Campsites in Gironde
Which campsite to choose in south-west France?
There are 160 campsites in Gironde to choose from. The most difficult thing will be to make a choice! ! (direct access to the beach, close to the shops, etc.) To make things easier for you, here are a few campsites in Gironde that we recommend:
5-star campsite by the sea with swimming pool
La Côte d'Argent campsite***** in Hourtin, in the heart of a pine forest and 300 metres from the beach and Hourtin lake. This 870-site establishment offers more than 250 rentals and 200 pitches for campervans. It also has a large outdoor swimming pool with 4 pools, two of which are over 25 m long, a heated pool, a covered pool, a paddling pool and a waterslide. For your wellbeing, there's a Jacuzzi and a Spa. For sports enthusiasts, there's a basketball and volleyball court, petanque area, playground, table tennis and tennis courts, plus bike hire for family outings. Entertainment is available throughout the day, as is a children's club. Evening dances and shows are offered by the campsite team. A seaside holiday to remember.
Campsite with water park and mobile home rental
Le Palace campsite **** in Soulac-sur-Mer, 300 metres from the Atlantic Ocean, also offers a water park with a large outdoor swimming pool and slides, solarium, hammam and sauna, as well as fitness classes. There are 576 pitches and over 350 rentals available. During the day, there is entertainment for all and a children's club, followed by evening dances and shows for all the family. When it comes to sport, there's plenty to choose from! There are tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts and beach volleyball courts, as well as bike hire, table tennis, mini-golf and even archery and a playground for the leisure facilities. Come and enjoy a pretty seaside resort at Soulac-sur-Mer.
Campsite Le Paradis de Bazas
Le Paradis de Bazas **** is a family campsite in Bazas, where you'll be welcomed in good spirits. This quiet campsite offers plenty of entertainment and an aquatic area with the latest generation of water slides, such as the Crazy Cone and Spacebowl. Situated in the countryside, 5 km from a river and pond. It has over 180 pitches and offers a wide range of sports including volleyball and beach volleyball, mini golf and table tennis. During the summer season, there are entertainment evenings, dances and shows for all the family.
Campsite near Bordeaux
Camping Village du Lac **** in Bruges is less than 8 km from Bordeaux. Open all year round, it's an ideal base for exploring the beautiful city of Bordeaux. With over 300 pitches, you can rent a lakeside chalet in the middle of greenery and in complete tranquillity. There's a large heated outdoor swimming pool and a paddling pool for children. Basketball, table tennis and children's games are also available. A wonderful base for visiting Bordeaux and its monuments, such as Saint-André Cathedral and the Cité du Vin, as well as the village of Saint-Emilion.
Cheap camping to visit the Arcachon basin
Camping La Pinède ** in Lège-Cap-Ferret is located between the Arcachon Basin and the ocean for the pleasures of swimming, in the immediate vicinity of the forest and its pines as far as the eye can see and close to the famous cabanes tchanquées and Ile aux Oiseaux. The campsite has 148 pitches and several mobile homes to rent. Children can have fun in the play area and enjoy table tennis and water sports. A meeting place with your feet in the water.
Which campsites have been evacuated in Gironde?
Since the terrible fire that affected the area around the Dune du Pilat in July 2022, no campsite in Gironde has been evacuated because of the fires. Little by little, nature in general and the pine forest in particular are being rebuilt, and new precautions are being taken to protect the landscape from fires in this area.
What are the names of the famous houses on stilts in the Arcachon basin?
The two famous houses in the middle of the Arcachon basin, which can only be approached by boat, are known as cabanes tchanquées. This term comes from the Gascon word "chancada", which means "mounted on stilts".
When do campsites close?
As a rule, campsites open during the Easter holidays and close at the end of the season, i.e. at the end of September or mid-October. But some remain open all year round, and others are only open in July and August. The opening periods are obviously indicated on the site with the description of the campsite.
The treasures of Gironde
Famous for many places such as Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a breathtaking architectural heritage, the Bordeaux vineyards, renowned for their great wines throughout the world, the Arcachon basin and its oyster farming villages, its famous oysters and its spectacular Dune du Pilat... the Gironde hides many other lesser known but equally interesting treasures.
Cazeneuve Castle
Do you know the castle of Cazeneuve? Located in Préchac and 70 kilometers south of Bordeaux, totally restored and former residence of the kings of Navarre, it was also the residence of King Henry IV and his wife Queen Margot. Classified as a Historic Monument, it is surrounded by a moat which has now dried up. After visiting the royal apartments, you can take a walk along the walkway above the river and visit the cellars and other troglodyte caves. Classified Natura 2000, the gardens of the castle with their superb hundred-year-old trees will offer you a most pleasant bucolic walk.
Cordouan Lighthouse
At the mouth of the Gironde estuary, the Cordouan lighthouse, classified as a historical monument and which has just been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, is the oldest lighthouse in the country still in operation. It is also located in the middle of the sea! You will have to take a boat to get there and the ride will last 45 minutes which will only spice up your visit. The Renaissance style tower is 67 meters high. To get to the top, you will have to climb 301 steps. Once up there, the reward is all the more appreciable, a breathtaking view of the ocean. The other floors can also be visited with a chapel and the king's apartments. Please note that visits are not possible in winter and only from Royan and Le Verdon-sur-Mer. . The Cordouan lighthouse remains one of the Gironde's top tourist attractions.
Roquetaillade Castle
A 12th century castle, remarkably preserved, is the castle of Roquetaillade, in Mazères. They are even two castles! The new castle dates to the 14th century and has been inhabited by the same family for 700 years. The visit will take you inside to admire the Flemish tapestries and the huge Renaissance-style fireplaces. Restored by Viollet-le-Duc, the monumental keep is superb. Outside, you can admire the hundred-year-old trees in the park and the very pretty Saint-Michel chapel.
Lacanau
Located between the Pointe de Grave and the Arcachon basin, Lacanau benefits from a privileged natural heritage with a mild oceanic climate. It is a destination renowned for its surfing competitions. A seaside resort popular with tourists thanks to its lively and festive atmosphere in summer, it is also very popular with families with its many cycle paths, its pretty beaches, its unspoilt lake suitable for canoeing and sailing, and its pine forests.
Bazas
Former bishopric located on the road to Santiago de Compostela, the Gothic cathedral Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Bazas is the emblematic stage of the small city. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is distinguished by its façade where you can see three magnificently sculpted portals. It is also a pleasure to observe the Astronomer's house, whose facade is decorated with beautiful drawings related to astronomy. An unforgettable experience.
Saint-Macaire
A medieval town perched on a rocky promontory, Saint-Macaire is famous for its Mercadiou square with its arcades and the superb murals of the Saint-Sauveur-et-Saint-Martin church! While strolling, discover the pretty alleys and its typical old houses with medieval charm.
Time to eat!
In Gironde, you don't just eat, you drink too! In moderation, of course, but we drink one of the best French wines, the "vin de Bordeaux". These great wines have made France famous the world over for their inimitable taste. The most prestigious of these are Saint-Emilion, Sauternes, Saint-Estèphe, Saint-Julien and Pomerol. All of them come from great terroirs (Graves, Médoc, etc.), and can be found in appellations such as Pessac-Léognan, Margot, Moulis, AOC Haut-Médoc, etc. In all, there are 57 different Bordeaux appellations, and 80% of production is red wine. Every other year, Bordeaux organises a sort of wine festival. The next one will take place from 19 to 22 June 2025.
Bazas beef is prized for its quality and delicate flavour. This tender meat, guaranteed Label Rouge and IGP, reared in the Landes and Gironde regions, can be enjoyed barbecued or roasted. Every year, the Bazas beef festival is held in February around Mardi Gras, with a parade of the finest beef from Bazas.
They are best enjoyed with slices of buttered bread, a glass of white wine and, traditionally, a piece of grilled sausage - the Arcachon Basin oyster, of course! Plain, with a drizzle of lemon juice or a shallot vinaigrette, it is usually eaten raw. A shellfish with a particularly subtle flavour that is much appreciated at the end-of-year festivities, their taste differs slightly depending on where they are farmed, which is mainly Cap Ferret, the Banc d'Arguin and Île aux Oiseaux. Oysters from the Arcachon Basin are a must-try in the Gironde.