La Garonne
Bordeaux & La Garonne

Porte Cailhau

Some 1,810 hectares of Bordeaux are listed a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will delight in discovering this remarkable area, between the outer boulevards and the Port of the Moon, i.e. the crescent shape bend formed by the Garonne, as well as the strip of land along the right bank. Do not miss:

• The Saint-André Cathedral & Pey-Berland Tower: Located near the City Hall, this is the most beautiful religious monument in Bordeaux
• The Water mirror: Located across from Place de la Bourse, between Quai de la Douane and Quai Louis XVIII, this spectacular pool, designed by landscape artist Michel Corajoud, alternates a mirror effect and artificial misting in an extraordinary way. The rhythmic changes in 2 cm of water on a gigantic slab of granite make this location truly magical.
• The Saint-Pierre district, the historic heart of Bordeaux, located behind the 18^th century Place de la Bourse.
• The Porte Cailhau, a royal entrance between the city and the river, dating from 1494, built to commemorate Charles VIII's victory at Fornovo (Italy).
• The left bank quays overlooking the Garonne: The quayside in Bordeaux is one of the most magnificent waterfronts in the world thanks to beautiful 18th century façades lining the river and numerous listed historic buildings. The lawns, parks, and gardens along the Garonne have become great places to take a walk, ride a bike, go shopping or simply relax and enjoy oneself.  The Quai des Marques is the ideal place to go shopping and also to enjoy a drink on a café terrace overlooking the Garonne.

Public garden

www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk/What-to-see-do/Wine-and-gastronomy/Wine-tours

Dune du Pilat

Fisherman's hut
Ocean

• The ocean is not far away. Follow the Garonne to get to the Gironde, the largest estuary in Europe, at the mouth of which the Cordouan Lighthouse has stood for centuries. From Soulac-sur-Mer, the Atlantic coast runs south in an almost straight line with sandy beaches, down to the Bay of Arcachon and the elegant town of the same name. Then all that remains to be done is climb the famous Dune du Pilat to appreciate everything from the top of the highest sand dune in Europe!
• Bassin d’Arcachon: South of the Dune du Pilat, the golden beaches of the Bassin d'Arcachon and the villas of the 1950s make it a destination of choice for the most refined holidaymakers.
  
• Visit the oyster-farming ports: taste fresh oysters from the local oyster farmer at the water’s edge, stroll among the colourful huts or watch the comings and goings of the flat-bottomed boats.
• Discover Saint-Emilion: Founded in the 8th century, the city has been registered in 1999 as World Heritage under "Cultural Landscapes".
• Surfing: Gironde is an ideal destination for surfing. The department has many dream spots very popular with surfers like the famous beaches of Lacanau and Soulac-sur-Mer.