Camping in Gironde

Why we love holidays in Gironde

Handsome coastal resorts, enchanting islands, sandy cycle paths and wonderfully empty beaches – Gironde promises happy holidays and sunny days. Family holidays to Gironde, in southwest France's Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, combine the sophistication of Bordeaux's wine country with the untamed beauty of the Atlantic coastline, offering a backdrop every bit as dramatic as the wild Atlantic waves. From the elegant city of Bordeaux with its UNESCO-listed architecture to the vast sandy beaches of the Côte d'Argent, from the tranquil waters of the Arcachon Basin to the world's largest sand dune at Pilat, Gironde is France at it’s most thrilling and elemental.

The region is alive with possibilities. Its renowned wine heritage – with prestigious vineyards of Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Sauternes – is a hit with couples, and its more laid-back coastal vibe where surfing, sailing, and seaside relaxation take centre stage. Is a surefire hit with families and kids too. We love how Gironde easily offers thrills, chills and surprises in equal measure.

Our favourite Gironde beaches

Family holidays in Gironde are all about those incredible beaches. Relax at Plage de Foncillon in Royan, a dignified town facing the ocean where the beach perfectly matches its refined surroundings–this clean, safe, superb stretch of sand comes complete with hotels, a thalassotherapy centre, and a selection of inviting bars and cafes.

Discover the family-friendly beaches sheltered by Bonne Anse Bay, ideal for bathing and sailing sports, or venture to the foot of La Coubre lighthouse where La Côte Sauvage stretches for 20 kilometres along the forest edge–offering perfect conditions for surfing enthusiasts and sunbathers alike. Visit Plage de l'Espérance, a beautiful beach with views of the historic Fort Boyard, where a water reservoir allows you to enjoy the beach even at low tide, and the reliable breeze attracts kite flyers and windsurfers throughout the season.

Our favourite things to do in Gironde

take a stroll along the bay at La Palmyre

Fun days out

There are lots of fun things to do for families in Gironde. Take the air in La Palmyre, a refined coastal resort that has attracted nobility and the gentry for over a century, drawn to its pure sea air and supposed medicinal properties – stroll along the natural bay, explore the oyster beds, and admire distinctive architecture like the Russian House, built in 1930 for Russian Prince Molostov.

Visit Planet Exotica in Royan, a tropical oasis featuring a petting zoo, crocodile exhibits, greenhouses filled with tropical orchids, and life-sized dinosaur replicas – offering an educational and diverse day out for the whole family. Spend a day at Le Petit Train de St Trojan on Île de Ré, a charming 12-kilometre round trip through the countryside that offers sunrise routes in summer. An adventure that departs every 45 minutes during high season. Your kids will love it, and you’ll be glad of the rest too!

cycling in the Gironde

Getting active

Gironde has an extensive network of cycling paths that criss-cross the region, including the 40-kilometre stretch from Saint Palais sur Mer to La Tremblade that winds through coastal landscapes and fragrant pine forests. It’s great for family adventures. The relatively flat terrain and light traffic make for blissfully car-free cycling adventures suitable for all ages and abilities.

Experience the thrill of watersports in the bay of Bonne-Anse, where a long promenade along the seafront provides easy access to activities ranging from paddle-boarding to windsurfing. We’d say that beginners should head to the Côte Sauvage Surf School for expert instruction on riding the waves. You can try horseback riding through Gironde's diverse landscapes, from beach rides along the shoreline to forest trails through the pine woods. Horse-riding Village Cheval near La Palmyre can offer experiences for all abilities, providing a unique perspective on the region's natural beauty.

the brutalist architecture of Royan cathedral

Cultural hotspots

We love Royan Cathedral, but it’s not for everyone. It’s a striking example of Brutalist architecture completed in 1978 that dominates the town with its soaring concrete structure softened by beautiful stained glass windows. It’s a dramatic contrast to the Belle Epoque villas and grand squares that characterise the rest of this elegant resort. Don’t miss the historic port city of La Rochelle, just north of Gironde, where 17th-century covered arcades provide perfect shelter for lunch after exploring the city's superb aquarium (one of France's finest marine exhibitions and a favourite with visitors of all ages).

Discover the charming town of Marennes, renowned globally for the quality of its oysters, where you can explore the striking Romanesque church, ancient Gallo-Roman ruins, and traditional architecture before sampling the town's famous seafood harvest at one of the many excellent waterfront restaurants.

Our favourite things to see in Gironde

Saint-Émilion

Historic sites

The medieval village of Saint-Émilion is a UNESCO gem centred around its monolithic church, carved entirely from limestone. Its steep, cobbled alleys and 12th-century ruins offer a look into the region’s ancient religious and wine-making soul. The Château de Roquetaillade provides a rare look at a fully intact 14th-century fortress. Continuously inhabited by the same family for 700 years, its interiors feature stunning restorations by Viollet-le-Duc, blending medieval defence with opulent Gothic revival style.

History enthusiasts will love the Villas Gallos-Romaines de Plassac, where remarkable mosaic floors overlook the estuary. This site, paired with the "Versailles of the Seas"—the 16th-century Phare de Cordouan—showcases the Gironde’s evolution from Roman luxury to Renaissance maritime prestige.

Belle Epoque style villas in Royan

Towns and villages worth seeing

We recommend you explore Royan, an historic Atlantic resort where you can ramble along the promenade, visit the Brutalist cathedral, Belle Epoque villas, and enjoy the lively central market (all before finding a perfect spot on one of the town's beautiful beaches). Wander through the streets of Marennes, a town known for its oysters, where you can explore the Romanesque church, ancient ruins, bakeries and townhouses before sampling the locally caught seafood at waterfront restaurants.

Visit the beach suburb of Pontaillac, recently renovated with its seafront pavilion, rose garden, and summer illuminations along the wooden decking of the promenade. It’s a family-holiday-ready setting for enjoying watersports or simply soaking up the refined atmosphere (you’ll find us by the ice-cream!).

salt marshes, Lilleau des Niges nature reserve

Natural wonders

There are lots of things to do if nature is your thing. Witness the natural spectacle of the Réserve Naturelle de Lilleau des Niges on Île de Ré, a magical marshy landscape that provides sanctuary to thousands of waterbirds. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars to observe avocets, terns, shelduck, and many other species in this pristine wetland environment.

Experience the beauty of the Côte Sauvage, where fine sandy beaches stretch along the forest edge. For our money it’s the perfect example of Atlantic coastal wilderness with its powerful waves, vast dunes, and s backdrop of maritime pine forest. Visit the natural bay of La Palmyre, sculpted over centuries by wind and ocean currents, where you can follow scenic paths from the port to La Coubre lighthouse, enjoying the beach of Bonne-Anse and the tranquil beauty of this protected coastal ecosystem.

Travelling to Gironde

Nearest airports

  • Bordeaux–Mérignac
  • Bergerac Dordogne Périgord

Nearest train stations

  • Bordeaux Saint-Jean
  • Libourne

Nearest ports

  • Bilbao (2 hour drive)

All parcs in Gironde

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