Geography
With a surface area of 10,000 km2, Gironde is France’s biggest department. It is part of the current region of Aquitaine and is surrounded by the departments of Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, Dordogne, Charente, and Charente-Maritime, as well as the Atlantic Ocean on the west with its 126 kilometres of coastline and beaches. Then comes the immense forest protected by dunes—480,000 hectares of maritime pine trees. Its capital, Bordeaux, is also the capital of Aquitaine. The main seaside resorts in Gironde are Soulac, Carcans, Montalivet, Hourtin, Lacanau, Le Porge, and Arcachon, while other key cities include Bordeaux, Langon, Blaye, Libourne, and Lesparre-Médoc.
Climate
The proximity of the ocean and the influence of the Gulf Stream warm the coastline. The annual average temperature reaches 12.3°C. Winters are mild (5–7°C in January) and frosts are very rare—less than 50 days per year. In Gironde, mimosa flowers bloom as early as mid-January. Summers, with temperatures of 19–21°C in July and August, are very bearable, and the coastal ocean water remains at similar temperatures. Bordeaux enjoys 2063 hours of sun a year, while coastal areas exceed 2100 hours of sunshine.
Towns
Bordeaux, besides being the capital of Aquitaine, is also the world’s wine industry capital. Bordeaux wine derives its name from the renowned wines produced in the region since the 8th century. The historic part of the city is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding urban and architectural ensemble of the 18th century. Built on a bend of the river Garonne, the city is divided into the right bank (east) and left bank (west). Key landmarks include St Andre Cathedral, Ste Croix Church, the Basilica of St Seurin, and Place de la Bourse.
Arcachon is a popular seaside resort on the bay of the same name. It is crowned by Europe’s largest sand dune, the Dune de Pyla (du Pilat), which is nearly 3 kilometres long, 500 metres wide, and reaches 107 metres in height while moving inland at about 5 metres per year. This area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and gourmet oyster fans.
Activities
Enjoy a variety of leisure activities including cycling, horseback riding, and golf, which combine physical activity with the discovery of nature. Gironde is ideal for sailing, water-skiing, kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing, scuba diving, and surfing in exceptional spots.
For the adventurous, options include hang-gliding, balloon trips, glider rides, or parachuting with qualified instructors. Family-friendly attractions include amusement parks, diverse animal parks, and the Le Teich Ornithological Park where over 250 bird species visit seasonally within the Regional Natural Park of Landes de Gascogne. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the diversity of rivers, lakes, and the sea. A tour of the region’s wine heritage is incomplete without visiting its 8,000 castles, 113,000 hectares of vineyards, 400 trading houses, and 60 cooperative wineries. Every event in Gironde is celebrated—whether it’s gastronomy, wine, sports, traditions, or history—with festivals like the National Bridge Festival, Theatre Festival, and International Festival of Dance in Langon, as well as theatre events in Villandraut, Arbis, and Cadillac.
Gastronomy
Gironde is made for wine. Its temperate climate, varied soils protected by an immense forest, and carefully blended grape varieties make the Bordeaux wine region exceptional. There are 57 Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC), including legendary names such as Sauternes, Medoc, Pomerol, and Saint-Emilion.
In addition to wine, try regional drinks such as Fine de Bordeaux, Abatilles mineral water, Cremant de Bordeaux, and Lillet. Traditional cuisine lovers will enjoy local specialties like tender Pauillac lamb, Bazas beef, Bordeaux cep mushrooms, and the famous entrecôte steak served with bone marrow (originally cooked on Bordeaux barrel wood, now replaced by vine branches). For dessert, savor treats like Bordeaux canelés, Saint-Emilion macaroons, bouchon de Bordeaux, cruchade, noisettines du Medoc, and fanchonnettes, while seafood connoisseurs should not miss sea bass, mullet in wine sauce, black sea bream from Arcachon, baby eels, and shad.
Useful Information
Travel from the UK:
Gironde is served by the airports of Biarritz, Pau, Bordeaux, and Bergerac. Budget airlines such as Ryanair fly daily to Biarritz, Pau, and Bergerac.
Looking for a Property in Gironde?
Our team of sale advisers at Sextant Properties will be happy to help you find a property in Gironde. We have an extensive network of estate agents in Gironde, including experienced english speaking estate agents in Gironde. All our advisers are registered French estate agents who speak both French and English. Whether you are looking for a farmhouse, longere, barn, gite, B&B, country house, mill, castle, or chateau, we will do our best to meet your requirements.
To learn more about our properties for sale in Gironde, please do not hesitate to contact us.
