Guide · Activities
A World of
Activities
When we think of Medoc, we immediately think of the vineyard and its exceptional wines, the vision of a wine region with a worldwide reputation with 60 Grands Crus Classés. But it is also for all nature lovers, the smell of maritime pines, the ocean and its beautiful wild beaches, the great lakes and the Gironde estuary.
Take time for yourself and enjoy the revitalising fresh air and local specialities.
What to do
To prepare your stay before arriving
You can have a look at these three websites in order to get an idea about what to do and see in our region: Médoc Vignoble and Margaux Vignoble, about the vineyard side, and Médoc Atlantique, about the ocean, river and lakes sides.
When you already are in the Médoc
Go through the door of the Maison du Tourisme et du Vin de Pauillac to discover all that our beautiful region has to offer! Do not hesitate to ask people there for informations about the activities in the region and which chateau is open for a visit.
There you will also find a vinothèque with one of the largest choice of wines from the 8 Médoc appellations. A shop offers a wide choice of souvenirs, gastronomic products from the Médoc, tableware and around the sommelier.
By watching a small 12-minute film free of charge, wine making in Médoc will no longer hold any secrets for you. And the free olfactory journey “the game of aromas” allows you to discover the aromatic universe of wines.
City Guides
Walk, Ride or Drive
From Vertheuil to Soulac by Car
Take your car from Vertheuil and follow us on the road, along the riverside… you can stop wherever you want! Admire a XVIIIe church in Saint-Estèphe, taste wines at Château Loudenne or La Tour de By, picnic in Saint-Christoly in front of the estuary, visit a lighthouse in Jau-Dignac-et-Loirac, have a crêpe in Saint-Vivien or oysters in Talais marshes and end up with some shopping in Soulac-sur-Mer, the charming seaside resort.
Bike Ride
by the Lakes & the Ocean
With more than 400 km of cycle paths, leave your car behind during your holiday and enjoy the many circuits. On the Médoc lakes or by the Atlantic Ocean, you will always find an itinerary to suit your taste. With the Vélodyssée, long-distance lovers are not left out! For a walk, to exercise or simply go to the beach, get in the saddle, here are the circuits which are worth the diversions!
around the vineyards and chateaux
Travel the road of the castles through the vineyards or venture to the banks of the Gironde estuary and discover its small ports, the marshes and even the lighthouses.
Build your own tour with Komoot
From ready-built routes that reveal all of nature’s best-kept secrets, to superior route planning and navigation tech that lets you decide what you want to discover, Komoot makes it easy to explore more of the great outdoors—wherever and however you want.
Beaches
Le Pin Sec
Pin Sec beach in Naujac-sur-Mer is one of the wildest beaches on the silver coast. Lost in the middle of a pine forest and without any sign of urbanisation, the beach spreads over 4 km between the beach of Hourtin and Montalivet. Swimming is supervised during the summer season, so that you can have fun in safety. The beach is accessible by car by only one street (route du Pin Sec). You arrive at a big parking which is surrounded by two campings and several woode bungalows. You can reach the beach by taking the path over the dune.
Montalivet
Spacious and pleasant, it is perfect for walking, sunbathing, swimming, but also for surfing. There is a lifeguard post during the summer. Very close to the city center with it’s shops bars and restaurants.
Vensac
A beach for those who like to be quiet. There are bunkers decorated with graffiti. Please note that swimming is not recommended, the beach is not supervised and the baïnes can be very strong. It is a perfect beach for walking, playing on the sand or with your feet in the water. Textile, topless, naturists, all mixed together and everyone doing as they please and simply having a good time on the beach…
Soulac
A beach near the center of the seaside resort of Soulac. You will spend a great time on this big, fine sandy beach and your beachtowels won’t be too close to each other. In order to enjoy even more privacy, you can rent Soulac’s typical beach tents! It is a perfect beach for combining the pleasures of swimming and sunbathing, with an outing to a restaurant or to the city center.
Hourtin (Ocean & Lake)
A great beach to go swimming with family or friends. You’ll live by the rythm of the sun and the ides and disconnect completely from the digital world ! It’s the perfect place to have fun with your kids in the water in safety. You can park free of charge and have an easy access to the beach by taking a secured path through the dunes.
On the lake side, Piqueyrot is a real paradise with its idyllic setting at the edge of Hourtin lake. Perfect spot for an unforgettable picnic, at midday as well as during sunset. Piqueyrot beach is perfect for calm and relaxation, and perfect to escape the summer crowds and to go in the shadow.
Markets
Saint-Vivien
From July 4 and August, open every day from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
April to June and September, every day from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
From October 1 to March 31, every day except Monday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Saint Vivien de Médoc market, a true institution, is an essential meeting place for inhabitants and holidaymakers. Quality local products, fruit and vegetable stalls, delicatessen, cheese and cooked dishes, not forgetting handicrafts, jewellery and other clothing, the Saint Vivien market is the very definition of a typical local Médoc market!
Hourtin
From July 4 and August, open every day from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
April to June and September, every day from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
From October 1 to March 31, every day except Monday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Traditional and friendly, the market of Hourtin is the place to be during the holidays. Fruits and vegetables, fish, meat, cooked dishes will allow you to stock up but also to find small artisanal treasures. Summer and winter alike, enjoy oysters on the spot or your market produce at the local café. Located in the heart of the city centre, you won’t want to miss it!
Montalivet
From June 15 to September 15 · Open everyday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
From March 15 to june 14 · From Tuesday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., weekends and public holidays until 2 p.m.
Food (oysters, fries, tapas…), drinks, clothes… chill and surfing spirit.
Soulac
From July 4 and August, open every day from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
April to June and September, every day from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
From October 1 to March 31, every day except Monday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Soulac-sur-Mer market is a real institution! Under the neo-colonial style covered market hall, in the heart of the old village, a multitude of flavours await you to do your shopping. Quality local products, stands selling fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, shellfish, cold meats, cheeses and cooked dishes, not forgetting Medoc wines, handicrafts, pastries and flowers can fill your basket. In summer, stalls selling clothes, household goods, flowers etc. are set up outside.
Hot Spots
a little further
Le Phare de Cordouan
The Cordouan lighthouse is the only French lighthouse at sea that is still manned, the oldest still in operation and the only one in the world open to visitors. This lighthouse is a must-see destination. An absolutely unique site, it offers an exceptional view of the Gironde and the Medoc coastline.
Fort Médoc & Blaye
The Fort-Médoc is a Vauban-style military site in the commune of Cussac-Fort-Médoc. Located on the banks of the mouth of the Gironde, on the left bank, it faces the Citadel of Blaye. There is an entrance fee, but at a small price. Tables are available for picnics in the park. The visit is free, but an application on your phone helps you to imagine what this site represented when it was built.
Le Cap Ferret & Le Bassin d'Arcachon
In the Bay of Arcachon, discover a fascinating world with multiple landscapes: a typical Arcachon fauna and flora between sand dunes, a nature reserve, a heritage and architecture specific to the city: 30 ports and oyster farming villages, Cap Ferret lighthouse, picturesque area of the winter city of Arcachon. Beautiful, but very crowded in July and August.
