Bordeaux Beaches

Overview

While world-famous for its vineyards, Bordeaux also serves as a fantastic gateway to the stunning Atlantic coast, making it easy to combine a city break with seaside relaxation. The region's most beautiful beaches are just an hour away, offering a perfect escape from the city. This unique blend of urban culture and coastal charm answers a key question for many visitors: Bordeaux is indeed an excellent base for a beach holiday, with convenient train and bus links connecting the city to the ocean.

Among the area's highlights is the unforgettable Plage de la Corniche, set against the backdrop of Europe's tallest sand dune, the Dune du Pilat. For the easiest trip from the city, Plage Arcachon is a classic seaside resort town accessible by a direct train. If you prefer not to leave the city at all, Plage du Lac offers a sandy, freshwater alternative right in Bordeaux, reachable by tram. For those seeking a wilder landscape, the scenic Beach Grand Crohot on the Cap Ferret peninsula is framed by dramatic dunes and pine forests.

The Atlantic coast is renowned for powerful waves, making spots like Lacanau a surfer's paradise, but the strong currents require caution for swimmers. In contrast, the sheltered waters of Arcachon Bay provide calmer conditions ideal for families. Whether you're seeking thrilling water sports or a peaceful day on the sand, the coastline near Bordeaux has something to offer. For more inspiration, explore our complete guide to the best beaches in the region.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Bordeaux a good destination for a beach holiday?

While Bordeaux is famous for its wine, it's not directly on the coast. However, it serves as an excellent base for a beach holiday. The beautiful Atlantic coast beaches are about an hour's drive or train ride away. Many visitors combine a city break in Bordeaux with day trips to nearby coastal towns like Arcachon, Cap Ferret, and Lacanau, offering a mix of culture and seaside relaxation.

How do you get to the beaches from Bordeaux without a car?

You can easily reach the coast from Bordeaux using public transport. A regional train (TER) runs frequently from Bordeaux's Saint-Jean station to Arcachon, taking about 50 minutes. From Arcachon, local buses can take you to the Dune du Pilat and other nearby beaches. Additionally, regional buses connect Bordeaux to other coastal spots like Lacanau and Lège-Cap-Ferret, especially during the summer months.

Can you swim in the ocean near Bordeaux?

Yes, you can swim in the Atlantic Ocean. However, the water can be quite cool, even in summer, with average temperatures around 20-21°C (68-70°F) in July and August. The ocean beaches are known for powerful waves and strong currents, making them fantastic for surfing but requiring caution for casual swimmers. Always swim in supervised areas marked by flags. For calmer and warmer water, the beaches within Arcachon Bay or the region's freshwater lakes are excellent alternatives.

What's the best time of year for a beach trip in Bordeaux?

The best time for a beach holiday is from June to September when the weather is warmest and all beach facilities, including lifeguard supervision, are operational. July and August are the peak months with the liveliest atmosphere but also the largest crowds. For fewer people and pleasant weather, consider visiting in June or September.

Which is better for a day trip: Arcachon or Cap Ferret?

The choice between Arcachon and Cap Ferret depends on the vibe you're looking for. Arcachon is a classic, bustling seaside resort town with a long promenade, many restaurants, and calmer bay beaches ideal for families. Cap Ferret, on the other side of the bay, offers a more chic, bohemian, and natural atmosphere with wild ocean beaches on one side and quaint oyster-farming villages on the other. You can take a ferry between the two to experience both.

Are the beaches near Bordeaux good for families with children?

Yes, the region offers excellent family-friendly beaches. The beaches inside Arcachon Bay, like Plage Pereire or Plage de la Hume, have calm, shallow waters perfect for young children. Additionally, the large freshwater lakes such as Lac de Lacanau and Lac de Cazaux have supervised sandy beaches with warm, waveless water and often feature picnic areas and boat rentals.

Plage Pereire

Beach of La Hume

Where is the best place for surfing near Bordeaux?

Lacanau-Océan is the most famous surfing spot near Bordeaux, known for its consistent waves and hosting professional surfing competitions. It has numerous surf schools suitable for all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced surfers. Le Porge and the ocean-facing beaches of Cap Ferret are also excellent choices with great waves and a slightly less crowded feel.

How do you get to the beach at the Dune du Pilat?

After arriving at the main Dune du Pilat visitor area (accessible by car or bus from Arcachon), you must first climb the dune to get to the beach. In the summer, a temporary staircase with about 160 steps is installed to make the ascent easier. Alternatively, you can climb directly up the sand. Once at the top, you walk across the ridge and down the other side to reach the vast, beautiful beach at its base, which faces the Banc d'Arguin.

Should I stay in Bordeaux and do day trips, or stay at a beach town?

This depends on your holiday preference. Stay in Bordeaux if you want to experience a vibrant city with world-class dining, culture, and nightlife, while taking one or two day trips to the coast. Stay in a beach town like Arcachon or Lacanau if your priority is a dedicated sun-and-sand holiday, with easy daily access to the beach and a more relaxed, seaside resort atmosphere.

Are there any beaches you can reach by tram from Bordeaux city center?

Yes, the most accessible beach is at Bordeaux-Lac. You can take Tram C directly from the city center to a large freshwater lake with a sandy, supervised beach. It's a popular spot for locals and families looking for a quick and easy way to cool off during the summer without traveling all the way to the coast. The beach is typically open and supervised from June to August.

Plage du Lac

What are the tides like in Arcachon Bay and do they affect swimming?

The tides in Arcachon Bay are very significant and have a major impact on the beaches. At low tide, the water can recede for hundreds of meters, leaving vast expanses of sand and mudflats. This is great for walking and shell-collecting, but not for swimming. It's essential to check the tide times before you go; for swimming and water activities, you'll want to be there during high tide.

Are there any naturist or clothing-optional beaches near Bordeaux?

Yes, there are designated naturist beaches on the Atlantic coast. A well-known area for naturism is the southern section of the beach at Le Porge-Océan. Another is found at La Jenny, which is a dedicated naturist holiday village with direct beach access. These areas are typically well-marked and located away from the main family sections of the beaches.

Bordeaux Beaches

Overview

Editor's Pick

Plage de la Corniche

Plage Arcachon

Plage du Lac

Beach Grand Crohot

People Also Ask

Is Bordeaux a good destination for a beach holiday?

How do you get to the beaches from Bordeaux without a car?

Can you swim in the ocean near Bordeaux?

What's the best time of year for a beach trip in Bordeaux?

Which is better for a day trip: Arcachon or Cap Ferret?

Are the beaches near Bordeaux good for families with children?

Where is the best place for surfing near Bordeaux?

How do you get to the beach at the Dune du Pilat?

Should I stay in Bordeaux and do day trips, or stay at a beach town?

Are there any beaches you can reach by tram from Bordeaux city center?

What are the tides like in Arcachon Bay and do they affect swimming?

Are there any naturist or clothing-optional beaches near Bordeaux?

Beaches for Every Taste

Sand Beaches in Bordeaux

Nudist Beaches in Bordeaux

Explore More Local Beaches

Plage Pereire

Beach of La Hume

Bordeaux Beaches Map

Bordeaux: Weather Today

Explore More