The Area

The Medoc, is a prestigious vineyard : the wine trail which surrounds the most famous castles : Giscours, Margaux, Pauillac, Lafite, Mouton Rotschild…

The captivating variety of the landscapes set around Europe’s largest estuary with its little ports; the greenery of the forests and over 100km of uninterrupted beaches along the ocean.

The rambles over marshes and the raising of horses as well as aquaculture.

Renowned gastronomy from the ocean including the local sea bass, prawns, whitebait and the lamprey – unique to the Gironde.

And don’t forget to stroll among the houses and other buildings of the Soulac area  which if you take the time will reveal the history they have to tell...............
 

 
Le Verdon-sur-Mer, situated at the northern extremity of the Médoc coast, and 100 km from Bordeaux, is a village marked by a past surrounded by the ocean!
You will enjoy the three beaches, three lighthouses (the Lighthouse Saint Nicolas, the lighthouse “ La Pointe de Grave”, and the oldest and most famous lighthouse in France: Cordouan Lighthouse on its rocky island). There are also no less than four harbours : Port Bloc, a commercial port, the old harbour called Port aux Huitres (=oysters) and the new marina with 800 moorings : Port Médoc.
 
Start your visit to Le Verdon at la Pointe de Grave, which overlooks the mouth of the largest estuary in Europe. Impressive and unique, the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde meet here and you can see over to the department of Charente (and especially Royan).
 
The discerning  visitor will soon realize that Le Verdon has other treasures: wide beaches on the Atlantic coast and the Gironde estuary, forests and marshes, cycle paths and hiking trails are all places to rest, stroll or exercise.
 
"My land from the sea" (local motto)
 

The Cordouan lighthouse :
You can book the boat trips to the lighthouse (with the La Bohème boat company) at  reception . The trip lasts about 3½ hours (schedules according to the tides)


Tourist train from Le Verdon to Soulac :
A little railway and a magnificient trip through the forest. A must see !

 
Curuma and the Marshes :
You can visit the Marshes with a guide who will explain the history of the creation of this exceptional area !
 

Oysters and the old harbour :
The history of Le Verdon, and visit a typical little harbour with its fishermen.

 Les Cantines :
A small natural lake 2 km from the holiday park. Head towards Soulac and take the second turn on the left into the woods.
 

The Aquaculture farm :
An unusual farm ! Visit the King prawns farm, and in summer you can taste them – hot off the grill.

Port Bloc and Port Médoc :
You can see Port Bloc from the northernmost shore and Port Medoc on the riverbank. Pleasant trips beside the ocean or the estuary !
 

Museum of the Cordouan lighthouse and Phares et Balises :
Situated in the Grave lighthouse, there are 5 rooms to visit. You can climb the tower to see a stunning  panoramic view over the estuary !
 

In Soulac sur Mer at 6 km : 

Soulac Ancient houses : *PARTNER*
Discover 500 villas, ancient houses, with a guide - a remarkable tour.
Book at Soulac Tourism office: 00335.56.09.86.61.

The Land’s end Virgin Mary Basilica
UNESCO worldwide classified.

Archaeologic Museum
Learn about the Medoc’s history, through local prehistoric or Galloroman artefacts..
More information : 00335.56.09.83.99

Fine Arts Museum
In the Archaeological Museum.
More information : 00335.56.09.83.99

Medoc fortress Memorial
In remembrance of the Medoc’s liberation at the end of World War II. Closed on Mondays.
Book at Soulac Tourism office: 00335.56.09.86.61.

In Grayan et l’hôpital at 14 km:

La Barreyre ponds
Located in the middle of a forest of pines, these ponds will be the place where you will improve your fishing and have fun in a great environment.
White fish, trout, Black Bass and Carp.
Fishing rod hire.At the end of Grayan village.
More information : 00336.85.86.20.17

 
In Vensac at 18km :

Windmill
One of the last windmills still producing flour.

In Jau Dignac Loirac at 20 km :

Richard lighthouse and its museum :
In the year 1843 a lighthouse was built on the riverside. It appears as though it wasn’t  high enough, so another lighthouse was built in 1870,  made of iron and 31 m high. In 1982 the young people of the village decided to restore the lighthouse; with the support of the mayor. In 1992 it became a heritage site.
More information : 00335.56.09.52.39 .

In Lesparre Medoc at 26 km :

The Tower of Honour : 
Built in the 14th century with a height of 30 m. Museum of local history (30km).
Tel : 00335 56 41 06 75

In Naujac sur mer at 43 kms :

Animalia parc :
A 10 hectare 19th century farm with 250 to 300 animals (45 km away). Enjoyable strolls for children. Catering and picnic food on sale.
For reservation, tel : 00335 56 73 00 73
  

Along the Estuary
A lot of small estuarial harbours such as Port de Goulé, Port de By et de Saint Christoly.

 At Royan, ZOO de La Palmyre at 10 km
Simply one of the most beautiful zoos in Europe !
More information at 00338.92.68.18.48