Top Things to Do on the Coast of Nouvelle-Aquitaine

From watersports to hiking to island-hopping, there’s plenty to do along this long stretch of coastline…

ON LAND AND SEA

Go for a splash

Take the kids for some family fun to Splash Park at Les Grands Lacs. There are two giant inflatable aquatic playgrounds to choose from-Splash Park Lacanau at Moutchic (Lac de Lacanau), or Splash Park Hourtin at Hourtin Port (Lac d’Hourtin).

splash-park.fr/fr

Cycling the Côte Sauvage

A 25km traffic-free cycle path crosses through the beautiful Forêt domaniale de la Coubre, which gives access to beaches. Or you could take in a section of the long-distance La Vélodyssée cycle route. Either way, there’s cycle hire at the Phare de la Coubre en route.

Tour the Médoc vineyards by bike

See the best of the Médoc vineyards on a private e-bike wine tour to see world-renowned vineyards, prestigious châteaux and historic villages. Each tour is guided by a local bilingual expert. The 15km (9 mile) e-bike ride through the vineyards includes a château visit with wine tasting.

www.alafrancaise.fr/en/bordeaux

Hike to the summit of La Rhune

Hiking to the summit of La Rhune is (almost) as popular as taking the train. It takes approximately three to four hours Why not hike to the summit of La Rhune instead of taking the train? depending on the route taken and levels of fitness; the most popular routes begin from the villages of Sare, Ascain and Olhette, or from the Col de Saint-Ignace. Note that. if you wish to make the descent by train, tickets can only be bought at the summit, subject to availability.

ATTRACTIONS

Pont Transbordeur

The only bridge of its kind left in France (and one of only eight remaining in the world), the Pont Transbordeur, on the outskirts of Rochefort, once transported horses and carts across the River Charente in a gondola suspended from the bridge. Today, cyclists and foot passengers can cross from one riverbank to the other; using the restored gondola. A small museum tells the bridge’s story.

www.pont-transbordeur.fr/rochefort-transporter-bridge

Le Port des Salines Ecomusée

Discover the historic practice of salt production and explore the unique saltmarsh landscape of the Île d’Oléron. The museum keeps a dying tradition alive, as most salt beds across the island are disappearing to make way for other uses. You can take a boat ride through the stunning, semi- natural landscape, or opt for a guided walking tour: www.port-des-salines.fr/ ecomusee/

Les Abatilles

Visit the source of Abatilles, a popular natural mineral water that’s served in many upmarket restaurants across France. The water takes years to flow underground from the Massif Central before being stored naturally in an aquifer 472m below ground, near Arcachon. Midweek, it’s possible to visit the production workshop where the water is bottled, otherwise you can visit the ‘Kiosque’, popular with visitors taking the water a century ago.

www.sourcedesabatilles.com

From France Today Magazine