With a length of 75 km, a width of 12 km at its mouth and an area of 635 km², the Gironde estuary is the largest estuary in Europe. That’s quite something! From its mouth to Bordeaux (or almost), it offers magnificent landscapes and ruins that tell the story of this important maritime route’s past. All the more reason to choose to spend your camping holiday in the Gironde Estuary by choosing a campsite in Charente-Maritime or a campsite in Gironde.
Camping in the natural landscapes of the Gironde Estuary
The Gironde estuary stretches for 75 kilometres. From Bordeaux to the sea, the landscapes vary along the water, offering you some beautiful walks. At the confluence of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, the prestigious Médoc vineyards on the south bank meet the Côte de Blaye on the north bank. On both sides, beautiful vineyard landscapes provide a stunning backdrop to the Gironde Estuary. As you head towards the ocean, the vineyards give way to dunes and marshes, and then to limestone cliffs. These are all habitats that encourage wildlife. Birds, in particular, love the Gironde Estuary. Between Bordeaux and Blaye, a marshland area is home to the Terres d’Oiseaux bird park. This 116-hectare park is populated by 117 species of birds, which you can admire from the discovery trails and observation platforms. Birds also like to nest in the cliffs that stretch south of Royan. However, they are not the first inhabitants of these cliffs, which were carved out into troglodytic dwellings during the Gallo-Roman period. The caves of Régulus and Matata can still be visited today. Don’t miss out on discovering this unique site during your camping holiday in Royan in Charente-Maritime or Gironde.
A string of islands in the Gironde estuary
As the current flows, islands formed from sediment are created in the estuary. While some disappear as quickly as they appear, others have become part of the landscape of the Gironde estuary and have been populated by humans. Some can be visited by boat, such as Île Nouvelle, popular for its birds and old village, Île Patiras, overlooked by a lighthouse offering magnificent views of the Médoc châteaux, and Île Margaux, home to a wine estate. Boats depart from Blaye, near your campsite in Gironde, among other places.
Camping holidays near Cordouan Lighthouse
The Gironde estuary has always been a busy maritime area. As a result, numerous lighthouses were built on its banks and islands. Eleven lighthouses are still standing, six of which are open to visitors, including the Coubre lighthouse (58 m and 300 steps), the Saint-Georges-de-Didonne lighthouse (29 m and 144 steps), the Grave lighthouse (28 m and 107 steps), the Richard lighthouse (18 m and 63 steps) and the Patiras lighthouse (31 m and 100 steps). And, of course, the Cordouan lighthouse (68 m and 301 steps). The latter, built at the end of the 16th century, is a magnificent Renaissance-style building standing in the middle of the sea. It is the oldest French lighthouse still in operation. It is also the last one still manned by a lighthouse keeper. From April to October, it can be visited by boat from Royan.
Heritage of the Gironde Estuary
While merchants have sought, throughout the ages, to make navigation in the estuary as accessible as possible, the military has never wanted anyone to be able to sail there at will. At the end of the 17th century, military architect Vauban built a defensive system on both banks of the estuary, comprising the citadel of Blaye, Fort Médoc and Fort Pâté. This complex, designed to protect Bordeaux, has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009. Human presence on the banks of the estuary is not limited to military constructions. Fishing has always played an important role here, with fishing villages dotted along the coast. South of Royan, you are also in the region of the carrelets, the iconic Charente-Maritime huts on stilts that dip their nets into the sea. You can admire them in Saint-Palais-sur-Mer or Talmont-sur-Gironde. Beautiful photos of your camping holiday in Charente-Maritime are guaranteed. In Talmont-sur-Gironde, in addition to the carrelets, you will find a village listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, perched on a rocky promontory jutting out into the estuary. The village has preserved its medieval ramparts and its magnificent 13th-century Sainte-Radegonde church. Royan, on the other hand, tells a much more contemporary story. Razed during the Second World War, the seaside resort was rebuilt in the 1950s. It therefore combines Belle Epoque architecture that survived the war with post-war architecture. These two atmospheres make Royan a pleasant seaside resort.
Our campsites in Gironde and Charente-Maritime for exploring the Gironde estuary
A selection of campsites in Gironde and Charente-Maritime near the Gironde estuary, with most pitches suitable for holidays in caravans, tents or motorhomes.
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