Dunes, pine forests and lakes: the Médoc offers a beautiful concentrate of nature, with a wild and preserved side. Located about an hour from Bordeaux and supervised, its beaches are popular for their tranquility, their waves, their historical remains or... the possibility of practicing naturism. But beware of baïnes. Our most beautiful spots for sunny days, according to your desires.
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The wild beach: The dry pine in Naujac-sur-mer
The beach stretches for 4 km. Eric_Cowez
This fine sandy beach stretching for nearly 4 km between Hourtin-Plage and Montalivet is the wildest of the Côte d'Argent and a surfer's paradise... Seasoned. Located in the middle of a pine forest, 10 km from the village of Naujac-sur-Mer, and without any sign of urbanization, the Pin Sec is also very popular with nature lovers, who can enjoy the many bike rides, and the huge beach to run or cool off in the ocean. But beware of baïnes and other sea currents! The beach also has a historical "cachet" with its Second World War bunkers. On site: a campsite, some wooden bungalows offering catering, a surf school.
Possible dangers: beware of baïnes, these temporary geological formations, small basins or residual basins located in the wave breaking zone. Responsible for strong sea currents, they carry out to sea.
The family beach: La Chambrette in Verdon-sur-Mer
Located on the Gironde estuary, the Chambrette beach in Verdon-sur-Mer is frequented by families with children. Médoc Atlantic
Very 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 safely 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.
Possible dangers: possible presence of bays and other currents.
The "historic" beach: the Canteens, between Verdon-sur-Mer and Soulac-sur-Mer
At the Cantines beach in Soulac-sur-Mer, do not miss a swim in the famous "pools", these saltwater basins coming from the sea and retained by the dikes. Médoc Atlantic
Classified as an old village, Soulac-sur-Mer has 500 Belle Époque villas in neocolonial style, built in the early nineteenth century. Its basilica, Notre-Dame-de-la-Fin-des-Terres, symbol of Romanesque art (built in the eleventh century), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As for its Cantines beach, north of the northern beach of Soulac, it is dotted with bunkers and remains of the Atlantic Wall, this set of fortifications erected by the Third Reich during the Second World War.
Do not miss swimming in the famous "pools", these saltwater basins coming from the sea and retained by the dikes, facing the Cordouan lighthouse. Attention swimming not supervised.
Possible dangers: possible presence of bays.
The naturist beach: Saint-Nicolas, in Verdon-sur-Mer
The beach of Saint-Nicolas in Verdon sur Mer is the only supervised ocean beach of the seaside resort. Médoc Atlantic
Located at the tip of the Médoc, the beach of Saint-Nicolas has a wooded area behind the dune that allows parking, and is equipped with picnic tables. Ideal place to try surfing and bodyboarding or picnic at sunset overlooking the Cordouan lighthouse. But plan your provisions before: there are no shops nearby! The area near the lifeguard station is monitored in summer. To the south, the beach becomes naturist.
Be careful, swimming here is known as dangerous. Swim only in the supervised area and ask the lifeguards.
Possible dangers: bathe only in the supervised area and ask the lifeguards.
"Californian" beaches: the expanses 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. Médoc Atlantic
The large golden sandy beaches of Montalivet, a quiet and family seaside resort, stretch for twelve kilometers. They benefit from the Blue Flag label. The southern and central beaches are the most popular and offer a large number of activities: sand yachting, bodyboarding, kayaking, flysurfing and, of course, surfing (there is a school here). There is both a vintage and Californian atmosphere with the colorful lifeguards at the top of the dune and the "combis" parked discreetly on the seafront.
Some spaces are rather reserved for nudists, including the beach next to the naturist campsite Centre héliomarin (CHM) Montalivet. Picnic tables near the south beach.
Possible dangers: possible presence of bays.
Bordeaux beach: Le Porge, between Cap-Ferret and Lacanau
The beach of Porge, 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, stretch for more than 13 kilometers. Passing first through the maritime pine forest, you will have to climb the famous dune cordon by taking slatted paths that facilitate access to the beach, to arrive on the fine sand. In summer, lifeguards are supervised. But beware of the tourist influx in season. Nevertheless, it is possible to find quieter spots, away from the entrance to the beach. And always: caution against baïnes!
Possible dangers: possible presence of bays.
SEE ALSO - What are we allowed to pick up on the beach?
