At last! Temperatures are rising! From Cap Ferret to Lacanau, discover the best spots for lounging on the beach close to Bordeaux!
Book a train ticket
Book a train ticket
There are lots of beaches around Bordeaux, from Cap Ferret to Lacanau, right down to Landes in the south west of France.
So, go on, book your train to Bordeaux!
Here are our favourite beaches near Bordeaux:
Pointe aux Chevaux beach on the Lège-Cap Ferret peninsula
Composed of several villages nestled under the fragrant pines, the Lège-Cap Ferret peninsula has all the classic seaside features but with one major bonus: an unobstructed view of the Dune du Pilat!
>> Climb to the top of the Dune du Pilat
Long stretches of sand whipped up by the Atlantic or small peaceful beaches hemmed by the Bassin d’Arcachon — there’s plenty of choice when it comes to laying out your towel. My personal favourite, however, lies within Petit Piquey and boasts a natural and intimate setting. The village is home to Pointe aux Chevaux beach which slips into the tranquil waters of the bay: a true tropical paradise at high tide and the perfect spot for lazing around!
Oysters, shopping and sunbathing
Essential activity: Indulge in oysters and prawns on the wooden terrace of an oyster hut, or take a stroll through the shops to find a mix of linens, summer clothes and nautical furniture.
Shall we go? Line 601 of the CITRAM bus directly links Bordeaux to Cap Ferret. Every day, a number of TER services also arrive in Arcachon, departing from Gare St Jean. The best deal? The combined train + bike rental fare!
Lacanau-Océan beach
Grab your bikini, Roxy shorts and Havaianas! Head to Lacanau-Océan for its vast beach whipped by the waves of the Atlantic, a legendary spot for the surfers of Bordeaux.
Take the plunge and try the local sport: the Surf Club is nearby and caters for all levels. In no time at all you’ll be riding the waves just like (well, almost like) everyone else! But be on the look out for rip tides.
Sea, surf and sun
Essential activity: The Médoc Océan Lacanau Pro, one of the French stages of the World Surf Championships, takes place here in the middle of August every year.
Shall we go? Less than one hour’s drive from Bordeaux, Lacanau is also easily accessible by bike, thanks to a safe cycle path. You can also hop on the TransGironde bus (line 702) which gets you to Lacanau in 2 hours. A long trip, but not expensive!
Porge-Océan beach
Less known to tourists, the Porge-Océan beach is very wild and spreads its miles of dunes through the northern part of the Landes de Gascogne massif, like a barrier of fine sand undulating between sea and maritime pines.
Essential activity: A horseback ride along the many trails that weave their way through the maritime pines, or a gallop on the beach.
Shall we go? Porge-Océan beach can be easily reached by car from Bordeaux, but also by line 701 of the TransGironde bus (50 min).
The urban beach of Bordeaux-Lac
When the temperature in Bordeaux begins to rise, we recommend a visit to the urban beach of Bordeaux-Lac for a swim less than 15 km from the city centre.
Fine sand for building sand castles, neat little areas of grass, a pine forest for picnicking in the shade of the trees and a peaceful lake — it’s the perfect place to cool off with the family!
Essential activity: Swimming, swimming and more swimming! Good news, Bordeaux has also obtained the Blue Flag Award for its environmental management and its swimming quality!
Shall we go? Plage du Lac is easily accessible by tram from the centre of Bordeaux. So off you go and enjoy your swim!
>> Discover what to see during a weekend in Bordeaux