Wild beach: Le Pin sec in Naujac-sur-mer
This fine sandy beach which stretches over nearly 4 km between Hourtin-Plage and Montalivet is the wildest on the Côte d'Argent and a paradise for seasoned surfers.
Located in the middle of a pine forest, 10 km from the town of Naujac-sur-Mer, and without any sign of urbanization, Le Pin Sec is also very popular with nature lovers, who can enjoy the many walks cycling, and the huge beach for running or cooling off in the ocean.
But beware of baïnes and other sea currents!
The beach also has a historical "character" with its blockhouses from the Second World War.
On site: a campsite, a few wooden bungalows offering catering, a surf school and parking…
To discover
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Supervised swimming:
from July 1 to August 31, from 12 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.
Parking:
free parking for cars and bicycles a few steps from the beach, then climb the dune to access the beach.
Cool off and eat:
facing the ocean, enjoy a cappuccino, a
healthy
salad or prawns with parsley, or share an aperitif board while admiring the breathtaking view of the Atlantic.
Sunsets to die for.
At Le Pin sec & l'eau, route du Pin Sec in Naujac-sur-Mer, Tel.
: 06 99 39 39 61.
Showers:
no.
Possible dangers:
beware of baïnes, these temporary geological formations, small basins or residual basins located in the wave breaking zone.
Responsible for strong marine currents, they carry out to sea.
Read alsoThree hikes in the Médoc, between land, lakes and ocean
Family beach: La Chambrette in Verdon-sur-Mer with the family
Located on the Gironde estuary, Chambrette beach in Verdon-sur-Mer is popular with families with children.
Medoc Atlantic
Much appreciated by families for its safety, this supervised beach, located in the Gironde estuary, offers an XXL view of the port of Verdon-sur-Mer and the Charente coast.
Children can have fun in the water in complete safety without fear of the waves, a Mickey club is present.
The nearby Cercle Nautique du Verdon offers many water activities.
The beach also has disabled access.
Supervised swimming:
from July 1 to August 31, from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Parking:
take the direction of the port of Verdon then follow the indications for the cultural center Jean Parès (on the avenue de la Plage).
Park in the free car park then cross the railway line to get to the beach.
Cool off and eat:
stop at the Escale de la Plage to enjoy with your feet in the sand fresh fish, marinière mussels and burgers with a view of the Gironde estuary and the Charente opposite.
33 avenue de la Plage, Le Verdon-sur-mer.
Such.
: 05 56 09 65 65.
Showers:
Yes.
No WC.
Possible dangers:
possible presence of baïnes and other currents.
The “historic” beach: the Canteens in Soulac-sur-Mer
At the Plage des Cantines in Soulac-sur-Mer, don't miss swimming in the famous "swimming pools", these basins of salt water coming from the sea and retained by the dikes.
Medoc Atlantic
Classified as an old village, Soulac-sur-Mer has 500 Belle Époque villas in neo-colonial style, built at the beginning of the 19th century.
Its basilica, Notre-Dame-de-la-Fin-des-Terres, symbol of Romanesque art (built in the 11th century), is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As for its Cantines beach, north of the north beach of Soulac, it is dotted with bunkers from the Atlantic Wall, a set of vestiges built under the German occupation dating from the Second World War.
In short, in Soulac, we go back in time to the beaches!
Supervised swimming:
it is a wild beach, therefore not supervised, but very pleasant for the walk which allows you to admire the Cordouan lighthouse in the distance.
Don't miss swimming in the famous "swimming pools", these basins of salt water coming from the sea and retained by the dykes.
Another possibility: swim at the central beach of fine sand in Soulac with blue and white striped tents reminiscent of Soulac 1900. Beach supervised between the blue flags.
Parking:
free parking near the Cantines beach.
And large car park suitable for people with reduced mobility 50 m from the central beach, accessible by a wide grating suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Lifeguards provide transfer to the water.
Freshen up and eat:
in the town centre, rue de la Plage to be exact, there is a veritable institution of the town: the ice cream maker Judici.
To taste, the “noisettines du Médoc” flavor for total immersion.
15 rue de la Plage, Tel.
: 05 56 09 81 48.
Showers:
showers and toilets available at the central beach of Soulac, not at the Cantines.
Possible dangers:
possible presence of baïnes.
The naturist beach: Saint-Nicolas in Verdon-sur-Mer
Saint-Nicolas beach in Verdon sur Mer is the only supervised ocean beach in the seaside resort.
Medoc Atlantic
Located at the tip of the Médoc, the beach of Saint-Nicolas has a wooded area behind the dune which allows parking, and which is equipped with picnic tables.
Ideal place to try your hand at surfing and bodyboarding or have a picnic at sunset with a view of the Cordouan lighthouse.
But plan your provisions before: there are no shops nearby!
The area near the aid station is supervised in summer.
Towards the south, the beach becomes nudist.
Supervised swimming:
from July 1 to August 31, from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Parking:
from the center of the Verdon, take the direction of the ocean by the road to Brémontier.
Through the woods, follow the signs on the forest road (ocean beach).
Park in the wooded area behind the dune.
Count 10 minutes to cross the dunes (Saint-Nicolas bank classified Natura 2000).
Cool off and eat:
located on the marina of Verdon-sur-Mer, the Bistrot du Port is a safe bet in terms of seafood and other dishes.
Ideal for lunch or dinner with a view of the boats moored to the pontoons.
Port Médoc, Le Verdon-sur-Mer, Tel.
: 05 56 09 32 87.
Showers:
yes and W.-C. too.
Possible dangers: be
careful, swimming here is deemed to be dangerous.
Swim only in the supervised area and ask the lifeguards.
“Californian” beaches: those of Vendays-Montalivet (central and southern beaches)
Located on the Atlantic coast, Montalivet beach is known for its long stretch of beach!
12 kilometers of sand and dunes mingle with the pine forests of the Landes.
Medoc Atlantic
The large sandy beaches of Montalivet, a quiet and family seaside resort, extend over twelve kilometres.
They benefit from the Blue Flag label.
The southern and central beaches are the most popular and offer a large number of activities such as sand yachting, bodyboarding, kayaking, flysurfing and, of course, surfing (there is a school there).
There is an atmosphere that is both
vintage
and Californian with their colorful rescue huts at the top of the dune and the legendary wetsuits parked discreetly on the seafront.
Some spaces are more reserved for nudists, in particular the beach which adjoins the naturist campsite Center Héliomarin (CHM) Montalivet.
Presence of picnic tables near the south beach.
Supervised swimming:
from July 2 to August 28, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Parking:
free parking nearby, and La Vélodyssée which passes on the seafront.
Cool off and eat
: gravelax, foie gras accompanied by a delicious wine, divine desserts, all in a cozy atmosphere or on the outdoor terrace… Arroma resto-Bistrot is one of the best in the seaside resort.
31 BC
de Chambrelant, Vendays-Montalivet.
Such.
: 05 56 09 98 53.
Showers:
no, no W.-C..
Possible dangers:
possible presence of baïnes.
Bordelais beach: Le Porge
Porge beach, located less than an hour from Bordeaux, is above all a large family beach.
Médoc Plein Sud / Lycia Walter
The ocean beaches of Le Porge, between Cap-Ferret and Lacanau Océan, extend over more than 13 kilometres.
Passing first through the maritime pine forest, you will have to climb the famous dune cordon by taking duckboard paths which facilitate access to the beach, to arrive on the fine sand.
In summer, supervision is provided by lifeguards.
But beware of the tourist influx in season.
Despite everything, it is possible to find quieter spots, moving away from the entrance to the beach.
And always: caution in the face of baïnes!
Supervised swimming:
Plage du Gressier:
from 11 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., from July 11 to August 31 and from September 1 to 11 from 1.30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Plage de la Jenny:
12 p.m. to 6 p.m., June to September.
Parking:
free Porge-Océan car park (Gressier) with 2,400 spaces nearby.
Cool off and eat:
quite busy and located a stone's throw from the superb Gressier beach in Porge-Océan, La Pizzeria des Bois offers a wide variety of dishes (parsley knives, calamari, poke bowl, etc.) and pizzas served with beer IPA in a picturesque setting and on the terrace.
Gressier Beach, Le Porge Ocean, Tel.
: 06 43 70 12 82.
Showers:
presence of sanitary facilities and picnic tables.
No ramp or access for disabled people, no tiralo.
Possible dangers:
possible presence of baïnes.
MORE PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
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gironde.gouv.fr
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gironde-tourisme.fr
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medoc-atlantique.com