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With endless sandy beaches, Europe’s largest sand dune, world-renowned wines and 4 brilliant Siblu campsites, it's safe to say that Aquitaine, on France's southwest coast, makes an ideal holiday destination. From the chic city of Bordeaux to beautiful Bayonne in the Basque country, there is so much to explore during a family holiday here! Check out Domaine de Soulac in the wine-growing Medoc region, Les Viviers with its amazing views over Arcachon bay, La Réserve on the banks of Lake Biscarrosse and Les Dunes de Contis in the coastal Landes forest area. |
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Why Choose Aquitaine?
Beaches
Unspoilt Atlantic coastline
Outdoor activities
From sailing to cycling to paragliding
Food & drink
World-famous wines and fresh seafood
Culture
So many fascinating towns to explore (including Bordeaux)
Aquitaine Beaches
Beaches near Le Domaine de Soulac
Situated at the northern tip of the Médoc peninsula with wide Atlantic Coast beaches stretching all the way down towards the Spanish border, Domaine de Soulac is the great base for exploring some South West beaches. The holiday park is only 2 miles from a selection of beautiful sandy beaches. Amélie beach is particularly ideal for younger kids thanks to its gentle shallow waves and lifeguard-supervision. Naïdes and Centre beach are also easy to reach from Domaine de Soulac and are both great for trying your hand at water sports (don’t miss the surf school on Naïdes beach). Naides and Centre beaches are also lifeguard-supervised during the height of the summer season.
Beaches near La Réserve
Of course, La Réserve has its own beautiful lakeside beach, but if you’re looking for the thrill of Atlantic waves you can easily head to Bisacarrosse itself, where the best of ocean, lake and forests meet. For those searching for adventure, Biscarrosse makes an ideal location for trying out activities such as surfing, sand yachting or kiting. During the summer months, the beach is lifeguard-supervised. You can also explore the other lakes in the Biscarrosse area (there are three of them!) not to mention the beautiful expanse of forest (perfect for taking a stroll out of the midday sun). Charming Mimizan is another great seaside town to visit for a day trip; and it’s only 20 minutes drive from La Réserve.
Beaches near Les Dunes de Contis
Les Dunes de Contis is set in the midst of a beautiful coastal pine forest and is a great base for discovering some of the best beaches in the region. Just 4 miles from the campsite itself is the lovely Contis beach. Mimizan town is also easy to reach from the holiday park (only 11 miles away) and is well worth a visit: Enjoy paddling on the sheltered ‘children’s’ beach, take advantage of the many water sports opportunities, kayak down the Le Courant river or take a stroll along ‘La Promenade Fleurie’ (one of the most beautiful walking trails in France).
Beaches near Les Viviers
Les Viviers boasts its own private lake and beach on-site where you can enjoy swimming, kayaking and relaxing. It is also within easy reach of a range of other brilliant beaches in this part of South West France. Visit the sheltered seaside resort of Arcachon bay for calmer waters (ideal for swimming or boat rides). You can also easily take a trip to more wild Atlantic Coast beaches with bigger waves, perfect for surfing. Options include: the Plage du Truc Vert (6.3km: 10 minute drive); Plage de la Torchère (10.8 km: 15 minute drive); Lacanau Océan: (40 km: 44 minute drive).
Aquitaine Towns & Cities
Bordeaux
It might be world-famous for its wine culture, but a visit to the beautiful city of Bordeaux offers more than just a chance for a superlative glass of red. Wander along the quays or take a boat ride down the Garonne River; marvel at the UNESCO-listed 18th-century architecture and get lost in the web of historic streets, squares and churches and cafés (including the longest pedestrianized shopping street in Europe, the Rue Sainte-Catherine). Kids always love to splash around in the iconic ‘Miroir d’Eau’ just between the Garonne river and the Place de la Bourse. Don’t miss out on the Cité de Vin (a museum and exhibition centre dedicated to all things wine) or on sampling some of the region’s best wines in the range of bars and restaurants around the city centre. Head further out to the outskirts of the city and you’ll encounter a host of famous vineyards and chateaux: many of which are open for tours and wine tasting visits.
Arcachon
Arcachon is the perfect example of a charming South West beach resort. It’s an ideal place to spend a relaxing day out at the beach: soaking up the sun, swimming in the sea (the water is nice and calm thanks to the protection of Arcachon bay) or sampling some of speciality seafood of this region (Arcachon is famous for its oysters). The bustling town is recognisable for its Victorian-style beach villas and its many bars, restaurants and cafés. From Arcachon you can take a catamaran tour around the bay to visit oyster farms or nearby fishing villages. You can also get a boat over to the chic coastal town of Cap Ferret on the other side of the bay where you can enjoy stunning views of the Dune du Pilat. Or, if you’re staying at Les Viviers you might choose to get the boat in the other direction, to Arcachon from Cap Ferret.
St Emilion
40km to the east of Bordeaux, the picturesque village of St Emilion (a UNESCO World Heritage site) is another famous location for wine lovers. Easily accessible by train from Bordeaux station, it’s a brilliant choice for a day trip for all the family. Of course, a tour of the underground wine cellars or a tasting session in one of the wine-producing chateaux has to be on the schedule! However, St Emilion’s huge medieval monolithic church is also well-worth visiting. Completely built into the rock, the church is an awe-inspiring feat of architecture and a visit is a fascinating way of learning more about the rich history of this area. For a breath-taking view of the village and the surrounding vineyards, dare to climb up the 196 steps of the bell tower.
Biarritz
The glamorous seaside resort of Biarritz was long the favourite holiday destination of Europe’s rich and famous; and once you’ve had a glimpse of its amazing beaches and beautiful rocky coastline, it’s easy to see why. The impressive Hotel du Palais, right on the Grande Plage, is a reminder of this: it was originally built for Empress Eugenie, Napoleon III’s wife. Meanwhile, the beautiful blue-domed Russian Orthodox church which dates back to the 19th century is a reminder of this small town’s international past. Nowadays, while the ritzy vibe is still very much present, Biarritz is also very famous for its surfing culture (the conditions and waves here are some of the best not only in the South West of France but in the world) and the town is host to a range of famous surfing competitions such as the Quicksilver/Rocky Jam tournament.
Aquitaine More to See and Do
Médoc Wines
The wine culture in the South West of France is second to none and wines from this part of the country are internationally celebrated. The Médoc region, for example, is not only home to the Domaine de Soulac holiday park but also to some of the region’s best-known apellations: Saint-Estèphe, Pauillac, Saint-Julien and Margaux to name just a few... If you’re after a truly French holiday experience it doesn’t get much better than this. What’s more, once a year the chateaux of this region become host to a truly unique event, the 'Marathon de Médoc'. This is an endurance sporting event with a twist: participants cycle run or walk the course in a range of extravagant fancy dress costumes stopping off along the way at various chateaux to sample their best food and drink!
La Dune de Pilat
Standing at an impressive height of 100 metres, La Dune du Pilat bears the title of the highest sand dune in Europe. The hike to the top might leave you a bit worn out, but it’s definitely worth it for the amazing views: endless pine forests on one side, the ocean stretching away on the other… On clear days you might even catch a glimpse of the Pyrenees Mountains. Perched on the edge of the dune is the glamorous hotel and restaurant La C(o)orniche which offers incredible views if you’re willing to splash out a bit on a drink or a bite to eat. For more budget options there are also plenty of charming eateries, cafés and bars scattered around the foot of the dune (so you can reward yourself for your effort if you make it all the way to the top!) If you’re really feeling adventurous you could always try paragliding (a popular activity around here).
Hossegor and Dax
Not far from Les Dunes de Contis, on the way to Biarritz, are the towns of Hossegor and Dax which both make for interesting spots to visit. Hossegor, much like Biarritz, is a brilliant surfing destination, famous for its waves. For those who like calmer waters it also has a large lake with no less than four beaches to enjoy. It’s also popular with golfers, thanks to its 18-hole golf course, and hosts a number of golfing competitions each year. Meanwhile, the Roman spa town of Dax is particularly famous for its ancient hot springs: water from the ‘hot fountain’ in the town centre has a temperature of 64 degrees Celsius! The thermal springs are still considered to have health giving and healing properties and the town is known for its ‘mud treatment’. It’s also worth taking a stroll along the River Adour or through the Parc du Sarrat.
Cap Ferret
Cap Ferret, just 20 minutes from Les Viviers, is an elegant seaside resort that overlooks the bay of the Arcachon Bassin (with a particularly great view of the impressive Dune du Pilat, really allowing you to get a sense of its size). It’s a great place for seaside strolls, leisurely cycle rides or delicious seafood meals by the beach. For a stunning view over the town, the bay and the Atlantic Ocean, dare to hike up the 258 steps of the Cap Ferret lighthouse and soak in the view. You can also enjoy taking a boat trip to explore the bay further or head over to Arcachon for a change of atmosphere.
Travelling to Aquitaine from the UK
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Holidaymakers from the UK can easily reach our parks in Aquitaine thanks to direct flights from various UK airports PLANE Direct flights run from Bristol, London, Liverpool, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow to Bordeaux airport. Direct flights run from London and Bristol to Biarritz airport. EasyJet offer direct flights from London Stansted and Bristol to La Rochelle airport |
Distances/driving time from Bordeaux airport
Le Domaine de Soulac
90 km (56 miles)/1 hr 40 mins drive
Les Viviers
50 km (31 miles)/ 45 mins drive
La Réserve
97 km (60 miles)/ 1 hr 21 mins drive
Les Dunes de Contis
118 km (73 miles)/1 hr 40 mins drive
Distances/driving times from Biarritz airport
Le Domaine de Soulac
269 km (167 miles)/ 3 hrs 11 mins drive
Les Viviers
209 km (130 miles)/ 2 hrs 12 mins drive
La Réserve
136 km (85 miles)/ 1 hr 40 mins drive
Les Dunes de Contis
106 km (66 miles)/ 1 hr 25 mins drive
Distances/driving times from La Rochelle Airport
Le Domaine de Soulac
100km (62 miles)/ 2 hrs drive
Les Viviers
244km (152 miles)/ 2 hrs 53 mins drive
La Réserve
276 km (171 miles)/ 3 hrs 24 mins drive
Les Dunes de Contis
308 km (191 miles)/ 3 hrs 16 mins drive