The Best Bordeaux Beaches And Lakes Within An Hour Of The City

Looking for the best beaches near Bordeaux this summer?

You’ve come to the right place because there are some gorgeous beaches, not far from Bordeaux that you can reach in less than an hour by train or car. And I have 12 of them for you to add to your list.

The first thing many people think of when they plan a trip to Bordeaux is wine and visiting the many wine chateaux. But there is so much more to Bordeaux than just wine.

I live less than two hours from Bordeaux, and one of my favourite things to do in the summer is to hit the beach.

Bordeaux is in southwest France, and although it’s not a beach town, it’s not too far inland from the Atlantic coast, which stretches for over 200 kilometres.

Just a short train ride away from Bordeaux city are the beautiful beaches of Arcachon Bay. 

But it’s not all about Bassin d’Arcachon, the Gironde coast has more than its fair share of lovely beaches, along with some lake beaches if you want somewhere more gentle. So, let’s dive in and discover the best Bordeaux beaches.

What is the best beach near Bordeaux?

The beaches at Arcachon usually top the bill for the best beaches near Bordeaux, with Le Porge-Océan offering a quieter and more secluded spot and Lacanau-Océan favoured for surfing.

A Quick Guide To The Best Beaches Near Bordeaux

Beach Name	Distance from Bordeaux (Miles)	Drive or Train	Main Feature
Le Porge-Océan Beach	Approx. 34 miles	Drive	Secluded, natural setting with expansive sands
Lacanau-Océan Beach	Approx. 36 miles	Drive or Train	Popular for surfing and vibrant nightlife
Grand Crohot Beach	Approx. 30 miles	Drive	Family-friendly with lifeguard services
Plage Pereire	Approx. 37 miles	Drive or Train	Scenic views of the Arcachon Bay
Le Moulleau Beach	Approx. 37 miles	Drive	Chic area with boutiques and cafes
La Plage du Petit Nice	Approx. 38 miles	Drive	Dunes and a wild, unspoiled beachscape
Pointe aux Chevaux Beach	Approx. 40 miles	Drive	Quiet, sheltered location ideal for relaxation
La Hume Beach	Approx. 33 miles	Drive or Train	Gentle waters, suitable for families
Andernos-les-Bains	Approx. 30 miles	Drive or Train	Oyster farming heritage and long pier

The Bordeaux Coast

If you’re hiring a car and want to venture a little further out, there are some stunning beaches to discover, most within a two-hour drive.

Bassin d’Arcachon

• Arcachon itself is a bustling seaside town known for its beautiful beaches, the Thiers Jetty, and the Winter Town (Ville d’Hiver) with its stunning 19th-century villas. 
• Cap Ferret offers a more laid-back atmosphere, with its oyster villages, lighthouse, and pristine beaches. The Cap Ferret peninsula forms the other side of Arcachon Bay and is ideal for those looking to escape the crowds.
• Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe, is a must-visit at the entrance to Arcachon Bay, with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, the bay, and the lush Landes forest. Climbing the dune is an experience in itself, and the panoramic views from the top are unforgettable.

The Médoc Coastline

• Soulac-sur-Mer is on the northern tip of the Médoc peninsula and my favourite place to go to escape from it all. We stayed 2 km down the road in a tiny little place called L’Amelie, right on the beach with the most amazing sunsets I’ve ever seen.
• Lacanau-Océan has big waves and good surfing conditions, making it a hotspot for surfers from around the world. The town hosts annual surfing competitions, and there are numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants.
• Hourtin-Plage is another gem along the Médoc coastline, offering one of the largest natural lakes in France, Lac d’Hourtin-Carcans. It’s a family-friendly destination with safe swimming areas, numerous water sports, and cycling paths around the lake.
• Montalivet has one of the largest outdoor markets in the region, operating daily during the summer months. The beach here is big, and much less crowded, so great for avoiding too many people.

The Silver Coast (Côte d’Argent)

• Stretching south from the Arcachon Bay, the Silver Coast is famous for its long, sandy beaches backed by the vast Landes forest. This area is less developed and offers a more natural beach experience.
• Biscarrosse-Plage is popular for both its beach and the nearby Biscarrosse Lake. The town has a buzzing summer scene with loads of activities for all ages, including surfing, kiteboarding, and beach volleyball.
• Mimizan-Plage is another highlight of the Silver Coast, known as the “Pearl of the Silver Coast” with extensive beaches. It has a lovely friendly atmosphere and is divided into two parts by the current of the Mimizan, making it unique.

A Map of the Best Beaches Near Bordeaux

12 Bordeaux Beaches Within An Hour Of Bordeaux

No 1 Lacanau-Océan Beach

Lacanau-Océan Beach stretches for several kilometres along the Atlantic coast, backed by dunes and pine forests. It’s most famous for its surfing, with consistent waves that make it a hotspot for surfers. 

Things to do:

• Surfing: Lacanau-Océan is internationally renowned for its excellent surfing conditions. It hosts the Lacanau Pro, an annual surfing competition that attracts surfers from around the globe. The beach offers waves for all levels, from beginners to advanced surfers.
• Kite Surfing and Wind Surfing: The beach is also popular for kite surfing and windsurfing, with equipment rental and lessons available.
• Cycling and Hiking: The area around Lacanau-Océan is crisscrossed with cycling paths and hiking trails through the pine forests and along the coastline. I’ve cycled along here with hubby, and it was wonderful. We hired the bikes, took a picnic with us, and had a great day.
• Golf: Nearby, there’s an 18-hole golf course and a couple of smaller ones for golf with a view.

♿️ Handiplage Label: The South Beach at Lacanau is the only beach in the area to have the Handiplage Label (an award for having disability facilities).

📍Distance from Bordeaux: Approximately 60 kilometres (about 37 miles) west of Bordeaux.

No 2 Le Porge-Océan Beach

Le Porge-Océan is a quieter option than Lacanau-Océan with 13 kilometres of golden sandy beaches and the closest beach to Bordeaux. There are two main beaches, Plage du Gressier promoting the environment with its zero trash can policy and La Plage de La Jenny, a nudist beach, so make sure you get the right one.

Things to do: 

• Sports activities: Nordic walking, body-boarding and stand-up paddleboarding. Although it doesn’t draw the surfers in the same way as Lacanau-Océan, the waves are still big enough for some good surfing.
• Cycling: The Vélodyssée, cycle paths often made from old railway sleepers, run right through this region and are a great way to explore the coastline
• Swimming and Sunbathing: The beach’s extensive sandy area is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach games, with lifeguards on duty during the summer for safety.

✅ Zero Waste Beach: Gressier Beach had all its trash and rubbish bins removed in 2014 to reduce the amount of waste, and it was the first beach in France to do this.

📍Distance from Bordeaux: Le Porge-Océan Beach is about 55 kilometres (approximately 34 miles) from Bordeaux, making it one of the closest Atlantic beaches to the city.

No 3 Grand Crohot Beach

It’s the most popular beach on the peninsula of Cap Ferret and stretches for several kilometres North to Le Porge and South to Grand Piquey (Truc Vert beach). It’s also close to the lively town of Lège-Cap-Ferret where you’ll find plenty of great restaurants. The beach is accessible via wooden walkways, protecting the extensive dunes and vegetation. Perfect for a day trip as it’s only about 40 minutes from Bordeaux.

Things to do: 

• Surfing: The consistent waves attract a surfing crowd, and there are surf schools and rentals available for lessons and equipment.
• Explore the Dunes: The dunes are beautifully preserved and well looked after, with plenty of wildlife, but you’ll also find the remains of an old WW2 bunker.
• Nature Walks: The surrounding area, with its dunes and pine forests, has some gorgeous walks if you are not one for sitting on the beach.
• Dining and Snacks: At the bottom of the beach, there are lots of restaurants and snack bars, most of which have great seafood caught fresh each day.

🌊 Surfers Paradise: The surf culture here is legendary, with a surf school on-site and various surf-related events throughout the year.

📍Distance from Bordeaux: Grand Crohot Beach is located in the commune of Lège-Cap-Ferret, approximately 60 kilometres (about 37 miles) from Bordeaux.

No 4 Plage Pereire

Plage Pereire is the largest and most picturesque beach in Arcachon, stretching over 3 kilometres along the coastline with stunning views of the Cap Ferret peninsula and a beautiful promenade lined with pine trees. It’s perfect for families with fine sand and not too steep.

Things to do: 

• Relaxation and Sunbathing: This beach was made for being on the beach relaxing, sunbathing, reading a book or building sandcastles.
• Sports Facilities: Plage Pereire is equipped with sports facilities such as volleyball courts and fitness areas. Plus, plenty of water sports, including stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.
• Cycling and Jogging: A dedicated cycle path and promenade run along the beach, perfect for cycling, jogging, or just walking along, taking in the beautiful scenery.
• Dining: Several restaurants and cafes are located along the beachfront, including the Club Plage Pereire with its beachside setting.

♿️ Handiplage Label: Plage Pereire has been awarded the Handiplage label, indicating its accessibility for people with disabilities.

📍Distance from Bordeaux: Plage Pereire is located in the town of Arcachon, approximately 65 kilometres (about 40 miles) southwest of Bordeaux.

No 5 Le Moulleau Beach

Le Moulleau Beach is located at the southernmost tip of Arcachon and has a more intimate feel, compared to the larger beaches in the area. It has stunning views of the Dune of Pilat and the Cap-Ferret lighthouse, fine sand and clear waters, and is protected within Arcachon Bay.

Things to do:

• Explore Le Moulleau: Le Moulleau is a self-contained resort area, with a lively main street featuring shops and restaurants just behind the beach.
• Watch the Sunset: The location provides some of the most beautiful sunset views over the Bay of Arcachon, making it a popular spot in the evenings.
• Swimming and Relaxation: The beach’s calm waters make it ideal for swimming and relaxing by the sea.

🛍️ Perfect for Shopaholics: Its location within the chic district of Le Moulleau means there are some lovely boutiques to browse around.

📍Distance from Bordeaux: Le Moulleau Beach is situated in the southwestern part of Arcachon, about 65 kilometres (approximately 40 miles) from Bordeaux.

No 6 La Plage du Petit Nice

La Plage du Petit Nice is just south of the famous Dune du Pilat, along the road to Biscarrosse and is a more secluded and natural environment compared to the busier beaches of Arcachon. Its beautiful setting, between the ocean and the forest, is the perfect escape from it all, with stunning views of the surrounding area.

Things to do:

• Exploring the Dune du Pilat: You can’t go to  La Plage du Petit Nice and not see Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune.
• Nature Walks: The area around La Plage du Petit Nice is ideal for nature walks, with pine forests and coastal paths, beautiful landscapes and plenty of wildlife.
• Swimming and Sunbathing: The beach’s clear waters and sandy shores are perfect for swimming and soaking up the sun.

♿️ Handiplage Label: La Plage du Petit Nice is labelled for Tourism and Disability (Tourisme et Handicap) and also has the Handiplage certification

📍Distance from Bordeaux: La Plage du Petit Nice is located near Pyla-sur-Mer, approximately 60 kilometres (about 37 miles) southwest of Bordeaux.

No 7 Pointe aux Chevaux Beach

Offering some of the best viewpoints on the coast, Plage de la Pointe aux Chevaux is a popular beach next to an oyster port, and as you look out to sea, you can see the boats (pinasses) farming for oysters.

Things to do:

• Picnic on the beach: The beach’s calm waters and scenic backdrop provide the perfect setting for quality family time and a picnic.
• Exploration: Visitors can explore the nearby oyster ports, offering a glimpse into the local oyster farming industry and the chance to taste fresh oysters.
• Nature Walks: The surrounding area, with its unique flora and fauna, is ideal for nature walks and bird-watching.

🦪 Best place for Oysters: The local farming industry means oysters are freshly caught every day.

📍Distance from Bordeaux: The beach is approximately 70 kilometres (about 43 miles) from Bordeaux. 

No 8 La Hume Beach

La Hume Beach is situated in Gujan-Mestras, on the edge of Arcachon Bay and bordered by tamarisks and pine trees. It’s great for families with children as the tide goes really far out, and the kids love exploring the seabed and foraging for seaweed and hidden treasures. 

Things to do:

• Swimming and Sunbathing: The beach’s calm waters are ideal for swimming, and plenty of room on the beach to sunbathe and watch the kids in the water.
• Children’s Play Area: A designated play area for younger children is available, making it a hit with families.
• Visit the Harbour: Close to the beach, the harbour area offers dining options and the chance to see local boats up close.
• Kite Surfing: It’s the place to go for kite surfing and puts on an impressive show in the summer months.

♿️ Handiplage Label: La Hume Beach is noted for its accessibility features and has been awarded a ‘Level 2 Handiplage’ label since 2008. 

📍Distance from Bordeaux:  La Hume Beach is approximately 60 kilometres (about 37 miles) southwest of Bordeaux.

No 9 Andernos-les-Bains

Andernos-les-Bains has something for everyone, with several kilometres of beaches perfect for families, swimmers, and sunbathers. The main beaches are Quinconces Beach, Oyster Port Beach, Bétey Beach, and Pier Beach, and the waterfront is lined with tamarisk trees.

Things to do:

• Stroll along the Pier: The pier at Andernos-les-Bains, the longest in France, offers breathtaking views of the bay and is a must-visit for photographers and romantic walks.
• Explore the Oyster Port: Discover the local oyster farming culture with a visit to the oyster port, where you can taste fresh oysters and learn about the town’s maritime heritage.
• Explore the town: The town itself is lively, with markets, shops, cafes, and restaurants offering local delicacies and seafood, creating a vibrant atmosphere for visitors.

🏛️Historical sites: In Andernos-les-Bains are the remains of a Gallo-Roman villa, known locally as the “Villa of Saint-Brice” and dating back to the 4th century AD.  

📍Distance from Bordeaux: Approximately 50 kilometres (about 31 miles) from Bordeaux, making it an accessible destination for a day trip.

Bordeaux Lakeside Escapes

If the beach isn’t your thing but you still want to cool off in the summer months or enjoy being at the water’s edge with beautiful scenery all around, there are a few lakes with beachy areas I’d recommend.

Most of them have lifeguards on duty during the summer months, so it’s safe for swimming, and there are usually plenty of outdoor activities on offer in and around the lakes as well.

They’re a great place to have a picnic as you’ll find grassy areas with benches purpose-built for picnicking.

No 10 Bordeaux-Lac Beach

If the thought of leaving Bordeaux doesn’t excite you, you’ll love Bordeaux-Lac Beach in the northern part of Bordeaux, within the city limits, a 10-minute tram ride away from the centre. 

It’s a man-made beach on the edge of a lake, with a designated swimming area that is supervised by lifeguards during the summer months. 

📍Distance from Bordeaux: The beach is very close to the city centre, approximately a 10-minute tram ride away, Tram C, making it one of the most accessible beaches for those staying in Bordeaux.

No 11 Plage du Lac d’Hostens

Plage du Lac d’Hostens is sat within the Domaine des Lacs d’Hostens in the heart of the Landes de Gascogne forest. This area is a natural haven, featuring five lakes, with the beach located on the shores of Lake Lamothe. 

📍Distance from Bordeaux: Plage du Lac d’Hostens is approximately 50 kilometres (about 31 miles) south of Bordeaux.

No 12 La Plage du Moutchic

La Plage du Moutchic is on Lac de Lacanau, in the commune of Lacanau in the Gironde department on the northern side of the lake. You’ll find everything you need there, including toilets, showers, restaurants and snack bars. It’s another great option for an ocean-free beach experience near Bordeaux.

📍Distance from Bordeaux: Approximately 50 kilometres (about 31 miles) west of Bordeaux

Beaches Near Bordeaux By Train

The easiest beaches to reach via train are the ones at Arcachon, as you can get a direct train from Bordeaux Saint-Jean, the main train station in Bordeaux.

The regional TER (Transport Express Régional) trains directly connect Bordeaux to Arcachon, operated by SNCF, the French national railway company.

They run frequently throughout the day, with departures almost every hour. During peak summer months, there might be additional services.

It typically takes around 50 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the specific service and time of day.

FAQS: Beaches in Bordeaux

Final thoughts: Beaches near Bordeaux

So there you have it. Now you know where to go for the best beaches near Bordeaux for your next trip.

Bordeaux really is one of my favourite cities, along with Paris and Carcassonne, and I always feel safe when I visit. 

Everyone speaks English if you’re French isn’t too good, which always helps, and it’s full of amazing restaurants and hotels for all budgets.

If it’s your first time, make sure you visit Cité du Vin, the wine museum in Bordeaux, and if you have time, Bassins des lumières digital art museum in an old submarine base.

And of course, remember to do some wine tasting while you’re there too.