is a popular vacation destination with beautiful beaches overlooking the rocky coastline.
#11- Bayonne
Bayonne, France, is a port city situated on the northern coast of France. The town overlooks the Opal Coast and is famous for its beaches of fine sand and sea cliffs. Bayonne has three beaches, one of which is named La Grande Plage. La Grande Plage is a 1.4-mile-long beach that stretches from the Port de Plaisance in the south to the Bay of Mont Saint Michel in the north.
The beach of Bayonne is located on the western part of the town of Bayonne. It is a popular beach for surfers and bodyboarders. During the summer months, there are lifeguards on the beach.
#12- Biarritz
Biarritz is a resort city located on the northern coast of France. Biarritz is famous for its beaches that stretch for seven kilometers. The waters are safe for swimming and many beaches have lifeguards on duty.
Public beaches are located along the seafront. The beaches include the Plage du Midi, Plage des Basques, Plage de Barreyre, and Plage du Phare de Biarritz.
It is famous for its beaches and surfing opportunities. Biarritz is famous for its beaches and surfing opportunities.
#13- St. Jean de Luz
Saint Jean de Luz is a picturesque seaside town in southwest France with miles of sandy beaches and lush countryside. The beaches are popular with windsurfers, kiteboarders, and swimmers. The abundant bird life, grassy sand dunes, and pine forests make for a wonderful seaside holiday.
It is a popular tourist destination because of its sandy beaches on the Atlantic ocean. There are 3 beaches on St. Jean de Luz: Grand Plage, Plage du Petit Plage, and Plage des Espagnols.
How Far Away from Bordeaux Is Each Beach Town? Tables Plus Interactive Map of Atlantic Coast Near Bordeaux
Table 1. Distance in KM and Time From Bordeaux to Beach Town (#1-#7)
| Number | Beach Town | Distance from Bordeaux |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | La Rochelle | 190 km; 2h 15m |
| #2 | Chatelaillons-Plage | 176 km; 2h |
| #3 | Fouras | 165 km; 2h |
| #4 | Royan | 134 km; 1h 52m |
| #5 | St. Georges de Diddone | 129 km; 1h 48m |
| #6 | Soulac sur Mer | 95 km; 1h 48m |
| #7 | Montalivet | 82 km; 1h 30m |
| Number | Beach Town | Distance from Bordeaux |
Interactive Map of Bordeaux Beach Towns
Interactive map of Bordeaux beach towns and beaches. Press the yellow or blue indicators (with a number). You can navigate to different beach towns and beaches by pressing the town icon or the palm tree icon
. To see interactive photos of the place, press on the orange man (right hand side) and look for a small blue dot or navigate to the street. Unpress and you will be taken to that spot on the map.Table 2. Distance in KM and Time From Bordeaux to Beach Town (#8-#13)
| Number | Beach Town | Distance from Bordeaux |
|---|---|---|
| #8 | Biscarrosse | 74 km; 1h 13m |
| #9 | Mimizan | 100 km; 1h 36m |
| #10 | Capbreton | 166 km; 1h 52m |
| #11 | Bayonne | 184 km; 2h |
| #12 | Biarritz | 198 km; 2h 15m |
| #13 | St. Jean de Luz | 204 km; 2h 20m |
| Number | Beach Town | Distance from Bordeaux |
Bordeaux France Beaches – A Few Notable Ones
Some of the Bordeaux, France beaches worth mentioning are available to the public and a short distance from the city center of Bordeaux. They are Dune du Pilat Beach and Lacanau Ocean Beaches. You might also enjoy going to Cap Ferret Beaches because there are white sand beaches and amenities for beach goers.
1. Dune du Pilat Beach
Dune du Pilat beach is a popular destination near Bordeaux due to its unique location between the sea and the sand dune. Visitors can go here to hike, paraglide, swim, sunbathe, and more. Lifeguards survey the beach from July through September to make sure everyone remains safe while enjoying this picturesque spot. Dune du Pilat is a 10 km bike ride from Arcachon or can be reached by local bus.
2. Hourtin, the 2nd Largest Natural Lake in France
Although not an ocean or seaside beach, this lake is worth mentioning as it is so close to Bordeaux. Hourtin is a town located near Bordeaux, France, and is known for its large beach with various activities available to visitors. Additionally, the Contaut lagoon provides swimming, fishing and kayaking opportunities. Hourtin also serves as a hub that facilitates communication between various teams within organizations due to its proximity to Lacanau and Carcans. As such, it has become an important development for companies that want their employees to be able to collaborate effectively.
3. Lacanau Ocean Beaches
Lacanau Ocean Beach is a popular tourist destination due to its crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, and stunning views. Surfing is popular here as well due to the challenging waves. The beach is great for swimming, walking on the shoreline, and picnicking. All in all, Lacanau Ocean Beach offers something for everyone and is worth visiting!
4. Cap Ferret Beaches
The beaches near Bordeaux offer a range of activities, from swimming to sunbathing. Some beaches, such as Plage des Dunes, may not be suitable for weaker swimmers due to strong waves. Other beaches like Grand Crohot Beach provide a safe and unpolluted environment for swimming and relaxing. Lifeguards are present at some of the beaches to ensure safety.
YouTube Video of Capbreton
What Are Some Key Activities in The Beach Towns Near Bordeaux?
Besides shopping and enjoying the small beach town vibe, there are many things to see and do in nearby beach towns, such as exploring the famous La Cite du Vin (the world’s largest wine museum) in Bordeaux. The chateau at Saint-Amilion is only about 30 minutes by car from Pauillac and is another must-do activity. In addition, the fortified town of Blaye is nearby, and the medieval city of Bergerac is only an hour away.
Water Activities and Sports
The beach towns near Bordeaux are located along the Atlantic coast, which makes them ideal for water sports such as surfing, sailing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, swimming, diving, fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, jet skiing, and many others.
Hiking and Biking
The area also has amazing cycling and hiking trails that will take you through stunning scenery and fantastic views. You will have a great time here if you love the outdoors and enjoy hiking or cycling.
Places where you can cycle are the Domaine de Prignac, where the landscapes are superb, and you can enjoy the scenery of the Gironde estuary, the vineyards, and the Landes forest. The trails here are also varied; many routes have been marked out for you.
There are also maps of the area, which you can use to navigate the different trails and paths. You can also hike through the beautiful forests surrounding the area or along the coast.
Historical Sights to See in The Beach Towns Close By
The beach towns close to Montalivet, France, offer a variety of historical sights to explore. In Biscarrosse, visitors can explore the Church of Saint Martin and the 14th-century Montbron Castle. In Deauville, tourists might wish to visit the Halle aux Poissons, a classified Historic Monument. Additionally, fishing boats in Trouville instead of yachts make it an intriguing place for sightseers to investigate.
About Bordeaux – The History, Town and its Beaches
What is Bordeaux Plage du Lac?
Bordeaux Plage du Lac is a beach located in Bordeaux, France. It holds historical significance as it was where the French Revolution began in 1789. The beach features a sandy lake with a supervised swimming area and activities such as kayaking and mini-golf. It is popular with families thanks to its relatively wave-free waters and proximity to Bordeaux.
Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting?
Yes, Bordeaux is worth visiting and spending a few days to a week in this town. With its historic wine vineyards, culture, and historic buildings, there is much to see. As this article outlines, you can take several small excursions to other beach towns nearby and in Bordeaux.
According to Teleport.org, the cost of living is fairly expensive and the average cost of renting an apartment is 1300 dollars per month. With a population of close to 775,000 people, what this means for a tourist or someone who wants to spend some time in Bordeaux – it is a stable place and it has sufficient services and amenities for the traveler. (Source)
What Are the Main Activities You Can See and Do in Bordeaux?
Bordeaux is a popular destination for tourists and visitors, offering a range of attractions and activities. La Cita du Vin wine museum offers insight into the region’s history, culture, and heritage of wine production. The city also boasts an impressive food scene, lovely beaches, and numerous beach sports such as beach volleyball, swimming, sailing, and surfing.
Other activities available include canoeing and cycling for children and windsurfing, kitesurfing, or other watersports for adults. Tourists looking to explore further can take advantage of the numerous wine tours available at chateaux across the wider region.
For those looking to get away from Bordeaux but still enjoy its beautiful beaches, there are several towns nearby worth visiting, such as Montalivet, which offer great opportunities to relax on their sandy shores while exploring nature trails in their forests or enjoying some local seafood cuisine in one of its restaurants.
A map outlining all these locations is usually provided with any Bordeaux City Pass purchased before midday at La Cita du Vin museum.
What Is the History of Bordeaux?
Bordeaux has a long and rich history, dating back to the 4th century BC when it was settled by the Aquitaine’s, a Celtic tribe. Bordeaux became an important trade center during the Middle Ages and grew rapidly.
In the 18th century, as a French city, Bordeaux established itself as a major wine producer, with its wines becoming renowned around the world. Today, Bordeaux is known for its cultural attractions, such as museums, theatres and galleries, beautiful beaches, and wine tours.
There are also several towns near Bordeaux that offer visitors access to stunning beaches; some of these towns include Montalivet in France, which can be found on any map.
How Far Is Bordeaux from A Beach
Depending on where you are in the city of Bordeaux, you are about an hour away from the nearest beach, La Hume.
Although there are no beaches in immediate proximity to Bordeaux, several beaches are located within a reasonable drive of the city. Check out the map above for some of the marked beaches in Bordeaux.
Are There Nice Beaches Near Bordeaux
The beaches near Bordeaux are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. These beaches include Les Bains, Pastourelles Beach, La Hume Beach, and Lacanau-Ocean on the Lacanau-Cap Ferret peninsula, popular among locals and tourists alike.
With its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and pleasant weather most of the time, visiting these beaches near Bordeaux is worth any traveler’s time.
Beach activity is abundant in the area, with plenty of opportunities for beach lovers to enjoy. From swimming and sunbathing to windsurfing and kitesurfing, there is something for everyone. Plenty of restaurants and cafes along the shoreline offer delicious seafood dishes and drinks for those looking for a more relaxed beach life. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure-filled day out, Bordeaux has it all.
Is Bordeaux a Good Holiday Destination
Bordeaux is a great holiday destination due to its rich culture, stunning architecture, and beautiful landscape. It is well-known for its famous wines and has some amazing beaches nearby that are perfect for days out or longer vacations.
In the summer season, Bordeaux is a perfect location for those looking to explore its 19th-century architecture and enjoy its stunning beaches. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from. There are also numerous cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and theatres that can be visited during the day. With its mild climate and beautiful scenery, Bordeaux is an ideal holiday destination.
Is Bordeaux a Pretty City
Bordeaux’s rich history and beautiful architecture are important to its appeal as a tourist destination. This history and the city’s appearance also shape the character of its nearby beaches, which draw visitors worldwide.
-The area around Bordeaux offers a range of sandy lake shores and an elegant Atlantic coastline.
-The area around Bordeaux is an ideal holiday spot for those who enjoy the outdoors.
-With so much to see and do near Bordeaux, there are many towns worth visiting that offer a beach experience.
-These towns have something unique to offer visitors with distinct characteristics that make them worth exploring while on vacation in Bordeaux.
My Private Notes on Beach Towns Near Bordeaux
Some years ago (I was on a research project in France), I had the pleasure of driving for some days through the Bordeaux wine region and a few beach towns nearby. What incredible landscapes!
I love beach towns near Bordeaux. Not only are there stunning views of the city and the stunning coastline, but they also offer a taste of France that you couldn’t find anywhere else. The beaches in these towns range from romantic and quaint to bright and booming with people.
Beyond being beautiful locations with plenty to do near Bordeaux, beach towns offer foodie delights that are worth exploring too. And, of course, there is the wine!
Visiting the beach towns of the Bordeaux region is on my list of top ten trips. Let’s see when I can get back there!
Can You Get Around Bordeaux without A Car
Getting around Bordeaux without a car is relatively easy. Public transportation, walking, and biking are all viable travel options. For public transportation, the bus system is efficient and reliable.
Bus routes frequently run throughout the day and night, allowing travelers to navigate the city easily.
Taxis are available at every major intersection and airport terminal. If you prefer to walk, the city center is compact and easy to navigate. The majority of attractions are within walking distance of each other.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s clear that the Bordeaux region has plenty of gorgeous beach towns to explore. You won’t be disappointed if you’re looking to soak up the sun or enjoy some of the delicious seafood and wine in its many restaurants and cafes. From Arcachon to La Brede, there’s sure to be something here for every kind of traveler.
So why wait? Pack your bags and head to these beautiful beach towns near Bordeaux to experience an unforgettable summer getaway!
