Our campsites in Gironde
in New Aquitaine
Looking to get away from it all? Why not go camping in Gironde?
With Cottage Parks, choose an eco-chic campsite in the heart of this multi-faceted département, between vineyards, châteaux, ocean and architectural wonders.
For your next vacation, find out all you need to know before choosing an eco-friendly campsite in Gironde.
All you have to do is pack your bags and enjoy a memorable stay.
Gironde, the ideal destination for your camping vacation
Gironde, located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region on the southwest coast of France, is an ideal destination for camping vacations.
With its mild, sunny climate, especially in summer, it offers perfect conditions for enjoying the great outdoors, between ocean, forests and vineyards.
For water sports enthusiasts, its immense sandy beaches stretch along the Côte d’Argent, a renowned spot for surfing and swimming, with popular resorts such as Lacanau and Arcachon. Nature is spectacular, with unique sites such as the Dune du Pilat, the highest in Europe, and the vast pine forests.
Gironde is also a paradise for wine and food enthusiasts. The famous Bordeaux vineyards open their doors to you for unforgettable tastings and chateau visits.
As you explore the charming surrounding villages and local markets, you’ll discover a warm, authentic atmosphere typical of the region.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation, sporting activities or cultural discoveries, Gironde will make your camping vacation unique and memorable.
What to see in Gironde during your camping vacation
Gironde is a department of incredible natural beauty, ideal for lovers of the outdoors and wide open spaces. Its varied landscapes offer an exceptional setting. Here is a selection of unmissable natural sites for unforgettable memories:
- La dune du Pilat: This giant of sand, the highest dune in Europe, offers a spectacular panorama of the ocean, the Arcachon Basin and the surrounding pine forests.
- The Arcachon Basin: A lagoon unique in France, where you can observe migratory birds, explore the Ile aux Oiseaux and its cabanes tchanquées, or stroll along the calm waters.
- La pointe de Grave: At the northern tip of the Gironde, this wild point offers magnificent beaches and a breathtaking view of the Gironde estuary and the ocean.
- Carcans-Hourtin and Lacanau lakes: Ideal for swimming, canoeing or paddling, these freshwater lakes surrounded by nature are perfect for activities with family and friends.
- Cordouan lighthouse: Known as the “Versailles of the seas”, this lighthouse off the estuary is accessible by boat and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park: A perfect place to discover the local flora and fauna, and activities such as canoeing on the Leyre or hiking through the maritime pine forest.
- The Médoc vineyards: Although famous for their wines, the rolling countryside and rows of vines offer a peaceful, picturesque setting for walks and wine tastings.
Places to visit in Gironde
Picturesque towns and villages
The Gironde is brimming with picturesque towns and villages that bear witness to its rich historical and architectural heritage. From medieval towns to prestigious châteaux and wine estates, each stop reveals a unique facet of the region.
Here are ten must-see places to immerse yourself in the charm and history of Gironde:
Bordeaux
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this emblematic city is famous for its stone facades, its quays along the Garonne and its monuments such as the Grand Théâtre, Place de la Bourse and Saint-André Cathedral.
Saint-Émilion
This medieval village surrounded by famous vineyards is a treasure to visit. Explore its cobbled streets, troglodyte churches and underground cellars, all in a UNESCO-listed setting.
Arcachon
A renowned seaside town, Arcachon is famous for its Belle Époque villas, beaches and views over the basin. The Ville d’Hiver district offers strolls between colorful houses.
Blaye
The town is home to the Citadelle de Blaye, a fortress built by Vauban, offering a breathtaking view of the Gironde estuary. A place steeped in history and a starting point for discovering the surrounding vineyards.
Pauillac
At the heart of the Médoc vineyards, Pauillac is a must for wine lovers. Visit prestigious estates, including Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Mouton Rothschild, for an immersion in the world of grands crus.
Bazas
This charming medieval town is famous for its magnificent Gothic cathedral and arcaded central square. An authentic place to discover the architecture and culture of the region.
La Réole
This historic village is one of the oldest in Gironde. Narrow streets and half-timbered houses mingle with monuments such as the priory and the 18th-century market hall.
Libourne
Situated on the banks of the Dordogne, this bastide town offers a warm atmosphere with its markets, quays and numerous wine estates.
Cadillac-sur-Garonne
Surrounded by ramparts, this bastide is famous for its Renaissance-style château, once the residence of the Dukes of Épernon. A place steeped in history, it’s well worth a visit to learn more about the nobility of Gironde.
Léognan
Nestled in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, this small town is ideal for discovering renowned wineries such as Château Haut-Bailly and Château Carbonnieux, while enjoying peaceful countryside.
Things to do in Gironde
During your eco-chic camping holiday
In Gironde, there’s no shortage of opportunities to discover the department in a fun or unusual way.
Cycling is one of the must-do activities, with numerous cycle paths through forests, vineyards and seasides, including the Vélodyssée, which runs along the Atlantic coast for magnificent ocean views.
Water sports enthusiasts will also find plenty to do, with surfing on the beaches of Lacanau and Carcans, renowned for their perfect waves, as well as kitesurfing and sailing.
For a more peaceful experience, nature-lovers can explore the shores of the Arcachon basin, discover Ile aux Oiseaux by boat, or venture out on the trails of the Landes de Gascogne nature park.
Here are some other possibilities:
- Canoeing on the Leyre, the “Little Amazon” that flows through the Landes forest
- Birdwatching at the Le Teich ornithological reserve
- Visit and tasting of grands crus from the vineyards of the Médoc and Saint-Émilion wine estates
- Paragliding at Dune du Pilat
- Freshwater fishing at Carcans-Hourtin lake
- Horseback riding in the pine forests of the Landes of Gironde
Gironde culinary specialities
The gastronomy of Gironde is a true tribute to the flavors of the land, where each dish tells the story of the region.
Famous for its prestigious wines such as Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion and Médoc, the Gironde offers exceptional vintages that go perfectly with its local specialties.
Fresh, iodized oysters from the Arcachon Basin are a must, as are foie gras and caviar from the Estuary.
On the sweet side, canelés bordelais, small caramelized cakes flavored with rum and vanilla, will delight sweet tooths.
With its rich terroir and characterful products, Gironde is a destination of choice for epicureans in search of authenticity and unique flavors.
Gironde: events
all year round
Gironde offers a rich calendar of annual events celebrating the region’s culture, gastronomy and heritage. Here are a few not-to-be-missed events to help you plan your vacation around the festivities:
- Bordeaux Wine Festival – June
- International Street Arts Festival in Bordeaux and Langon – July
- Arcachon Basin Festival – August
- Heritage Days – September
- Médoc Marathon – September
- Mortagne-sur-Gironde horror film festival – October
- Saint-Émilion Grape Harvest Festival – October
Book your eco-friendly campsite in Gironde with Cottage Parks
Rent accommodation in an eco-responsible campsite in Gironde with Cottage Parks for an authentic experience in the heart of nature while preserving the environment.
Nestled in picturesque settings, our eco-chic campsites offer an idyllic setting to recharge your batteries, while having a positive impact on the planet.
When you choose Cottage Parks, you combine relaxation, adventure and ecological commitment for a memorable vacation.
Discover the natural treasures of Gironde, with its sandy beaches, renowned vineyards and varied landscapes. Book now to explore the beauty of the Gironde countryside and take part in responsible tourism that values nature and local produce.