Are you visiting the South-West of France? Don’t miss out on a visit to the Médoc, a sublime region renowned for its vineyards, but also brimming with activities of all kinds!
Head for the Gironde! And more specifically, to that small point in the north of the department: the Médoc. When we think of the Médoc, we often think first of its prestigious, internationally renowned vineyards! But the Médoc is also the ocean, the pine forests, the marshes, the ponds, the lakes… All scattered in the middle of a territory full of character, with a rich historical and architectural heritage!
Whether you’re a hiker, a surfer, a fisherman, a mountain biker, a naturist, a camper, an oenophile or a gourmet, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for when you visit the Médoc! To help you discover this sublime little corner of France, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the best ways to visit the Médoc.
The Médoc in a nutshell
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Arcachonphoto.com
The Médoc is a natural region of France located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, in the Gironde département. It is bounded by northwest Bordeaux, the Pointe de Grave, the Atlantic Ocean, the Gironde estuary and the Landes forest.
The Médoc region is divided into 3 parts:
- Haut-Médoc, along the Gironde estuary, is the wine-growing region par excellence. Its rocky soil is home to numerous grape varieties, which, thanks to the area’s humid climate, produce some of the world’s most prestigious wines. It’s here that you’ll discover the famous « châteaux », wine estates built around sublime bourgeois mansions;
- The Bas-Médoc is a former marshland area, where the wealth of flora and fauna is exceptional and therefore protected. Lesparre-Médoc, Saint-Vivien-de-Médoc and Soulac-sur-Mer are the must-see towns in this area;
- Finally, the Landes du Médoc is home to a large part of the incredible Landes forest. This pine forest borders the Atlantic and covers an area of almost 1 million hectares! The Landes du Médoc also boasts two major lakes: Lac de Carcans-Hourtin and Lac de Lacanau. There are also well-known seaside resorts such as Montalivet, Carcans and Lacanau.
1. Hiking
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Arcachonphoto.com
What better way to visit the Médoc than on foot? The region is a veritable paradise for walkers and hikers at heart. You’ll find a wide variety of terrain and landscapes, accessible to all levels.
There are kilometers of marked trails through vineyards, marshes and pine forests. You can also follow part of the GR8 along the coast, or the Camino de Compostela, from the Pointe du Verdon-sur-Mer to the Bay of Arcachon.
The Médoc also has many nature reserves to explore, such as the exceptional Réserve Naturelle Nationale des Dunes et marais d’Hourtin. We advise you to discover it accompanied by a naturalist guide, for a fascinating experience.
Practical information:
- Guided tours: mushroom harvesting, stag bellowing, crane migration… There’s a whole program of guided tours and themed tours set up every year, and for every season. Some are free, like the Hourtin dunes and marshes nature reserve. Others require a contribution of between €1 and €5;
- Hiking on your own: if you’d like to explore the Médoc on foot at your own pace, there are many well-marked trails. You can also opt for a topoguide of the region, offering a whole host of circuits. Loops, circuits, crossings, from 1 to over 100 km, take your pick;
- Hiking with a guide: if you want a guide to accompany you, it will cost between €100 and €300 per day.
2. The bike
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Arcachonphoto.com
Another great way to visit the Médoc is by bike. And the region lends itself well to cycling, with over 400 km of cycle paths! If you’re more of a mountain biker, you can take advantage of the trails that wind through the magnificent Landes maritime pine forest.
And for the more sporty, the « Vélodyssée », with its various « Accueil vélo » label accommodation sites, crosses the whole of the Médoc along the Atlantic coast.
Whether you’re looking for a sporty way to spend a day, or just a friendly way to spend a day, visiting the Médoc by bike is a popular way to spend a day!
Practical information:
There are several ways to visit the Médoc by bike. If you have your own bike, you can discover the area on your own, with family or friends.
You can also rent bikes from one of the many rental companies in the region. On average, you’ll pay €8 for a half-day, €10 for a day and €40 for a week.
3. Horseback riding
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Gareth Kirkland
Ride or gallop through an infinite variety of landscapes to visit the Médoc! Horseback riding is an original and enjoyable way to discover this exceptional region. Along the beach or in the forest, for 1 hour or over several days, choose the formula that suits you for a memorable experience, that’s for sure.
Practical information:
- Would you like to visit the Médoc on horseback? You can book a guided tour with one of the nearby equestrian clubs;
- The walks are open to all and supervised by experienced professionals;
- A 2-hour walk costs around €40, a half-day €55 and a full day €90.
4. Surfing
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Arcachonphoto.com
Are you visiting the Médoc in search of the best waves? The region boasts no fewer than 15 of Gironde’s best surf spots, covering 120 km of beach! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, the Médoc is the ideal playground for any self-respecting surfer.
From Lacanau to Cordouan, via Carcans Plage, Hourtin Plage, Montalivet-les-Bains and Soulac-sur-Mer, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to becoming one with your board.
There are plenty of surf schools where you can learn or improve your skills! And for surfing enthusiasts, don’t miss the « Caraïbos Lacanau Pro » in August, where the world’s greatest surfers compete every year.
Practical information:
- Surfing is an activity accessible to everyone, all ages and all levels;
- For 1 or 2 hours of group surfing lessons, expect to pay an average of €40. Private lessons range from 60€ to 90€ for 1h30 of practice;
- Prices include the loan of equipment, insurance and transport to the venue;
- If you just want to rent your equipment and go surfing on your own, you’ll pay around €12 for a 2-hour rental (board + wetsuit) or around €30 for a day.
5. Motorhome or van
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Why not visit the Médoc in a motorhome or converted van? Thanks to this means of locomotion, a wind of freedom will blow over your vacation. Take your time, and enjoy the landscapes you’ll pass through on board your home on wheels.
It’s the ideal way to criss-cross the roads in search of the best spot. You’ll be free to stop wherever you like, to do whatever you like, whenever you like.
Practical information:
- It is recommended to make an online reservation through a motorhome and converted van rental platform;
- Make sure you choose unlimited mileage, for greater peace of mind;
- Before you leave, download an application to find the best spots for the night, wilderness sites, parking areas or campsites;
- Prices vary according to a number of criteria, such as the number of beds, the model of motorhome or van, the equipment available, and whether pets are allowed. In the Médoc region, the average daily price is around €64.
6. Sailing
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Arcachonphoto.com
What better way to visit the Médoc than to indulge in the joys of sailing? For experienced sailors, there’s nothing like the Atlantic Ocean or the estuary to take to the water aboard a catamaran, sailboat, windsurfer or kite surfer!
And if you’re a novice and these playgrounds are too hard for you to tame, why not try your hand on the lakes at Hourtin-Carcans or Lacanau?
Practical information:
- Count 50€ for 1 hour of private sailing or catamaran lessons, 25€ for a group lesson;
- A half-day catamaran trip costs around €35 per person;
- A kite surfing session lasting around 15 minutes will cost you an average of €40.
7. Cruises
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Hadrien Sabatier
When you come to visit the Médoc, you can’t miss a trip to Europe’s largest estuary: the Gironde Estuary. And one of the best ways to make the most of it is to take a cruise.
As you stroll along, you’ll discover the picturesque little harbors that line the coastline, a few islands, and sublime buildings like Fort Médoc, the Richard lighthouse and the Cordouan lighthouse.
Practical information:
- You can opt for a trip with a skipper for around €30 per person (for a group of 6 people – 1 hour trip);
- If you have a boating license, you can hire a small boat without a skipper, for up to 6 passengers. The cost is €290 for a half-day and around €400 for a full day.
8. From the air
Photo credit: Shutterstock – wjarek
An unusual way to visit the Médoc: from the sky! Interested?
Parachute
For thrill-seekers, opt for parachute jumping! Thrills guaranteed with a breathtaking view!
Practical information:
- A skydiving experience costs between €250 and €300 on average;
- A medical certificate of no contraindication to parachute jumping less than one year old is required.
Hot-air balloon
For an equally breathtaking view and a moment of absolute tranquility, opt for a hot-air balloon flight over the Médoc. A unique experience full of emotion.
Practical information:
Approximately 245€ for an introductory flight lasting 20 minutes, and 350€ for 1 hour.
ULM
Another way to experience the Médoc from the air is by microlight. Discover all the beauty of the region by flying at medium altitude.
Practical information:
On average €70 for a 20-minute flight, €120 for a 30-minute flight and €170 for a 45-minute flight.
9. Water sports
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Arcachonphoto.com
A visit to the Médoc also means a wide range of activities for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts! Between the Atlantic, the Estuary and the various lakes that make up the region, you’ll be spoilt for choice: stand-up paddling, kayaking, wakeboarding and water skiing, or even water parks… Young and old alike will be delighted!
Practical information:
- Stand up paddle: between €12 and €25 / per adult, for 1h / 1h30 rental;
- Kayak: between 10€ and 25€/per adult for 1h to 2h30 rental;
- Wakeboarding and water-skiing: on average €35/person for a 20-minute session.
10. Naturism
Photo credit: Facebook – CHM Montalivet Camping Naturiste
Why not visit the Médoc in the nude? Yes, you’ll be surprised (or not) to learn that the Médoc is one of France’s leading naturist spots, particularly around Montalivet. The region boasts a number of naturist villages and campsites, so you can enjoy a completely nude vacation!
11. The car
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Alexey Senchenkov
Visit the Médoc by car… Simple but effective! You can easily drive along the famous Route des Châteaux, one of the most famous wine routes in the world. You’ll be able to discover some of the world’s finest vintages – in moderation, of course.
Big names like Château Margaux, Château Laffite-Rothschild and Château Latour, as well as smaller family estates and cooperative wineries, open their doors to you for tastings.
Whether you’re with family or friends, there’s a wide range of activities on offer when you visit the Médoc!
Map of hotels and accommodation – Gironde, France