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Family in Gironde
This is one of the key factors in the success of this much sought after destination, which enjoys almost as much sunshine as the shores of the Mediterranean.
As regards scenery, this is a destination where Mother Nature and Mankind alike have never failed to think big, and which could well accommodate the most spectacular Hollywood super-production. There’s something for everyone here!
The immense, majestic pine forests of South Gironde make their way down to the Arcachon Basin and continue on to the Pointe du Médoc.
The Gironde’s wide open spaces have been taken over by vineyards, from Saint-Emilion to the Pointe du Médoc and on to South Gironde. Water is omnipresent, with the ocean, rivers and streams, the Gironde Estuary and the largest lakes in France.
There is a fine selection of local produce and culinary specialities, served everywhere from the most modest of tables to the finest of gourmet restaurants, with oysters from the Arcachon Basin, wines, foie gras, duck in all its forms, Bazas beef, cannelés, and much more besides.
There are countless activities on offer, ensuring that there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy, whatever their interests may be.
And there is an almost inexhaustible local heritage to discover, great and small alike, making the Gironde county France’s second patrimonial area after Île de France (which is, after all, a whole Region)…
The Gironde has a thousand and one riches awaiting your discovery with the help of the county’s inhabitants, who display all the friendliness, generosity, delight in sharing and joie de vivre typical of the Southwest mentality.
The Gironde is without doubt an unparalleled family destination.
Zoom on sports and leisure activities to discover and enjoy together as a family
All summer long, the Gironde’s 20 CAP33 centres invite families and anyone over 15 years of age to discover and try their hand at a whole range of sports and leisure activities.
Four “CAP33 Juniors” are open to unaccompanied 8-14 year-olds – at Biganos
, Grayan-et-l’Hôpital
, Soulac-sur-mer (for 12-14 year-olds only)
and Vendays-Montalivet.
CAP 33 centres welcome over 140,000 holidaymakers every year, with a wide range of sports, leisure, cultural and environmental activities on offer and open to all. Discovery activities are free of charge, and lessons and tournaments are organised at very low enrolment fees.
For the list of accredited CAP 33 centres:
www.cg33.fr/cg33/jcms/c_10756/cap33-decouvrir-et-pratiquer-sport-et-loisirs-en-famille
A few ideas for family activities
The discovery farms in the “Bienvenue à la Ferme” network, including the “Oh Légumes oubliés!” farm and park in Sadirac, Entre-Deux-Mers, with its “labyrinthe gourmand”.
The “accro-branches” treetop adventure centres in the Médoc forest, on the banks of the Ciron and in the Arcachon Basin.
Zoos such as the Coccinelle in Gujan-Mestras, specially designed for the very young, or the Cadaujac Exotic Farm not far from Bordeaux.
The Little Tourist Trains, including the amazing steam locomotive at Guîtres in Pays du Libournais.
Museums where educational activities are on offer, such as Cap Sciences in Bordeaux.
Discoveries of the vineyards, together with the grown-ups, along the “Sentier Viticole de la Butte de Cazevert” in Entre-Deux-Mers, on the iPod-driven treasure hunt at Château d’Agassac in Médoc, or at the commentated grape-juice tasting sessions organised by Planète Bordeaux at Beychac-et-Caillau.
Carcans-Maubuisson, in Médoc on the Atlantic coast, carries the “Station Kid” label and is an ideal destination for a family holiday.
