Hourtin Lake
Camping Gironde, book your stay!
The Gironde, the ideal destination for your camping holiday
The ocean that stretches as far as the eye can see, lakes where watersports rule the water, vineyards renowned throughout the world... The Gironde, the largest of all the departments in metropolitan France, and Bordeaux, its capital, offer so many facets for you to discover this summer!
On the front row of these extraordinary natural landscapes, get yourself comfortable in this Gironde campsite and surf the holiday wave looking out towards the Atlantic! After waking up, having enjoyed a great night's sleep in your tent, caravan or cottage with all the mod cons, the day begins on an invigorating note: aquagym lessons in the heated swimming pools of the water park for some, and surfing, tennis or fitness for others! Littler campers, meanwhile, will be enjoying themselves in the free kids clubs: just the thing for them to make lots of new friends and try all sorts of new activities!
Visit the Gironde with the family
From the tip of the Médoc to the Dune du Pilat, the beaches of the sublime Côte d’Argent will be a sure-fire hit with all campers! Start by acquainting yourself with those of Le Verdon-sur-Mer, which lie at the entrance to the Gironde estuary looking towards the Cordouan lighthouse, the “Versailles of the Seas”. Perhaps you'll step aboard a ferry to spend the day with your family in Royan?
And to the south, head for Hourtin-Plage, where you can soak up the delights of both freshwater and saltwater, and stop off at the Île aux Enfants, a lovely theme park alongside the lake. And then you’re hardly any distance at all from La Teste-de-Buch where the famous Dune du Pilat awaits you for a spectacular climb!
Visit the Gironde as a couple
As well as being home to some of the loveliest beaches of the Atlantic seaboard, the Gironde prides itself in offering visitors the option of trying some of the great wines which have made this such a renowned location when it comes to grapes! So when visiting this totally delightful land, don’t forget to explore the byways of the countryside around Bordeaux and stop off at some of the innumerable châteaux and wine estates. Let the châteaux and cellars of the Médoc open wide their doors!
And then there’s Bordeaux itself, capital of the Gironde and another port of call not to be missed during your stay in Aquitaine. All who love a great wine will find their footsteps leading them to the Cité du Vin, whilst others prefer to chill out with the city locals as they cool off at the Place de la Bourse. But whatever you do, don’t leave without having sampled the famous canelés, there’s no better dessert for a romantic dinner à deux!
Camping Gironde: our handy tips for a successful stay
Sun cream, parasol, swimwear: don't forget the essentials, as it's always sunny in the Gironde during summer!
Discover the most spectacular views from the top of the 110 metre Dune du Pilat!
Set off to find the beach of your dreams; the coastline of the Gironde has a huge range of options!
Leave the car behind: get the bike out and wind your way along the Vélodyssée trail alongside the ocean!
Our top reasons to get away
A camping getaway in the Gironde – for a family holiday, a romantic break or a group trip with friends – offers a unique blend of unspoilt nature, beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage and mouthwatering cuisine, all in a captivating and convenient location.
Extraordinary natural surroundings
From the sandy shores of the Atlantic to the pine forests and prestigious vineyards of the Médoc, the Gironde boasts a rich variety of landscapes in a stunning natural setting. You can go hiking, cycling and observe the local flora and fauna – a fantastic combination for a superb seaside camping holiday!
Activities and entertainment for all the family
Sandaya campsites in the Gironde, located by the ocean and the lakes, provide a variety of entertainment and activities that cater for all age groups, such as the children’s clubs, theme nights, sports tournaments and organised excursions.
Exclusive locations
Our campsites in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine are located near beaches, lakes, forests and vineyards, providing easy access to a multitude of outdoor activities, watersports such as surfing, and swimming and sunbathing.
Tourist attractions nearby
The Gironde is brimming with cultural heritage and history. Visitors can explore iconic sites in the department or the region, including Bordeaux, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its elegant architecture, museums, wine tasting opportunities, the Médoc wine routes… and more.
The benefits of a luxury campsite in the Gironde
A 4 star luxury campsite in the Gironde offers a high-end holiday experience, combining comfort, top-notch services and a privileged location.
Deluxe accommodation
Sandaya premium campsites in the Gironde feature high-end amenities including a water park, covered swimming pool and heated swimming pool, with a range of spacious and comfortable living spaces for all.
The Gironde is packed with gorgeous towns to explore, each with its own distinct charm, history and attractions. Here are some of the most beautiful towns to visit in the Gironde:
- Bordeaux: The region’s capital Bordeaux is a smart and vibrant city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkable 18th-century architecture. It is also renowned for its vast vineyards, cobbled streets, lively quays along the River Garonne, museums, luxury boutiques and outstanding gastronomy.
- Cap Ferret: Set between the Atlantic Ocean and Arcachon Bay, Cap Ferret boasts a variety of breathtaking landscapes. From fine sandy beaches to majestic dunes and maritime pine forests, nature is preserved in all its glory here.
- Arcachon: Poised on the shores of Arcachon Bay, this seaside town is celebrated for its sandy beaches, colourful fishing huts set on stilts, the Dune du Pilat (the highest dune in Europe), its bustling port and fresh oyster tastings.
- Biscarrosse: This charming seaside resort is renowned for its vast sandy beaches and stunning natural scenery, and provides a beautiful backdrop when you want to swim, enjoy watersports or simply relax. In addition to the ocean, Biscarrosse is surrounded by beautiful inland lakes, such as Lake Biscarrosse-Parentis.
- Lacanau: This town is blessed with beautiful beaches that are just the thing when you want to relax, take a dip or enjoy watersports such as surfing, bodyboarding and kitesurfing. During the summer months, Lacanau buzzes with a lively summer vibe, thanks to its cultural events, craft markets and festivals.
- Sanguinet: Located in the Landes department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine, near the Atlantic coast, Sanguinet draws visitors with a spectacular natural attraction – Lake Sanguinet, one of the largest natural lakes in France. It is the setting for a multitude of aquatic activities such as swimming, sailing, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing and water skiing. The sandy beaches that line the lake are also the ideal spot for chilling out and soaking up the sun.
- Saint-Émilion: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saint-Émilion is a picturesque medieval town recognised worldwide for its exceptional vineyards and wines. Its cobbled streets, Romanesque churches, wine cellars and sweeping vineyard views make it a must-see destination for wine lovers and history buffs alike.
- Pauillac: In the heart of the Medoc, Pauillac is a lovely wine-growing town surrounded by well-known vineyards, including some that produce classified Bordeaux wines. Wine lovers can visit the region’s prestigious châteaux for tastings and guided tours.
- Blaye: Dominated by its famous 17th-century citadel, Blaye is a fortified town offering all-round views of the Gironde estuary. Visitors can explore its ramparts, picturesque alleys, traditional market and the surrounding vineyards.
- Soulac-sur-Mer: Set on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Soulac-sur-Mer is a real gem on the Aquitaine coast, prized for its sandy beaches and elegant Belle Époque villas. Visitors will discover a haven of peace where they can enjoy a stroll along the seafront, admire the historic architecture and spend time relaxing in the sun.
These towns are just a small sample of the natural and cultural assets of the Gironde.
The Gironde is teeming with remarkable tourist attractions. Here are some of the best-known sights to see:
- The Dune du Pilat: The Dune du Pilat, located on the Atlantic coast, is the highest dune in Europe. It offers spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean, the forest and Arcachon Bay.
- The Cité du Vin in Bordeaux: This is an interactive cultural centre dedicated to wine and its heritage, offering exhibitions, tastings and events on the theme of wine-growing.
- The vineyards of the Médoc: Follow the Médoc Route des Châteaux and discover the prestigious wineries of this region renowned for its Grands Crus Classés. A tour of the vineyards and wine cellars is a must for anyone who appreciates good wine.
- Arcachon Bay: This coastal lagoon is home to oyster-farming villages, sandy beaches, quaint harbours and pristine islands. A trip up to the Cabane tchanquée (a wooden cabin built on stilts) is a must if you want to admire Arcachon Bay and savour an authentic seaside experience that will stay with you forever.
- Citadel of Blaye: This 17th-century fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers sweeping views of the Gironde estuary. Visitors can explore its ramparts, underground tunnels and former prison.
- The Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park: This vast natural park encompasses a variety of landscapes, from pine forests to marshes and lakes, and is the perfect arena for an array of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and wildlife observation.
The Gironde has plenty of beautiful beaches where you can swim. Here are some of the best known:
- Lacanau beach: Found on the Atlantic coast, this beach is well-known for its vast stretches of fine sand, and is popular with surfers and families for its rolling waves and buzzing atmosphere.
- La Corniche beach in Arcachon: a sheltered beach on Arcachon Bay with calm, shallow waters making it perfect for children.
- La Pointe du Cap Ferret beach: a serene expanse of sand bordered by dunes and pine trees, offering beachgoers a peaceful atmosphere
- Biscarrosse beach: This beach is renowned for its dunes, crystal-clear waters and abundant recreational facilities, including beach clubs, surfing and kitesurfing schools, and a chance to play beach volleyball.
- Soulac-sur-Mer beach: This beach boasts vast stretches of soft sand lined with pine trees and dunes, making it the ideal setting for sunbathing and swimming.
- Le Grand Crohot beach: Located on the Cap Ferret peninsula, this beach is graced with a natural and well-preserved environment, complete with sandy dunes and tranquil waters, making it a great spot for family swimming.
- Le Porge beach: Nestled between forest and ocean, this beach is appreciated for its tranquil atmosphere and pristine natural environment.
Each beach boasts a distinctive atmosphere and offers different things to do, but they are all renowned for their natural beauty and excellent swimming conditions.
Most of the Sandaya 4 and 5 star campsites in the Gironde have their own water park, with a heated, covered swimming pool.
So, just take your pick! Choose from:
- A camping holiday in a premium mobile home: a mobile home rental in the Gironde provides a comfortable, modern, and luxurious living space for all the family.
- Camping pitches: our camping pitches in the Gironde are spacious, modern and well equipped, so you can experience complete peace and quiet surrounded by nature, with a full range of water-based activities close by.
- Luxury lodge: tailored to holidaymakers who appreciate exclusivity and sophistication, this type of accommodation offers high-end, modern amenities.