Pho voir/CDT Gironde
Transcription
Pho voir/CDT Gironde
Gironde oir/CDT © Phov c no rd mé do tor al c su d le lit n mé do ne rca cho tor al gar on le lit sin d’a al de r du bas cho n au can le tou d’a rca e sin an au uye nn du bas x à lac e-d e-g rd eau vet err de bo sau xà rd eau de bo Y / CIVB © Philippe RO BOR DEA UX T LE DROP Sommary BORDEAUX Page 3 Arcachon bay & the Médoc coast Page 6 Wine tourisme Page 13 Wanderings Page 17 UNESCO & heritage Page 20 Page 23 Events Page 28 Estuary Contact : Photo de couverture : Couple dans les vignes - Phovoir/CDT Gironde Réalisé par le Comité Départemental du Tourisme de la Gironde. Directeur de Publication : Jean-Marie Darmian, Président délégué du Comité Départemental du Tourisme de la Gironde. Rédaction : Les Pipelettes Conception graphique et cartographie : E. Parent Impression : Graphit’s Anne QUIMBRE Karin LABARDIN + 33 (0)5 56 48 68 16 + 33 (0)5 56 48 91 27 [email protected] [email protected] © Phovoir/CDT Gironde Bordeaux “A Sunday morning on the Quais des Chartrons. The weather is good, it’s a market day. People everywhere: along the stalls, on the quays, roller-skating or cycling along the quays. Oyster farmers offer tasting sessions: I wait for my oysters, bathed in sunshine, listening to a small jazz orchestra. A holiday feeling.”. Bordeaux is a rebirth – just like its quays given back to the Bordelais, its river rediscovered, classical façades that have regained their fairness. A miracle of elegance that, since 2007, has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List: a listed area of 1,810 hectares, the 18thcentury heart of the city, the stalls quarter, the Mériadeck quarter and its 1970s buildings, and wet docks. As well as a record number of 350 buildings listed as Historical Monuments. Favourite . 3:00 p.m.: the barge casts off form the Quai de Queyries. The camera is ready – we’re going to be dazzled! There, the Pont de Pierre and the spires of Saint Michael’s Church, then 18th-century Bordeaux, the Place de la Bourse laid out by Gabriel, the Place des Quinconces; here, Les Chartrons, the quarter formerly inhabited by wine merchants, today home to antiquaries and artists. Cruises with “Burdigala”, “Aliénor II”, and “Sorellina”. Reservations via the Tourist Office web site www.bordeaux-tourisme.com or via the Gironde Tourist Board Tel. +33 (0)5 56 52 61 40 P. 3 Portrait Michel Portos the musketeer of Bouliac The Saint-James, 3 place Camille Hostein, 33270 Bouliac. Tel. +33 (0)5 57 97 06 00. www.saintjames-bouliac.com. M : €45 (lunch), €65, €132. That’s clever y break a d e e r h t a lf se Allow your l of the Gironde region. to get to know the capita pass for main es a city tour, a free The programme includ vineyard with a nts, an escapade to museums and monume rneys on the jou ctical touch: five free a tasting session. A pra at the CIVB g tin And a nice touch: a tas city’s public transport. m €105 in fro : erte for 3 days / 2 nights wine bar. Forfait Découv . nd hotel. Valid all year rou a double room in a 2-star useums The CAPC museum Head for the m Y / CIVB © Philippe RO its Gallery, and e des Beaux Arts with they’re free! The Musé Marquet, etc., Corot, Matisse, Albert paintings by Brueghel, de building, lan co in the beautiful La the Musée des Arts Dé ine, and the ita qu told at the Musée d’A the history of Bordeaux in a former led ntemporary art, instal CAPC’s collections of co fs from the colonies. warehouse for foodstuf e.com www.bordeaux-tourism ith... Going away w © CAPC favourite A cocooning break: The best time to meet Michel Portos? In the morning, before the kitchen rush: the chef of the Saint-James, holder of a Michelin star, voted Chef of the Year 2012 by Gault et Millau, is a man in constant movement. He has the tight physique of a marathon runner, mischievous eyes behind slim glasses, and he admits to liking change and the ephemeral: ‘A dish never remains on the menu for more than two months, and it never returns. We have put together 380 recipes in five years!’ This Marseillais draws inspiration from the countries that he crosses in a frenzy: Asia, North Africa, Mexico, etc. A mixture of flavours that he uses to sprinkle on his inventive and inspired cooking: watermelon with chorizo, foie gras Moroccan-style, red kuri squash, wakame with sesame and caviar… It causes a shudder to think that Michel was intended for another calling: his father wanted him to become a chartered accountant, he dreamt of motorcycles… It was his mother’s bouillabaisse that gave him a taste for cooking. What a relief! my choice is the Hôtel Particulier, a brand new address in a classy 19thcentury house. Three rooms named for musicians, 2 suites and 3 apartments, all with a decor that is at once classic, chic, and minimalist. Pascale Daney and her daughter spoil me at breakfast on the terrace and at the table d’hôtes. Right in the heart of Old Bordeaux – practical for tours and shopping! From €160. 44 Rue Vital Carles. Tel. +33 (0)5 57 88 28 80 – www.lhotel-particulier.com reak? Time for a coffee b a of A Oh, for the taste one can(n)elé (with as st “n” or or two, ju le itab you please). Inim it , and never equalled e can recognis ou Y . x u ea d or B ry u ent was born in 18th-c g, soft inside, in ll fi s it , pe a sh cal it by its cylindri nd vanilla: it’s a m ru h it w d re u avo crunchy outside, fl egg being used to “filter” wine, of all because of whites d yolks! Pick them up in all the nuse which left lots of u éditions Féret, best patisseriesys.tère nommé désir, Isabelle Bunisset, m Le cannelé, ce 2008 P.4 numental every day at the CIVB* bar,they offer about thirty wines priced at between €2 and €8 a glass. Snacks are available – and the setting is first-class: a handsome 18th-century building given a minimalist makeover. Become experts on the wines of Bordeaux! 3 Cours du XXX Juillet, Bordeaux – Tel. +33 (0)5 56 00 43 47 *Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (Interprofessional Council for Bordeaux Wine) ©Bordeaux Mo © CIVB Go there with... François, Anne and Ludo Wine bar ©Assoair A family outing: roller-skating along the quays and the pedestrianised streets in the heart of the city. Moreover, the kit is on loan and an introductory session is provided. It’s on the first Sunday of each month at 11:00 a.m. www.assoair.com Children 28 rue des Argentiers, tal in front of Bordeaux Monumen lo is a leading figure, Burdiga Burdigalo awaits. A asure tre in st ali eci sp a ren and intcorsair, a friend to child Sa x: gh historic Bordeau rts, hunts. Follow him throu pa ram the chael’s Basilica, the Pierre quarter, Saint Mi all for ry ste my ge offers a Cailhau Gate… Each sta d! en the at surprise family to solve – with a it. vis r ou €5 for a two-h Bordeaux is amazing Tourny At the bottom of the Allées de is a bronze relief map: the city has another two. The relief maps were put in place for the use of sight-impaired visitors, who, at the Tourist Office, can also obtain a tourist guide in Braille. For visitors who are mobility- and hearing-impaired, three city tours are on offer. In addition to the “Tourisme et Handicap” label, Bordeaux is the pilot city for the future “Destination pour Tous” label, which aims to raise consciousness amongst all the actors of the tourism sector. A hearty appetite Place de la Bourse, opposite the ornamental pond. In James’s footsteps:2-year-olds, with pictures to a booklet just for 7-to-1 trail of d crosswords. On the colour in, charades, an James. int on the Ways of Sa James, a young pilgrim guide le litt a t, ge Departmen Published by the Herita . l sections: €1 set out in 13 clever, playfu +33 (0)5 56 48 04 24 . Tel l, nta me Bordeaux Monu b site: m the Tourist Office we the Other tours available fro ed ard aw y to have been Bordeaux is the first cit “Famille Plus” label. Memo ay of - It’s the first Sund rning, the month. In the mo the at e blend art and win or z jaz a : Grand Théâtre by ed low fol , ert nc co classical x wine a tasting of a Bordeau appellation. ss: €4. Concert: €6. Tasting pa 20 85 00 56 5 Tel. +33 (0) BAC In the afternoon, take the in) ora mp nte Co (Bus d’Art s and to visit ten gallerie the et exhibitions and me the de tsi ou artists. €5. Meet the in sk Kio re ltu Bordeaux Cu . rny Tou Allées de . Tel. +33 (0)5 56 79 39 56 On the second floor of the old Chamber of Commerce building are a set of 18thcentury rooms with views over the Garonne: Gabriel is THE restaurant for gourmands. The kitchen is run by François Adamski, a winner for the Bocuse d’Or, holder of the MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France) title, trained at the Ritz and at the Plaza Athénée. Dishes include products from South-Western France: oysters from Cap Ferret, caviar from Aquitaine, foie gras, all emphasised by the proven talent of this Michelin-star holder. Menu: from €50 to €95. If you don’t want to break your piggy bank, head for the Bistrot and its brasserie atmosphere on the first floor – an excellent menu is on offer for €28. You must book, because it’s packed! 10 Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux. Tel. +33 (0)5 56 30 00 80 www.bordeaux-gabriel.fr in the - Go antique-hunting about s, ire ua tiq An s Village de Rue the sixty shops set around of art he the Notre-Dame, in er. art qu s the Chartron a day - Give yourself half cover dis s: in the vineyard tates es it vis , appellations ssé cla cru nd gra ce du that pro d ne -ow wines, visit family g tin tas a joy castles, and en the te: no of y rth session. Wo tour, “Best of Bordeaux Bus” ce pri a h Student special, wit dgets tailored to student bu (€15). eaux’s Saturday morning in Bord oldest gastronomic restaurant. A studious atmosphere in the kitchens, which revolve around Nicolas Frion, who was formerly with Thierry Marx. Today’s lessons include cutting up chickens, preparing suprêmes, staffing a chicken quenelle. Yum… that casserole smells delicious! Wednesday and Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 midday: €95 with a recipe booklet. 5 rue Montesquieu, Bordeaux – Tel. +33 (0)5 56 79 10 10 Reservation via Bordeaux Saveurs Tel. +33 (0)5 56 90 91 92 P. 5 t s a o C c o d é M e h t & Arcachon Bay ‘Seen from the sky, one could believe oneself to be in a faraway land, for this labyrinth of sand, water, and forests calls forth the natural beauties of another world. From giant sand dunes to uninhabited islands, from the coastline of beaches that served as HQ for surfers to the cute cabins of oyster farmers, from coastal marshes to small fishing ports’. The Bay is made up of 10 communes, almost 800 km2 of forest, kilometres of paths marked out along its Médoc coastline. A range of varied landscapes, a premise of gentle strolls to be enjoyed as you please. Favourite Planète Pêche ily Information on tides forgaTofaurmism) outing. What is it? “Pescatourisme” (Fishin Going out with a fisherman or an oyster farmer from Arcachon Bay and in between two tides (allow between four and five hours), taking part in on-board activities: getting things ready, turning over or harvesting oyster pockets, or even setting down oyster spats. 100% authentic! €45 / person. €130 per family (2 adults + 2 children). For information, please go to: www.bassin-arcachon.com P.6 Portrait Angélika «la passonaria» of the oyter world Cabane 166, avenue Ovide Rousset Port ostréicole La Teste-de-Buch. Tel. +33 (0)5 57 52 63 60 [email protected] What day is it? Because every Saturday and Sunday from October to February, you will find her in Toulouse market. For the rest of the year, it is at cabin 166 at the Port de la Teste that Angelika Hermann explains with passion all the secrets of cultivating “the pearl” of Arcachon Bay. One learns that oysters were already present in Roman times, and that two tides a day supply the plankton that is essential for the oysters to grow. Angelika is a go-ahead type of person. In English and in German alike, she is inexhaustible on the subject of the history of the mollusc, and she has one pet subject: protecting the natural environment. With about ten oyster farmers from the bay, she joined the national co-ordinating body for “Traditional Oyster Farmers”, and she defends sea oysters, which are 100% natural. llers”. We want to put nt to be just oyster “se wa n’t do we s; cer du g and for the client in “We are pro our respect for the settin w, -ho ow kn l tra ces an y buy at market: a sea forward our entitled to know what the are ers um ns Co ty. ali search of qu r.” oyster or a farmed oyste That’s clever - For those who don’t like the consistency of oysters: - Try out the Cap Ferret SUP! SUP = Stand-Up Paddle, a surfboard that you control by paddling standing up. Eco-friendly, hilarious, and a must for discovering Arcachon Bay! Stand Up Center. Tel. +33 (0)6 68 23 95 87. Et aussi Andade au Claouey, +33 (0)5 56 60 08 93 ® Shuttle. sin as sb an Tr e th : ed tt spo ell W - © S. Viargues © L’Andade taste the leaves of Mertensia Maritima. (the oyster plant), a plant that has an extraordinary taste of oysters. It tastes good, it’s pretty to look at, it’s original, and it’s easy to carry. On sale in tubs at the “Jardin des Senteurs” in Biganos Tel. +33 (0)5 56 26 73 37 www.lejardindessenteurs.com Line 6 leaves Robinson Plage near Dune du Pilat, and takes 10 minutes to reach Banc d’Arguin. A return ticket costs just €6. Children (aged 3 to 11) €4. Reservations at the boarding point or by telephone: +33 (0)6 08 84 63 25. www.uba-bateau-arcachon.com GET UP! Set your alarm: 6h15a.m, is the starting time for visits to the Arcachon auction (from Monday to Thursday all year round, by reservation). From the arrival of fishing vessels at the quayside to unloading boxes of fish for sale at auction: a two-hour guided tour filled with excitement! Tickets from Arcachon Tourist Office: €6, children (6 to 12 years) go free. Tel. +33 (0)5 57 52 97 97 www.arcachon.com P.7 La dune du Pilat Going there with - My pals are mad about y way, sliding and gliding in an shape or form Listed as a national “Grand Site”, the orama g Pan Campin (gym rolls, boarding, surfing, paragliding). Age is not important provided that they have a sense of fantasy, because if the view is wonderful from on high, it is difficult to resist the sand-covered slopes. The ideal HQ: the Panorama campsite, in a marvellous pine-wood setting facing the ocean www.camping-panorama.com © Phovoir/CDT Gironde highest dune in Europe is to Arcachon Bay what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris: unmiss-able! The dune is truly imposing, m long, 500 m wide, and 105 being 2 500 m high! Just one wish: to be right on the top and take in all its immensity, then go hurtling down the slope at a run and throw oneself into the sea. - My dearest Full sail! Meet at cabin 124 at the port of Larros anora © Le P ma Because from on high is a view of one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. Then come back down and enjoy a night out of this world at La Co(o)rniche hotel and restaurant: a luxurious, charming setting designed by Philippe Starck. ww.lacoorniche-pyla.com Tel. +33 (0)5 56 22 72 11 for a day aboard the “Argo II”, the only replica of a period sail-powered sardinefishing boat. Splendid! The programme includes a sail around Bird Island. Bring a picnic. Reservation at Association Argonotique, in Gujan-Mestras. Tel. +33 (0)6 50 07 12 03 - A lesson on migrating birds is given by following one of the four trails that crisscross this curious landscape of old salt pans, covering 400 hectares and made up of the dykes, fish reservoirs, and wet grasslands of the “Domaine de Certes du Conservatoire du Littoral”. Guided tour starting from Audenge or Lanton. For more information, please call +33 (0)5 57 70 26 55 www.tourisme-audenge-lanton.com A hearty appetite A rare pleasure! First, the serenity of the place: contemporary refinement, subdued lighting, leather armchairs, a swimming pool… but happiness lies in a plate! Stunning blends of products from the Gironde region, spices, and creativity. We owe this prowess to Stéphane Carrade, starwinning chef of the Bay. His soft-boiled egg is paired with Aquitaine caviar, his asparagus with foie gras, and his cream of mushroom with carrot chips. It’s all good! Menus from €40. La Guérinière Restaurant at Gujan-Mestras. Tel. +33 (0)5 56 66 08 78 www.lagueriniere.com h... it w y a w a g in Go d don’t forget n a – s er st oy of r - A hampe in Gujanre t n ce er st oy e h t to call in at Mestras. om “Le Brin fr p u so sh fi k on m - A jar of al fish-canning n io it d ra t a , ” n a d’Océ . factory at Le Teich - A box of caviar. ini “dunes de m : ” es t et n u d “ of - A box almond on ch a rc A om fr e d Pyla” ma om Cap-Ferret fr s” é el n ca “ d n a paste, ith tasting urgeon farm w st e th of ur to guided )5 56 82 64 42 nde: a one-hour nos. Tel. +33 (0 ga Bi 0 38 33 - Caviar de Giro te de la Cassadot l. +33 session Moulin m co 380 Biganos. Te e. nd giro ing factory- 33 nn ca www.caviarde hfis al on an” traditi Tel. - “Le Brin d’Océ a – Arcachon. 63 89 enue Gambett av 11 – et (0)5 57 52 qu ar , Pâtisserie M - Les Dunettes 33 64 +33 (0)5 56 83 P8 The Gironde impresses you - Henry is back from Canada Banc d’Arguin He likes wide open spaces – take him for a ride in a sea-going kayak, out to Bird Island and the cabins on stilts. Change of scene guaranteed. Minimum 3 1/2hours, €30. Arcachon Kayak Aventure, Tel. +33 (0)6 25 08 44 37 - Heavens – my Bay! Better than 3D, enjoy a live 360° view of the Dune du Pyla, Banc d’Arguin, and Arcachon via Cap Ferret – it’s GRANDIOSE. To give or to receive – ranging from a baptism in a ULM to a helicopter flight - 20-minute flight: €60 in a ULM, €129 in a helicopter. Héliocéan, Aérodrome de Villemarie à La Teste-de-Buch – Tel. +33 (0)8 20 82 06 98 ULM, Tel. +33 (0)6 89 42 23 17. ner Children’s cor und! - Le Teich – nature all aro ine ag im to le litt e It would tak the of art he the at oneself Leyre bayou, with the River le of dd mi the flowing through n, nto La m Fro ry. a forest galle ”, sse ina “p a rd oa ab climb ed om ott a traditional flat-b y, to boat from Arcachon Ba of ies lon co d bir discover the this ornithological park. in the A 2-hour tour 100% the m fro e, heart of natur os. an Big to ssy port of Ca ch Tei Reservations at Le Tourist Office. Tel. +33 (0)5 56 22 80 46 ods, by marshes, pine wo An s. ne du and wooded ends atmosphere from the less the r Fo . rth ea of the o als are adventurous, tours 0 2:3 at ys da tur available on Sa om r.c me ter ap p.m.! www.c at 8:00 - On a full-moon night Termer p p.m., join the Ca hours o tw association for ing tch wa e tim nightof e tur na lés Sa s Pré at the rse ive un reserve, a strange unded of 496 hectares surro , take - For a digestive stroll r of tou ed uid the 11-stop self-g r ive d’H le Vil the in the villas no is in Arcachon. There , but access to the interiors ilt in bu es us the beautiful ho play dis g rin da a 1862 offer oNe : of a range of styles A . nic pa Gothic, Colonial, His the to y on tim wonderful tes of the high-society gatherings d. perio tour of Guided or self-guided 1/2 hours. 1 r, the Ville d’Hive achon Reservations at Arc ce. Offi st Touri P.9 ©naturetbassin Memo ’s Trails”, trailill love “Robin w s in bk m la y mysteries to M with a series of based games r discovering the heritage fo solve. Perfect on Bay, having sites of Arcach n ai m e th d an dengele. fun all the whi Tourist Offices of Arès, Au e Available at th os. an ig B d an , on Lant its hthouse with Cap-Ferret lig a, : se e: e or th m t s ou e’ And ther arn all ab le to s en as re d sc an h gallery of touc m “The Night Watchman”, p and fil to e e ut th in to t -m 10 ge its steps to 8 25 of e Bay. b th im d cl ean an an extra, a ew over the oc vi ic m ra no pa enjoy a ferret.com www.lege-cap And there’s more -The Arcachon Nature and Heritage Weekends are great fun. In addition to bed and breakfast, the price includes one discovery cruise to Bird Island, one lunch, or one dinner. As an optional extra, one guided tour: “History and Heritage” or “Nature Ramble”. From€77 / person. www.arcachon.com - Your nephews love splashing in sludge – invite them to a mud-skating session on the foreshore of the Bay. Wearing wooden skates tied to each foot by straps, all we have to do is follow closely in the footsteps of the guide from the “Nature et Bassin” association. Laughs guaranteed! Plage des Quinconces in Andernos-les-Bains From March to October – duration: 2€ hours Further information from www.natureetbassin.com Carcans beach ue /CDT Girond © B.P. Lamarq e Portrait Eric Holder a Medocan in print In a Médoc hamlet, a simple, low-roofed house. In front stands a motorcycle. The dog comes to say hello, the cats ignore you. Welcome to the universe of Eric Holder, a contented writer. “We settled here in 2005. The desire to be by the ocean. Here is where we have found our home port.” The Médoc landscapes send Eric on a journey: “The ocean-side dunes put me in mind of Senegal, the marshes in winter resemble Ireland, the castles of Médoc send me to Navarre.” Changing universes that Eric has described in several novels: De loin on dirait une île, Bella Ciao (Le Seuil, 2009) and La Baïne (2007): “The filming is set for springtime, with Isabelle Carré in the leading role.” Eric’s novels are a boon for film makers: “Mademoiselle Chambon”, with Sandrine Kimberlain and Vincent Lindon, is one of his stories, as is “Bienvenue parmi nous”, which Jean Becker has just filmed with Patrick Chesnais and Miou-Miou, and which is to be released soon. A chance to dive (back) into Eric’s beautiful, sensitive writing. Favourite that’s good! es … rk a d e h t of id a - Not even afr irondine Land e tour of the G seau, Jeany to a night-tim Hearty appetite! isù chef by - Impress Cathy the top tiram inviting her to La Cabane. Set a little way from the Lacanau Océan centre, this outstanding traveller will fall for the Indonesian lounge setting. Statues, teak corner, bamboo roof, and an exotic, relaxing atmosphere. When it comes to flavours, the journey continues by plate, with a tiramisù of scallops, squid in citronella and Madagascan vanilla, or sea bass rolled in a banana leaf, Tahitian-style… and then there’s the Tiki, the cabin-style punch! Menus from €23. Restaurant La Cabane Tel : +33 (0)5 56 03 19 15 www.lacabane.cafemaritime.com u sa at Cous What would yo d forest lodge ol e th oard his om fr r ting for us. Ab ai w e forests? Not fa ar es rs usiast and team of ho rses, this enth ho t af Marie and his dr s hi posé of the pace of u a two-hour ex yo s ve carriage and at gi ) ts rê l territory. ional des Fo s to its natura ge an ONF (Office Nat ch of d as source the region an n to the forest tio uc the history of od pr of and climb as source rdon of dunes co e th From the forest to t gh ri k at the we advance tal puzzle! Bac to a ’s It of protection, . et ns : foie gras, mire the su ucts awaits us od pr l to the top to ad ca lo of ing session bottom, a tast vine! 25 / adult – es, canelés… di mber. Price: € te ep local ham, win -S id m to from July )5 56 03 21 01 Every Thursday 11). Tel. +33 (0 to 2 d ge (a €12.50 / child ean.com www.medococ Memo the - Made for romantics: n ara am cat the in sunset trip the m Fro i”. ah i-M “Mah Bay, pontoon at Longarisse ise cru g ilin sa set off on a the tch Wa . ke La on Lacanau ping sun go down whilst sip nch. pu a glass of Captain’s €15 ult ad Price: Adult: €25 / / child for Alternative outing: head ern uth so the at d, an Isl Bird Lake, extremity of Lacanau nic! pic e sid ter and have a wa ber: tem ep d-S mi to From July €35 / adult – €25 / child www.medococean.com P.10 The - Naturists are spoilt. s les no s ha t wild Médoc coas s: tre cen ist tur na than three Grayan-etMontalivet, l’Hôpital, and Le Porge. the Further information on . ure ch bro ite ps Gironde cam .fr de ron -gi me ris ou www.t That’s clever - The holidays are still a way away. the “Bravo au Nomade” e d cheerful little trips – lik an priced at €5 each Time to sort out cheap you a book of 11 tickets ts ge 0 €5 n: éa Oc au on your own or Pass for Lacan season, whether you are the t ou gh ou thr ed us which can be s facilities available. with friends; the tickets are accepted by the variou vings! A chance to make big sa in view! t ou b a g in z la : take it easy in a holiday - Beware holidays this summer; t the children’s club, and Flick through sorting ou t, with swimming pool, es for e pin a of art he village at the le! all the fun you can hand ns. rca Ca in res yè VTF Les Bru w.vtf-vacances.com ww m fro on ati Further inform ith... Going away w ten cold as ea is t a h t m a h a rolled, spiced : ” in a oc d é m r ie n - A “gre delicatessens. oc d é M d oo g ll a in a starter. On sale line-style a pr in d re ve co us hazelnuts io ic el d : ” es in t years ago by t se y t ir h t - “Noi ed op el ev d he recipe was T r. a g nan. You su ig la ed B is ll a om st fr cry s er n io m of confect ea t e if -w d n -a d ioner’s factory n a ct fe n co a husb r ei h t o t p without a tri ve a le ot n n ca y pl m si n. Yum! io ss se g in st a t ee fr followed by a 09 www.noisettines.fr 09 03 Tel. +33 (0)5 56 dark or milk) ( e t a ol oc ch of s k doc”: thin stic é M u d s t en argaux.com rm Sa -“ emoiselledem ad .m w w w e. t or orang flavoured with min arkets. ns and superm rgaux a de M e l l e s i demo ©Noisettines Les Noisettines du atesse On sale in delic Médoc P.11 ©M ois adem elle de M arga ux Ma Going on holiday with... . - It’s my best friend’s birthday My gift to her is a cocooning session. The Vitalparc at Lacanau offers stress-busting rates for one relaxing massage, one oxygen walk in the forest, and access to the “Espace Détente” and the “Espace Fitness”. Oxygen break at the Lacanau Océan Vitalparc: 3 nights from €166. Further informations from www.vitalparc.com - my children - For the next holidays, bury the hatchet on holiday homework and take your Geronimos in short shorts to La Rotonde campsite. They will love sleeping in a tipi and Wild West-themed events. Camping La Rotonde, the Wild West village at Hourtin Tel. +33 (0)5 56 09 10 60 www.village-western.com Children’s corner .: putting out a - Thursday at 10:00 a.mnson Crusoes (aged call for all budding Robi 5 to 10)! venture awaits ove Carcans Lake, an ad From the heights ab senses - will leader - and your five you! Cécile the activity e you to the tak l wil ey stery boxes. Th guide you to find the my in. A forest cab l rea a ild bu rn how to d August; heart of the forest to lea an : every Thursday in July walk with the five senses 21 01 03 t Office – Tel. +33 (0)5 56 €5. Medoc Ocean Touris www.medococean.com s Island pyExramtrid,a!swings, toboggans… - Childrecasn’tle , a rope A wooden make up a round to have fun and to it’s free! d A whole adventure playg an – ed : no vehicles allow t Office – million stories! Top marks ris Tou n ea m the Medoc Oc fro on ati orm inf er rth Fu – www.medococean.com Tel. +33 (0)5 56 03 21 01 The Gironde is amazing - Did you know that Carcans-HourtinMaubuisson Lake is the largest freshwater lake 6 000 hectares – that’s quite something! You in France? T Gironde © H. Sion/CD can take part in a whole range of water-based activities: stand-up paddle, kite-surf, sail, board-sail, sailing dinghy, catamaran, canoe, kayak, and even doing a rope course or going out in a pedalo – there’s everything you need! sailles of the Sea”? What was called the “Ver Tick, tock, tick, tock - ding! “Cordouan Lighthouse” . Right answer! The lighthouse has watched over the Estuary since 1611. The building is a little architectural gem: a vestibule decorated with sculptures, a vaulted room on the first floor, and even – on the second floor - a circular chapel, with a marble and mosaic floor! At the very top is the lantern room. A gallery goes right round it, and offers visitors a 360° panoramic view of the estuary and its coast. Impressive! Good to know: visits to the lighthouse are organised by Verdonsur-Mer Tourist Office using the speedboat “La Bohême II”. Tel. +33 (0)5 56 09 61 78 – www.vedettelaboheme.com nes”tour? the “Villas Ancien on g on al nt we we if t ha W .! m -10:00 a. A walk of almost two kilometres, with stops at the most imposing or emblematic buildings, such as the elegant Villa Stella or the Villa Chambrelent, typical examples of seaside architecture. From May to September: a one-hour tour with commentary, starting from Lacanau Océan Tourist Office.€5 / adult, €3 / child (aged 4 to 12). Reservations at the Médoc Océan Tourist Office. All year round: self-guided tours with the 4-trail guide for €3. P.12 Wine Tourism “With my little basket and my pruning shears, I look as though I’m off to cut a few flowers. Not at all! It’s a day’s harvesting in Côtes-de-Blaye. It was explained to me: cut the bunches without leaving too much stalk, and remove all the leaves that fall into the basket. Then rush off to fill the hopper when the basket is full. I get stuck in. A little bit of emotion: my first harvest!” The Gironde is the leading wine-tourism destination: 3.6 million visitors between 2008 and 2010, as against 2.5 million in Burgundy and 1.4 million in Alsace. For half the tourists in the Gironde, discovering vineyards is a determining factor of their stay. It must be said that the Bordeaux region has “bottle”: 120,000 hectares of vineyards, 57 appellations, over 8,000 châteaux, and nearly 13,000 wine growers. And what a palette: reds, dry whites, sweet whites, syrupy wines, rosés, clarets, sparkling wines, and Fine de Bordeaux! Favourite e Château th to f of d ea h : d en e the next week Com accommodation. s u h cc a B t ou y tr , de Mole to -Emilion, a long isseguin-Saint Children ne grower” ’ . New: the “apprenticil ethrwi ough the vines, from tra d workshop, with a game n to Loupiac. A whole loa illo nd Ro é hin up Da au e, Châte win o int s pe gra transforming of questions on vines, forth a rs… something to call we gro e win the work of d. en tasting session at the craft! With a grape-juice . (0)5 56 62 61 75 33410 Loupiac.Tel. +33 t.fr rrie www.vignoblesda ury, five the heart of Pu the 17th cent om A real estate in fr g tin da the rooms building rietal, three of va a light-coloured r fo ed m ing out s – each na lounge, all look sy co spacious room a a, un sa d enjoy an bath and e property an th come with spa ur to g, in n for the This even ck in the autum ba e over the vines. m Co g. in wine-tast €155. introduction to . Rooms:€88 to nd ke ee w t es rv ha in-Saint-Emilion 33570 Puissegu e-mole.fr www.chateau-d P.13 In the matter of wine tourism, the Gironde comes with a “Vignoble et Chais en Bordelais®” label that guarantees the quality of the welcome, the tours, and the tasting in nearly 500 wine-growing properties. It works in tandem with the “Hébergement Bacchus” label: gîtes and bed-and-breakfasts in the heart of wine-growing estates. The Best of Wine Tourism is an initiative of the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It rewards the most innovative estates and wine locations in nine cities set in vineyards with an international reputation. In the 8th edition, the Gironde garnered the lion’s share in the following categories: “Architecture”, “Parks and Gardens”, “Art and Culture”, “Discovery and Innovation”, and the “Jury’s Favourite”. More information on the “Voyages au Pays des Vins de Bordeaux” Press Pack, downloadable from www.tourisme-gironde.fr One is blond, the other is brown-haired. They are both young and close to the world of wine. During a meal with friends, a genius of an idea arose: offer the public the chance to create their own wine, “just as you create your own scent in Grasse.” B Winemaker saw the light of day in June 2010, and is associated with four châteaux – which will be eight by the start of 2012. The concept is going from strength to strength! ©B Winemaker Hey – does it work? Participants are invited to visit the property before moving on to the cellar, with full explanations on vines, wine-making methods, and wine-growing. After that, we move on to the workshop, where things get serious: first, tasting of singlegrape wines (Merlot, Cabernet Franc, etc.), then blended wines. It’s your chance to see where your tastes lie. Thereafter, armed with a pipette and with advice from our duo, each of us fills a bottle in line with her / his taste. All that’s left is to design the label, find a name for the cuvée, and put the cork in. From €76 per half day. B Winemaker, tel. +33 (0)5 33 48 49 88. www.b-winemaker.com wine accessible to all, by “Our idea is also to make ” s felt by each individual. calling on the sensation appellation n r a e v o t le in c p ’s e t e a d h e T - Give yourself the chance to div dly – just 3 km by 4 km – but what a star! A choice merol. Tid ting tion: Po e-growers: a tas And not just any appella ful of enthusiastic win nd ha a to s nk tha u, along minor roadsof discoveries awaits yo favourite: an 18-km rally r ou or t, ou y da ’s die foo 0 per team). session at a property, a rprises at the finish (€3 do it in a car or on a bicycle, with questionnaires and su tel. +33 (0)6 69 41 19 29 Pomerol wine tourism sme.com . www.pomerol-oenotouri : there’s st e v r a h ’s y a d -A uning r p of ir a p a g ke holdin nothing li shears! the grapes being n, tour the cellars, watch oo ern aft the me Co . ntation. And between That’s the morning done in the full froth of ferme e win u, urr bo ty: ali eci und the table. It’s pressed – and taste a sp h everyone gathered aro wit al, me st rve ha the s ilable from Bordeaux the two, of course, there’ Departures by bus ava 9. €2 . od go all it’s d all in Blaye country, an tegironde.fr 42 12 09. www.pays-hau (€69). Tel. +33 (0)5 57 P.14 Favourite for us! . The château, thliefeformer home of the Princea rsan need to be Mazette, Live r us! You just fo st ju – c kend at this de Poligna spend a wee to le op pe x country. The group of si heart of Médoc e th in ty er op cellar tours, splendid pr ing sessions, st ta es ud cl in markets. One programme tings to flea ou d l an s, ur stalks – it’s al vineyard to ue with vine ec rb ts ba gh a ni 2 es / evening se on for 3 days ge! €349 / pers ready in the frid cluded. basis, tours in on a full-board eau m and Wine Bur Pauillac Touris 59 03 08. Tel. +33 (0)5 56 edoc.com www.pauillac-m Go there with... treat yourself to a cookery course on how to match food and wine. The course is at Planète Bordeaux – where else? The showcase for Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur wines, with a thousand and one wines in its cellar. On the kitchen side of things, have fun getting stuck in with the thoughtful advice of the chef. €45. A list of Foodie Saturdays is available at www.planete-bordeaux.fr Find all the recipes at www.planetecooking-leblog.fr. 33750 Beychac et Caillau.Tel. +33 (0)5 57 97 19 36 otters Lunchtime: D’you fancy pig’s tr with potatoes? Head for the Café Lavinal: go on a scooter outing through the vines of Entre-Deux-Mers. The region already looks like Tuscany, with its hills and cypresses. Once there, you could believe that you were there! All ours: the little winding roads, the walled towns and their markets, the welcoming estates. La dolce vita in the heart of Bordeaux country! Hire charge: €50 per1/2day;€70 per full day; €390 per week. Weekend or weekday trails available on request. Also in the Sauternes area and at Saint-Emilion. Vespa Liberté, 33580 Monségur. Tel. +33 (0)9 71 57 54 19. www.vespatoursenfrance.com . My friend Isabelle: she wants tickles and cuddles – me, too, me, too! Head for the spa at Les Caudalies. Just for us: red-vine baths, Merlot friction scrub, and wine-grower massage! I think I may just have a “Premier Cru” facial! The ritual comes in at €250 for 1/2 a day. Chemin de Smith Haut Lafitte. 33650 Bordeaux-Martillac. Tel. +33 (0)5 57 83 83 83. . www.sources-caudalie.com at the heart of the hamlet of Bages, a 1930s-style brasserie with red benches and a pretty bar. Wellchosen bistro cooking, and a terrace for days with good weather. Afterwards, take a tour around Bages, a village full of flavours and of the wine created by JeanMichel Cazes, next door to Château Lynch-Bages and to the 4-star Hôtel Cordeillan-Bages. Remember to pick up a few canelés at the “Au Baba d’Andrea” bakery. Tel.+33 (0)5 57 75 00 09 www.villagedebages.com Les Sources de Caudalie ©Vespatours © Planète Bordeaux - Epicurean pals: A hearty appetite . If it’s Saturday st. - My boss is a golfing enthusia The Médoc Golf Course will help him to unwind: The Médoc Golf Course will help him to unwind: listed amongst the Top 5 of the most beautiful French golf courses by a jury of professionals - please! Even Ballesteros has come to play its two courses… and there’s a very cosy four-star hotel on site. From €329 for 2 nights, 1 dinner, 2 sets of green fees, and access to the Espace Spa. Golf du Médoc Hôtel & Spa, 33290 Le Pian Médoc. Tel. +33 (0)5 56 70 31 31. www.hotel-golf-du-medoc.com P.15 el âteau Cos d’Estourn The Gironde is amazing! Ch ? oof pr nt wa u Yo rdeaux country. Art and wine live comfortably together in Bo Take a close look at the châteaux, which display every style: Neo-Palladian for Château Margaux, Tudor for Cantenac Brown, Medocan Folly for Clément-Pichon, and Charterhouse for Loudenne. A full-on treatise on architecture! The theme continues into the cellars: the prize for originality goes to Cos d’Estournel, with its Chinese pagodas, stone dragons, and door in carved wood, which comes straight from a palace on Zanzibar. And on into modern times: the cellars of Château LafiteRothschild in the shape of rotundas designed by Bofill, and the cellars of Pichon-Longueville, designed by Jean de Gastines. d on GOOD PLAN y of an art enthusiast in Médoc,kstofruroms bathsee Ch âteau art erar porary wor follow the itin u Pichonfollow: contem to ns io ss n from Châtea se er g od in m st d ta an t ith w âteau cien nch Bages or Ch ions of glass an ct Ly lle at co ar c, ye sa e th Ar d’ : Art and tist of orks by the ar 2011, category r fo d ar aw ld Longueville, w works Of go commentary of ner of the Best ith w ur To ). m Paloumey (win : Touris ville and Arsac) Best of Wine Pichon Longue , Culture, from es ag B ch yn ssion (L 00 66 00. and tasting se Tel. +33(0)5 56 . ce ffi O t is ur Bordeaux To x-tourisme.com www.bordeau ith... hat, but t w e n k I Go away w – ascending s e i r A h t i ssion with w se s g u n r i u st a a T t ! e n n At a six-wi My wine sig ! e n ks to an o n d a h ’s t t i s, g … n n li g e si e ces, my f n e r e not my wine f e hete”. r p st e y a r m u e t t u o a t m a I se I am an “ t a h t commentary, r e v o sc ve to slip i a d h I d st n ju a I – , x k o o d cellar bo n interactive b a es that k o n o i b w e d i se o u h g t l s a e c n so ,000 referen 1 With my per e h t m o r f to choose easy! €16. inery.fr into the shop p sy a E . le fi o www.w my pr correspond t6o0 Arsac. Tel. +33 (0)5 56 39 04 90 334 La Winery, ation on the course: - Get inform s’ Wine and of gth len ur yo se oo Ch Ladie evening? Medocan two hours, a day, an rkshops. Following wo se ee Ch e win of l oo sch x au nding workshops The Borde ns to on from the ble tio op of er mb nu a new Epicurean offers asting, comes the introduce you to wine-t and rendezvous of these four ladies e, Just as combining food and win in the world of wine. x. au rde Bo of es win the great playful and instructional! www.bordeaux.com www.lesmedocaines.com P.16 ©Les Médocaines Memo © Phovoir/CDT Gironde Wanderings “A snack in my shoulder bag, I hesitate between the sea spray and the smell of pine woods, between a footpath carpeted with pine needles or a cycleway that flirts with ocean, lakes, and marshes. One thing is certain: Nature will not leave me!” For the Gironde is to be savoured au naturel. 4,200 kilometres of hiking trails, about 700 kilometres of cycle-friendly paths and “greenways”, and vast vineyards: the Gironde has not waited for the concept of sustainable development to blossom forth in order to put it into practice. Protected wild areas fit to take your breath away, areas of freedom where varied fauna abound, undulating horizons with the scent of tannin in the air. Whether or on foot, on a bicycle, on horseback, and even in a kayak whatever the itinerary, this is a place where all roads lead to Nature. A well-filled travel journal in the making! Favourite Shank special! d pair of oo g a f el rs ou y d il pro: to bu a cycle ride! r fo Advice from anot g n oi g e k li g in is shanks, there’s h e Roger Lapébie Trail, of courseBri! Th dge, GOOD PLAN weekends and short stays availaghbltse. days / 2 ni “Eco-Cyclo” ural Park for 3 at N al on gi Re in the Information from e-gascogne.fr. es-d www.parc-land th int John’s Where? Along deaux from Sa or B the old es av le greenway s the route of ke ta en th , growing aronne oss the winefollows the G cr to ne es tr all, om La kilometres in railway line fr 55 s. er M xtre-Deu and old picnic areas, slopes of En s, el nn tu , ds woo cluding e terminals (in punctuated by cl cy to in ed the turn – in 2000 – was railway stations ch hi w n, éo Cr wns of inal at at the walled to the cycle term s op st e: bl sa rtified Unmis with its four fo first in France). ne en uy G e-d Abbey eterre Créon, of Sauv Sauve-Majeure La ry tu en -c part of e 12th gates, and th Heritage List as ld or W CO ES e UN e a note (entered on th postela). Mak m Co of es m int Ja d-music ix” cycling-an the Ways of Sa Vo la re uv “O the event). ptember (see in your diary: Se in ay nw ee the gr festival along ation from rm fo Further in mers.com www.entredeux P.17 His is the book entitled « Le Guide des oiseaux du Bassin d’Arcachon » as are « Instants d’oiseaux » and « Guide des oiseaux de nos jardins »… You will have understood that Claude Feigné likes feathers both literally and figuratively. As well as being a writer, he is also responsible for managing Le Teich Reserve, which is attached to the Gascony Landes Regional Natural Park. He was 16 when he took his first step as a birdwatching guide. Today, he has all the answers for the approximately 265 species, and a further 400 in the bay that arrive by migration. Since Claude is a firm believer in cohabitation between birds and tourism, he regularly organises bird-watching weekends. You’ve been warned! More information from www.parc-landes-de-gascogne.fr © PNRLG Portrait Claude Feigné a feathered man! Greenway Don’t leave without.. iendly paths ironde cycle-fr G of a bicycle ap m he -T x-Toulouse on au de or B : ap ay” m -The “Greenw leaflets olls and hikes” tr “s e re th he -T to 21 km. ing from 6 km ng ra ls ai tr ar de 18 circul d at the Giron urist Offices an To at e bl la ai Av ation from e) Further inform oadable on lin Tourist Board. ronde.fr (documents downl gi www.tourisme- méd oc nor d le litt ora l méd oc sud le litt ora l on sin d’ar cach e le tou r du bas al de gar onn cach on au can du bas sin d’ar à laca nau ux dea bor de -de- guy enn e sau vete rre à ux dea de bor Children’s corner Ever since they watched “Tintin”, all they Go there with... d to take My sweetheart, who has demciucdeh! up cycling – but not too ptain Haddock - right? can do is talk about Ca Heart of Arcachon Bay That’s just as well. The Audenge, and Lanton) Tourist Office (Biganos, ur little ties that will make yo offers a range of activi fauna tic ua aq sts in the Bay’s pirates veritable speciali you: there’s no question of re and flora. Just to reassu ate galleon… but they will pir a rd oa ab m ginal getting the and thanks to highly ori – nt hu ure as tre a lise go on rea en ev n’t hops, they wo y the investigations and works d an s… ng thi of whole host the that they are learning a on ble mines of information will become inexhausti subject! About €5 / chil bassin.com www.tourisme-coeurdu Cycling, eating, sleeping – and all with Logis de Gironde à Vélo! 6 Logis de Gironde with that label offer circular itineraries around their accommodation, and follow a specific quality charter. Everything has been designed for our weekend to combine sport and relaxation. I’m torn between Soulac and Villandraut… Choose your Logis de Gironde à Vélo at : www.logis-gironde.fr My latter-day Tarzan, Cap Cabane s ©LCap Cabane to live in a wooden cocoon perched in the trees in the heart of the Landes Forest. Space and Nature with comfort on top… real luxury! Rate for 2 people: €112 per night with breakfast. Cap’Cabane at Captieux, tel. +33 (0)6 79 36 29 01 www.capcabane.com P.18 A hearty appetite The association for the promotion of products from the Gascony Landes Natural Park invites us to come and try one at the Delta brasserie, “L’Assiette”, which is set at the entrance to the Ornithological Park and which offers a view over the Port of Le Teich. Let’s see, now: six Arcachon Bay oysters, liver galantine, duck crackling and rillettes, traditional rye bread, and home-made patisserie, all washed down with a dry white wine: Entre-Deux-Mers 2004 “La Gravière”… and all that for €15… I’ll say yes, please! © VF. / PNRLG Does a country plateful mean anything to you? Agri-tourism enthusiasts with your practical guide “Welcome to the farm in the Gironde”, use your bucolic escapades to one of the 90 farms to offer tastings of farm produce and put together your own picnic basket. Yum, yum! Further information from www.bienvenue-a-la-ferme.com Memo Head for adventure: go p, clip, clop – here clo ip, -Cl the Leyre, You kayaking down are the vineyards! art of a he od through the don’t have to be a go e kayak is Th t. es for rse gallery makes horse rider to go on a ho s. a silent vessel, which g the trek through the vineyard rin ve co g it ideal for dis Teich With your mount settin Le of nt ges environme 3 the pace, the sta rk. Pa l ica log es Ornitho include two tours of estat ge hours for €25, per day, tours of herita 80 93 classes tel. +33 (0)5 56 22 iquetasting sites, log ho and www.parc-ornit with winegrowers, ing du-teich.com arm ch nights spent in rre Tourist Office, Place Pie . accommodation. ch Tei Le 50 Dubernet, 33470 46 1 to 3-day treks, from €1 80 22 Tel. +33 (0)5 56 om per day. www.leteich-tourisme.c ult ad It’s great fun, the 1/2 a beginner’s trek lasting tre En an of r day, with a tou 5. €7 . cer du Deux-Mers pro Further information from www.bdtours. lk - What d’you say to a wa y? Ba on ach Arc d un aro per Covering 15 to 24 km s ow all th pa tal day, the coas rld wo s thi r ve co dis you to bird set apart, made up of and s, od reserves, pine wo rts. po ing rm small oyster-fa % 100 – e tim of t ou A step d. de en int e tur Na as m 6 nights / 5 days fro h wit tel ho €580 in a 2-star rs. ne din 2 d breakfast an . Tel. +33 (0)5 56 79 25 05 m co io. vaz w.e ww option Cycling New! available! Remember to… the Gironde is amazing cle “Velodyssee” – an epic on a bicy Diaries at the ready: 30 June next sees the official inauguration of the “Girondin de la Vélodyssée” itinerary. The course is 128 kilometreslong, and starts at Pointe de Grave opposite Cordouan Lighthouse, flirts with the seaside resorts of Soulac-sur-Mer, Hourtin, Carcans, and Lacanau, then runs along Arcachon Bay via the oyster-farming ports of Lanton, Audenge, Biganos, and Gujan-Mestras, and comes to its final apotheosis at the Dune du Pilat. It is part of the 1,200 kilometres of itinerary that run along the Atlantic coast, from Brittany to the Basque coast. A wonderful project born of a willing partnership between four regions and ten départements. No-one doubts that cycling tourism is going full speed ahead. Further information from www.tourisme-gironde.fr P.19 … check the tyre pressures of the all-terrain bike to go cycling through the vineyards and châteaux of Saint-Emilion. Make your way to the Tourist Office to first of all choose from the four carefully-chosen “loops” (free on request): “notable architecture”, “familyowned properties”, “Grands Crus Classés”, and “Between the Vines and the Dordogne”. Between 10 and 20 km each, with no major difficulties, there’s something for experienced athletes and Sunday cyclists alike! Saint-Emilion Area Tourist Office, tel. +33 (0)5 57 55 28 28. www.saint-emilion-tourisme.com UNESCO and heritage “The sun sets over the russet rooftops of Saint-Emilion. Tourists slowly drift back to their cars. I am left alone with the sloping, cobbled alleyways, small, hidden courtyards, terraces hidden in amongst little squares. There’s only me, now – me, and the lovers…” Bordeaux has been made a UNESCO site – but not only Bordeaux: Saint-Emilion, Blaye Citadel, and Vauban’s fortifications are also listed as major sites. Monuments include La Sauve-Majeure Abbey, the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Bazas, and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Ends of the Earth. For the Gironde is a heritage all in itself, ranging from Gallo-Roman remains to 19th-century seaside villas, and taking in Romanesque churches, fortified towns, and proud castles. A beautiful book written in stone, for you to discover on your wanderings. Children 2:00 p.m. My little monster has been because y right through lunch, a good bo Pierre. A school he is all set to meet stoneworker from friend, perhaps? No, a n in the him about Saint-Emilio yesteryear who will tell d the an e, tim a child at that Middle Ages, the life of time, xt Ne s. ion cat in the fortifi als. importance of cut stone im an d an s ure fig al tastic we’ll go on the tour of fan to 12. €4. For children aged 5 tour. Information from n” ilio Em St oi -m “Raconte me.com www.saint-emilion-touris P.20 Portrait Françoise heritage with a woman’s touch No, Françoise Henry-Morlier does not speak of herself or what brought her to her current post, in charge of three Gironde monuments. With sparkling eyes and happily voluble, she prefers to speak of the job of Administrator of National Monuments: “Our task is to bring a monument alive.” Forty people across France currently oversee about a hundred monuments. “I am very lucky with my three very different monuments: Pey Berland Tower, right in the middle of Bordeaux, which receives visitors from around the world; La Sauve-Majeure Abbey, in ruins and in a rustic setting; and Cadillac Castle.” Ah, Cadillac Castle… her eyes sparkle just a little bit more: “A surprising monument with contrasting periods in its history: from being a castle of state in the 17th century, it became a women’s prison two centuries later. Or: how to pass from light into darkness, from riches to distress.” We must not forget its owner, the Duc d’Epernon, “a very strong personality. He was governor of the whole of Western France.” As you may imagine, Françoise faces the challenge with enthusiasm: “Make things so that Cadillac is no longer an empty shell, which it has been for a very long time.” 33410 Cadillac. Tel. + 33 (0)5 56 62 69 58. www.cadillac.monuments-nationaux.fr ith... w y a w a g in Go Emilion. They, tin Sa om fr s on ro Excellent maca ed by too, should be list that UNESCO - a recipe anged has remained unch sweet since 1620: almonds, and and bitter, sugar, ntained in co d n A ! ll a s t’ a th fresh egg white – hite box. -w d n a elu b h sc it k the same deliciously small, where ll a , op sh e th of ck To view: the ba s, 9 Ferlion macaron e… d a m re a the little marvels rue Guadet. t-emilion.com .macarons-sain w w w . 33 72 24 Tel. + 33 (0)5 57 is amazing The Gironde sign along the D230 You can’t miss the between Sauveterre-de-Guyenne and Monségur: Castelmoron d’Albret – the smallest village in France! 3.54 hectares, which Charles-de-Gaulle in Paris, and about sixty makes it as big as Place inhabitants – not counting the cats. Tiddly but with cats everywhere, a fortified gateway, houses set right up against the ramparts, a tower that sighs for its long-destroyed castle, a wash house that’s been all prettied up… and an artisan chocolatier waiting for you to drop in at Caumont, right opposite Castelmoron. www.tourisme-monsegur.fr P.21 Go there with... ry of . Alain, for the first anniversa when we met A new guesthouse by Saint-Emilion: pared-down design, natural materials, wood, linseed, and stone, private terrace for guests, and a wonderful pool. Bruno, a wine professional, will advise Alain on his purchases, and Emmanuelle will tell me of a few good places in Saint-Emilion. I must be quick to reserve, though: there’s only one room! We shall truly be alone in the world. 6 Pailhas, 33330 Saint-Hippolyte. Tel. + 33 (0)6 01 39 47 07. www.carrevigne.com . Intellectual friends: a pilgrimage in the footsteps of François Mauriac – that should keep them happy! Head for the Malagar estate, his country home, in the heart of Entre-Deux-Mers country. You can tour the ground floor of the house which is full of memories, the red cellar with family photographs, and take a walk in the park along the path planted on either side with cypresses on Mauriac’s orders. If it’s their thing, sign up for the Balades Littéraires: wanderings through the remains of places that inspired Mauriac, towards Malagar or Bordeaux, to recapture the atmosphere of Le Sagouin or of Thérèse Desqueyroux. 33490 Saint-Maixant. Tel. + 33 (0)5 57 98 17 17 www.malagar.aquitaine.fr Castelmoron d’Albret That’s clev - A brer illiant idea: combine d iscovering heritage w programm ith discove e set in th ring e heart of Abbey (a U E n tre-Deux-M wine. Just think: a ca N ESCO Worl Ca refully-sele ers countr d Heritage stelmoron y! Tours of cted Site) and S -d’Albret, L a a on the ba Sauve-Ma in a n te a -F b erme Abbe solute lov nks of the jeur e of a litt y; a wande Garonne; craftsman le village, r through a little bit to have a a nd throug of tr look at ba Entre-Deu h La Réole sket-makin aditional craft with x-Mers ap , a visit to a g p ; e th llation wh Entre-Deu e n fi n e wicker -tune your ite wines x-Mers Ma with a win knowledge ison des V / person, e tasting ins! Isn’t li of the half-board a t fe th w a e château c o Office of M c nderful? A or at rt and Win onségur, te ommodation in a “3 e Holiday, l. + 33(0)5 épis” rate €209 d bed-and 56 61 82 7 -breakfast. 3. www.en tredeuxme Tourist rs .c om once more to Bordea ux with a tou r in an 18th and Saint-Emilion UNESCO “ -century B ours: unde Grands Cru ordeaux c rground m abriolet ca s”! A very onuments The added rr full day ia , ge – then the medie extra: a to Saint-Emil val town, ur with co snack with io a n is all n d mmentary the wine-g of a wine-g discovering the vine rower. €9 Every Frida yards. 2 ro from Bord wing esta y fr eaux, €72 te – and s Tourist Offi om mid-May to mid fr h are a om Saint-E -October. ce milion. Tourist Offi of Bordeaux tel. + 33 ce (0)5 56 00 66 00. ww www.saint- of Saint-Emilion, tel. w.bordeau emilion-to + 33(0)5 5 x-tourisme urisme.co 7 55 28 28 .com m - It’s Friday: A hearty appetite La Sauve-Majeu uld you say wo at wh – e im at te s It’ . p.m 5:00 to nettle fritters? And a little bowlful of red kuri squash soup? Ah, I see that the Périgord verjuice has tempted you… At the “Oh Légumes oubliés” farm, teatime is a Memo s in - Tour the castle onde: Gir ern South the with s lid so a , de illa Roqueta a ut, proud lines; Villandra t tha e lac pa veritable fortress al tiv Fes the sts each year ho and of Fools; Cazeneuve ce an iss the charm of Rena for de Brè houses; La uieu memories of Montesq rk; pa yle -st sh gli En its and for od go a and Malle Castle, le. sty cal example of Classi ©Oh ! Légumes oubliés ! serious affair. People take the opportunity to try the four flavours – sour, bitter, sweet, and salty – from about twenty products, fruits, and vegetables that have been forgotten, and that are grown organically. First, we went to look at the kitchen garden and the orchard, and we got lost in the Maze trying to find the recipe for the magic potion and understand sustainable food production. € 9 for the tour and a snack. Château de Belloc, 33670 Sadirac. Tel. + 33(0)5 56 30 61 00 www.ohlegumesoublies.com lled - Then there are the wa xeu -D tre En towns of the 13th Mers area: built in the w ne century, they were the Ages, le dd Mi the of ns tow layout with their chessboard uares. sq ed ad and their arc their r ve sco )di (re You can ed am r-fr walls, their timbe arm ch the houses, and rkets: of their covered ma nn e, ye Gu e-d re er Sa uv et grue, lle Créon, Blasimon, Pe . lac dil Monségur, and Ca m www.entredeuxmers.co am - Lose yourself in a dre me co world when you ide as se across Soulac’s s les ins mo : architecture , on ach Arc n tha n ow well kn , las vil of but still a pretty set ilt bu m the almost 500 of h the from 1860 onwards, wit ere is Th y. lwa rai the of advent Lady r also the Basilica of Ou , a rth Ea the of the Ends of of ys Wa the on staging post in ilt bu s wa t tha es Saint Jam th the 12 century. www.soulac.com P.22 re E st u a r y “Under the grey-blue sky, the muddy waters take on shades of ochre. It’s not yet the ocean – but it’s more than a river. Flat islands seem to drown in it. In the distance, a ship that looks like an oil tanker crosses the path of an elegant old tall ship. Caught between the past and the present - an unsettled world.” The Garonne and the Dordogne combine to form the Gironde estuary, the biggest in Europe: 600 km2 in area, 70 km in length, 12 km wide. A sense of the Mississippi with its fresh and salt muddy waters, a strange, appealing world that is starting to open up to tourism and reveal its secrets. That’s clever time: . on . You need to beestion of missing P.23 the ferry there’s no qu rque on ma La ry from that crosses the estua bank. ht rig the Médoc bank to Blaye on the e up eu qu s car tain: Places are difficult to ob oard Ab ce. tan and dis to cut down on driving lf an ha for ly en if on a boat on the estuary, ev and es Tim re! adventu hour, gives a sense of om -blaye.c prices at www.tourisme Portrait Guillaume de Mecquenem His dream has a name: “Iles” Guillaume agrees that his was a different kind of childhood. “I arrived on Margaux Island at the age of 6, and I stayed there until my teens.” A dad who was manager of the Margaux wine estate – yes, wine is still produced on an island in the estuary – meant that the family arrived just as the islands’ population was falling: “Our life was lived against the tide; people looked at us as though we were fringe-dwellers.” Living on an island is necessarily different: “My brother, sister, and I were often late for school – which was on the left bank – because the boat would often get stuck in the mud.” A life lived close to Nature – drive the tractor, handle the boat, fish for eels, frolic in the mud – and all of a sudden, Guillaume caught the estuary virus. Aged 28 and with a few years of sailing behind him, he threw himself into Gens d’Estuaire and launched his product “D’Iles en idylles”*. A wine tour in a water taxi from Bordeaux, a one-day cruise going up the estuary, a stop for food at Patiras to * €135 / person from Bordeaux sample estuary products, and wine-tasting on Margaux Island. A concentrated version Tourist Office. of the estuary that he loves. www.gensdestuaire.fr Favourite de evening % Giron 0 10 a : e n u L l’ re So ner cruise Din ns d’Estuaire! ng new with Ge hi et m so y tr ay … Let’s Phew! It is Frid pier ram : barge, the prog the Sorellina Have a look at of d ar bo on e producer come e tasting of on 7.30 pm : Wel in w en th x, ordeau m 2011”. Richelieu in B t of Wine Touris es “B illuminated e th by river, along the rewarding ne on ar G e th U NESCO. rture on ge classified by 9.00 pm : depa ta ri he its d an ye, foie gras, deaux ragus from Bla facades of Bor pa as as ts uc cal prod Dinner with lo … st duck brea to dock 10.30 pm : back ay 2012. l the 25th of m child under 12 Every Fridays til ed) – €35 per ud cl in t no s (drink €60 per adult 39 27 66 tel : +33 (0)5 56 re ai tu Gens d’Es tuaire.fr www.gensdes iche « Route de la Corn fleurie » , laye and Bourg ad. Between B ro s: he ic ge rn lla Co vi e th and troglodytic r and head for small harbours jump in your ca , ith et w ns g fishing huts on in su rt e fli m s, Co the bank ets, those odd el to rr e ca os e cl th ks ic of edere at Eyquem ctures the route st y from the belv hau to take pi ar -T tu de es ee qu th of Ro rama d its vines! stop off at th-taking pano ere, Médoc an th ea br er a ov rs d fe an of – stilts. Tayac bès, Ile Verte t over Bec d’Am ou ok lo : le st Ca P.24 Go way with... , fresh or a re a e y la B e h t of s, a speciality u g ra a sp a e it h w ced on Toutd u od pr it Sweet an of ll a e, y of Côtes-de-Bla le t ot b rb snack, a pe s su u a pl , in ed e n lg u tin d in chtime, why not n lu t A . rm a the summer, F e t u om C ? y l’Y-Fa a w a e k a t ightaway or to ra st t Balades”, ea io t t es F er “ h et in h w rt pa e k arie Camus ta -M n a Je d n a e u snack. iq n n oo n er Véro ft a n a y b rds and followed a ey n vi e h t in d el s-vins.com theatrical events h .blaye-asperge cillac. Tel. + 33 re, 33860 Mar Lardiè (0)5 57 32 48 30. www the Gironde is amazing Go there with... Friends who are nature lovers. An island, a lighthouse, a refuge, all just for us: on Patiras Island, a “cul noir” dinner: a pork-based barbecue. On the menu: tapas, grills, doing little or nothing on the chaise-longues, just as you please – with, all around, the calm of Nature and the estuary. Magical! Departure from Pauillac or Blaye on Friday evenings in summer - €40. Have they been good? Then take them to thed s built by Vauban an citadel at Blaye. It wa ! ry – a splendid building stands above the estua film l rea a h, es, a churc Ditches, ramparts, hous “Grand Jeu avec Jehan”: h wit r tte be set… and it gets even rn to find ily - 23 questions to lea a game for all the fam y panels swers, thanks to displa your way and find the an s knight ou r example: which fam set all over the site. Fo e up? giv ou D’y ? Middle Ages was Count of Blaye in the d tour family can take the guide And there’s more: all the t an idea of Vauban’s system ge of underground areas to s: €5, children: €3. ult of defences. Exciting! Ad 5 57 42 12 09. Tourist Office tel. + 33 (0) Tourist ” booklet on sale at the “Grand Jeu avec Jehan aged 7+. Office (€2). For children It’s not just the Périgord that has mammoth etchings. Have a look at Pair-non-Pair grotto, not far from Bourg: bison, mammoths, and ibexes from 30,000 years ago. It’s not the caves at Lascaux, but even so…! 33700 Prignac-et-Marcamps. Tel. + 33 (0)5 57 68 33 40 http://pair-non-pair.monuments-nationaux.fr Le Sinbad P.25 CMN Children - Carved mammoths ©Ph. Berthé / who still has the soul of a child. Immediate boarding at Blaye or Pauillac on the “Sinbad”, a tall-masted schooner with the lines of a ship of yesteryear, for two hours of sailing the estuary. For late-evening cruises, an option with pre-dinner aperitif is available.€19, €30 with aperitif. Cœur d’Estuaire, 13 bis rue Segonzac, 33390 Saint-Genès-de-Blaye. Tel. + 33 (0)5 57 64 36 69. www.coeurdestuaire.com Loudenne Castle, a pretty 17th-century charterhouse set on the bank of the estuary. An Irishman had it painted pink in the 19th century. It now belongs to the Lafragette family, and excellent Médoc wines are produced there. Marvel of marvels: you can even stay the night in beautiful rooms with charming retro decor. 33340 Saint-Yzans-de-Médoc. Tel. + 33 (0)5 56 73 17 80 www.lafragette.com ©Sinbad My dearest s… it’s…? People in Médoc call it Pink. It’ A hearty appetite other in Law M ng ti vi in of up d fe u yo e Ar lunch? Dearest a traditional Sunday Why not go to a real guinguette? Head for the harbour at Macau: Quinquin, welcomes wandering Bordeaux folk with open arms, offering specialities from the estuary: friend shrimp or “bibiches” as finger food, cod salad, eels in parsley sauce – all washed down with a glass of white and the view over the estuary. Mother in Law Dearest will love it! About €20. Chez Quinquin. 33460 Port de Macau. Tel. : + 33 (0)5 57 88 45 89 Shrimps done – time for prawns! They originate from the Pacific, but are brought along nice in two fish farms. Marshes, a landscape that looks like the Petite Camargue, and exciting tours to learn all about these little creatures. Available for sale and for eating on the spot. Saint-Vivien-de-Medoc, Ferme Eau Medoc, tel. + 33 (0)5 56 09 58 32. Ferme La Petite Canau, tel. + 33 (0)5 56 09 49 66. Memo watch . Come springtime, stork, by the birth of a ba aux. ise d’O in at Terres ted tec pro of res 120 hecta for tel ho tar 4-s l rea a : areas ten d an about one hundred t can species of birds tha nd, rou ar ye all d be observe d an thanks to themed trails by ht Rig observation points. Les Callonges. 80. Tel. + 33 (0)5 57 32 88 r. f . x w w w. t e r r e s d o i s e a u int Sa ud Tourist Office of Bra 88 32 57 5 (0) Louis, tel. + 33 88. www.ot-estuaire.com p ho - At the turn of the tide, k kaya aboard a sea-going Les at ur rbo from the ha nk: ba ht rig the on , Callonges el lev the estuary from water re we u yo – you’d think that gle to at sea… And what a gig of a lts sti the n ee go in betw carrelet! trated - Give yourself a concen the on e: nc estuary experie rth no D2 the low left bank fol d roa the y; tol ris -Ch int of Sa d an ter wa goes right past the , urs rbo ha y the marshes. Tin ats bo ” fly on rag “d carrelets, like with nets that look ps, rim sh wings for fishing on se ou hth lig and a small – se ou hth Lig s rd’ land, Richa ry tua transformed into an es eco-museum . tel. + 33 (0)5 56 09 52 39 aux Terres d’Oise Favourite most beautiful ! ed b in ongst the 100 g am n d zi te la lis o en n ut it’s be fill my basket! e: just think – ere’s plenty to nd th , ra rd -G It’s Saturday – arbke la go ri yPé Fo beautiful by t at Sainteded houses, a and from near the m des, arca Gironde Get yourself to produce from lf-timbered faça ne-paysfoyen.com ha ith : w t 53 ha 12 W in . ilt ce markets in Fran walled town, bu place! www. tourisme-dordog ity to tour the un rt po beautiful op e th Take gne valley is a do or D e th t… covered marke ith a view the terrace? W on s er -M ux de trethe lighted t a glass of En Castle or over c no lla hy di w Ca f: iti of er egant dining sing silhouette Time for an ap nner in the el di g, in over the impo en ev drooms. A ol. This in the cosy be st swimming po re d ne ar l-e wel y, right in the room before a Garonne valle e th in er ov op to €145. worthwhile st oms from €75 Ro s. er -M ux de heart of Entre2 avenue de la u de la Tour***, ea ât ch du el Hôt 410 Cadillac. Libération, 33 76 92 00 atour.com Tel. + 33 (0)5 56 ant-chateaudel ur ta es -r el ot .h w ww dars in the ce e h t on ly t en g light is fading e h t d n a . m p. 0 7:0 garden. P.26 That’s clever The Ciron is so cute! dity contributes s wine country: its humi rne ute Sa e sid ng alo ws ne flo a canoe down ron the chance to paddle This tributary of the Ga duce sweet wines. Now’s pro to s the winegrower pe gra of rot to the noble Carbonnieu Castle, where at p sto the is g icin y on the from Bommes. The cherr offers us a tour of the estate and its wines - €12. 13 s, tel. + 33 (0)5 56 76 69 Tourist Office of Sauterne angon.com www. sauternais-graves-l . d or white, re in es Go away with.. m co It ! if t Bordeaux aperi ” k n ri -d st u m “ % Bordeaux e 5 h 8 t : : 7 t 8 le il 18 L ce of n si le t e, ot n Ab c, on the Garon sa en od our the small P t o t in e y d it a n m u rt n po ee b op s e a and h queur. Take th li e g n a drink in or e t d ri n u a , vo rk fa a b ’s d a on on B ch wine, cin sters. It’s James po d ol s it h it w , ry le museum and distil www.lillet.com (0)5 56 27 41 41 “Casino Royale”! 33 + l. Te . ac ns 0 Pode hal Foch, 3372 8 cours Maréc Go there with... Pals who are water babies: Mascaret paddle a canoe along the Isle in a canoe for a bit of an adventure. This tributary of the Dordogne offers sweet little corners with its mills and its wash houses – and a bit of a thrill when you go through locks and negotiate running water. The base at Saint-Seurin-sur-l’Isle is well known to enthusiasts. From €10 for half a day. Tél. + 33 (0)5 57 49 73 48 Children Harry Potter is not the only one with witches me, too! They’re there, – Vayres Castle has so with the gnomes and hidden in the copses, escape their wicked the elves. Be brave: to pencil… a sheet of paper and a potions, all you have is moats its h wit tle cas g imposin ged Don’t forget to tour the lon be king the Dordogne: it ord and crenellations overloo sw d an e in July for the cap , me to Henry IV. Come back stu co in g cin fen of old-style festival: demonstrations for yourself. with the chance to try it r for a self-guided play tou ed “‘La Forêt Enchantée”, list le ab ark rem aged 3+) in families (with children 58 57 84 96 gardens. Tel. + 33 (0)5 om www.chateaudevayres.c The Gironde is amazing Come the September high tides head for Saint-Pardon-de-Vayres, a small village on the banks of the Dordogne, downstream from Libourne. That’s where the breaker is at its most spectacular: the rising tide brings a wave in from the ocean that goes upstream for up to 200 km, at speeds of between 15 and 30 km an hour. A surfers’ delight! A hearty appetite OK – a lamprey, is not the sexiest thing, with its eel-like body and a large sucker for a mouth… but in the Gironde, the lamprey is a cult object – because it tastes good! To find out why, go to Sainte-Terre: this small town on the Dordogne is the world lamprey capital! Lampreys take centre stage in April: that’s when they are served à la bordelaise, with a red wine sauce – plus there’s the chance to meet professional fishermen. And never again will you call it a fish: it’s a vertebrate! www.jardindelalamproie.fr aboard a waterborne aperitif gne, - Reserve a place for rdo Do the ng alo two-hour trip a : e” roi mp La on: ssi “La ur se - Put yo tasting e is one Cabara and including a March. The programm m 16 fro y g da rtin Fri pa on h de , wit g ert the nc tin co g in ic ou is followed by a tastin xt trip, try the gastronom ne ur yo On 0. €1 m fro of classical music, and a ide ers. A highly original lampreys (€38). company of winegrow ssionate foie gras, magret, and pa are o wh urg Bo de tes Tel. +33 (0)6 80 02 54 83 winegrowers of the Cô out music. ab d an ft cra ir the t ou gabarerestaurant.free.fr ab at tes da ng mi co up Programme and 91. m Tel. + 33 (0)5 57 94 03 www.bourgartsetvins.co Memnaome down for the next “Bourg Arts et Vins” P.27 © B. Nadeaux/CDT Gironde Events Novart to 30 Nov S… culture From 15 iveness. It’s E T A R B LE E C ity and invent X tiv U ea A cr E ns g D lin R O bb B ks of bu from exhibitio February ember rmances, ! Two wee you in shows to perfo e arts, is back ag om st Fr of c. n et e waiting for io , ic at lebr dance, mus tic projects ar e, tis tr on the ar ea n w the biennial ce ke Th ne ! ta t, re s out who ha the momen sc ver seen befo of nt s ne le , on w ta si a ne , es , ni pr ad m rary ex Maragna , all contempo ge is Frédéric to screenings the man in char , on iti ed h 9t this Bordeaux. For the surprises! ctor! Bring on re di tic tis ar role of at Andernos-les-Bains n On 18 and 19 February Ice-sculpture competitio A slightly frosted gathering of enthusiastic and committed amateurs for the national ice-sculpture competition on “transparent” water ice. Melt with pleasure before the ephemeral works. www.andernoslesbains.fr March as at Bazas The Thursday before Shrove Tuesday Fête des Bœuf Gr If you have never tasted a T-bone steak à la bordelaise from Bazas, you cannot boast of knowing the taste one of the best meats in the world: marbled, tender… Awarded the Label Rouge and Label de terroir marks, the Bazas steak is worth a celebration! A tradition that goes back to the Middle Ages, with a parade of bulls dressed with ribbons and flowers, a bovine contest, and Personalities enthroned by the Confrérie Bazadaise Bœuf. The whole followed, of course, by the final great feast! www.ville-bazas.fr o f du May at Pauillac on 26 May La Médocaine “La Médocaine” is the little sister to the great autumn Médoc Marathon. This race, however, is on all-terrain bikes. Enthusiasts, please note: there are four trails of varying length (between 30 km and 100 km) across the Médoc vineyards, with gastronomic stops and with the pace set by a number of orchestras. Atmos’ guaranteed! www.medocainevtt.com at Lacanau from 25 to 28 May Lacanau Gliss’Festival Air, land, sea… On roller skates, towed water-sliding, kite-surfing, or tandem parachuting: Lacanau is where it’s at! On the ocean wave and on the lakes of Aquitaine, experience three days of discoveries, free taster sessions to a range of sliding-related pursuits, and demonstrations by national and international champions. Something for all the family to try! www.lacanau-gliss.fr June at Arcachon from 22 to 24 June Jumping des Sables Rediscover all the elegance and dexterity of amateur and experienced horse riders along Pereire Beach, Arcachon’s emblematic stretch of sand. Three days of competition with obstacle courses, events, and horse show. www.cearcachon.free.fr/jumping.html P.28 at Soulac-sur-Mer the first weekend in June Soulac 1900 At Pointe du Médoc, Soulac is a listed “ancient village” because of its 500 1900-style villas. It rediscovers all its splendour of yesteryear for a weekend, when its inhabitants dress up in period costume. Frilly dress, parasol, bowler hat, and even bathing costume on the beach… From the Belle Epoque to the Roaring Twenties, the village is transformed. The theme for 2012: «L’art en fête». A wonderful, unusual weekend in view! www.soulac1900.fr at Hourtin Port (Hourtin harbour) on 9 and 10 June. Bambino Party Children’s Island is the fiefdom of our little darlings, and becomes the incredible setting for the Festival Bambino Party. The programme includes Les P’tit Z’aventuriers, a creative workshop with an introduction to archery; La Récré, with its open-air games like table tennis and trampolining; and a water area for water pistols and to try your hand at canoeing, using a pedalo, stand-up paddle, and kite-surfing. In short, outsize games and a huge mystery trail. Just one condition: you must be between 3 months and 12 years old. However – adults, have no fear: you are welcome, too! www.bambinoparty.com ly End of June - Beginning of Ju BORDEAUX … wine or river: you must decide! From 28 June to 1 July Bordeaux fête le Vin Odd years for the fête du fleuve, even years for wine. Thus, in 2012, wine is centre-stage all along the Garonne quays. Imagine a series of white pavilions, a real “wine route” with over eighty appellations from Bordeaux and Aquitaine presented. Four days of pure pleasure dedicated to the world of wine, with workshops from the Bordeaux École du Vin, cookery classes, Tasting Passes with a free glass and twelve coupons giving access to the stands. And everywhere, tables surrounded by conviviality, concerts in the Place des Quinconces. And from 11:00 p.m., a huge son et lumière with a firework display every night. Straight out of a fairy tale! More info on www.bordeaux-fete-le-vin.com ALL SUMMER LONG Oyster festivals Bandas, pinasse regattas, parades in traditional costume, fireworks… Nothing is too good to pay homage to the Queen of Arcachon Bay: the oyster – what else? From Lège-Cap-Ferret to L’Herbe, from Lanton to Andernos, all the oysterfarming villages of Arcachon Bay come together every summer to celebrate their benefactress. It’s a chance to discover and to taste oyster farmers’ produce, as well as to come out of your shell and have a good time. at Castillon-la-Bataille Four months of programmes, over 1,000 performances, almost 60 festivals, each one more surprising than the other. Literature, music, and theatre… Art in all its forms awaits you in the Gironde all through the Scènes d’été. www.scenesdete.fr Horse teams, stuntmen, staged fights… Relive the end of the Hundred Years’ War! A powerful son et lumière show put on by hundreds of volunteers. Over 800 costumes, 450 actors, and about 50 horse riders in all. Fabulous! www.batailledecastillon.com June: Festival at Lège-Cap-Ferret July: Festival at Lanton, GujanMestras, and Andernos-les-Bains August: Festivals at Arès, Claouey, and L’Herbe The W or Champ ld Thong-Th ionship rowing s a t Hour nde Scènes d’été in the Giro The Battle of Castillon Don’t la tin Plage u created gh: this is a s on 31 July er in 200 3 by a ious sport! It Jordan. was Since Frenchm th about fi fty sen en, at Hour an called tin har ior team junior bo on s and a bout tw ur, F YI: the es take part enty in this thong m co grams, u and me st weigh no m mpetition. ore tha asure a team is n 22 Eu m Enthus ade up of a th ropean size 3 5 iasts, p 6. A r o wer and leas is 34.24 metres e note: the re a catcher. ! cord to www.ch beat ampion natong .free.fr ’s mustThe summer et lists all have. This leafl night-time the summer 0 events shows: over 10 November. from July to medieval the From Macaire to festival at St Music Country the something Festival, there and all for all tastes there’s no styles! And asing after need to go ch rvations: mbers for rese nu e on ph le te l insert to dates and e, with a smal er th ng hi yt er can even there’s ev tical – and you ac Pr t. en ev e present th your mobile. download it to gironde.fr www.tourisme- P.29 Septembre Les Festi’Voiles at Claouey 1st weekend Rowing regatta, monotype regatta, pinasse regatta, sailing dinghy regatta… come and watch the great gathering of boats from all over the bay for the great festival of sail with events, concerts, and fireworks. For more information www.cnclaouey.com Ouvre la Voix Festival at Créon 2nd weekend Harvest-time is great fun. It’s the chance to go cycling along the 55 km of green way in the Entre-deux-Mers area. Just for the occasion, the Roger Lapébie cycleway is the common thread of the Ouvre la Voix cycling-and–music festival. Imagine stages punctuated by giant picnics on the grass with tastings of regional products, stages set for concerts in a market place, and a Romanesque church. A wonderful idea to discover your region whilst having a good time. www.ouvrelavoix.com on ili at St Emilion La Jurade de St Em What do the 3rd Sundays of June and September have in common? The folk of SaintEmilion know all too well. The Jurade is back! The jurats are the ambassadors of Saint Emilion wine; they dress in red togas and ermine capes to parade through the town. They announce the spring festival with the proclamation of the judgement on new wine, and come September, they open the harvest from the top of the Tour du Roy, the citadel dungeon of the former Saint Emilion Town Hall. www.saint-emilion-tourisme.com November 2nd Saturday of the month The Médoc Marathon Officially, it is - of course - a matter of running the 42.195 regulation kilometres of the race. On the fun side of things, the marathon is one of the great Médoc events. It begins on the evening before, with the great “1000 pâtes” evening in a Médoc castle. Then all along the magnificent course, which snakes through over fifty castles, the meal stops offer oysters, T-bone steaks, and produce from the Médoc granary. What a feast!A little added extra: runners are in disguise! www.marathondumedoc.com Décembre at Andernos-les-bains 1st Saturday of the month Cabanes en Fête Recipe for a successful fiesta: in the 40 cabanes of the oyster-farming harbour, takes the best oysters of Arcachon Bay. Have them cooked by leading chefs from the region, with drink provided by the 40 winegrowers of the region, sprinkle the whole lot with groups of bandas, concerts, and fireworks, and don’t forget to add a dose of good humour and the presence of traditional ships. And there you have it: one of the great gatherings of Arcachon Bay. www.andernoslesbains.fr s at Grignols The Sunday before Christmas La foire aux chapon Anxiety over the Christmas meal makes itself felt. Be original: this year, choose a capon – a neutered cockerel. At Grignols, capons are fed on grain, bread and milk. Their fame has spread far and wide, thanks to their flavoursome meat. Moreover, as a final homage to this strange bird that will end up on our plates, the Association des producteurs de chapons grignolais sets up a traditional capon fair in the central square and in the village’s covered market. Over 5,000 capons are sold. OT de Grignol, tél. +33 (0)5 56 25 00 00 ors Gironde © Phovoir/CDT Vineyards open their do -20 and 21 October 73 castles in Les Graves welcome you: they have set up a number of options to help you discover their domain: wine trails and walking trails, winegrowers’ dinners, or highly original bedand-breakfast stays. The choice is yours! Top tip: the free minibus service from Langon Railway Station, running every 30 minutes from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m www.vins-graves.com - 20 and 21 October Winegrowers from the Fronsac and Canon Fronsac appellations welcome you to their cellars from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The list of participants and the programme of festivities is available at the Fronsac Maison des Vins, set in the heart of the village of Fronsac. www.vins-fronsac.com P.30 - From 11 to 13 November 47 castles of winegrowers from Sauternes and Barsac are ready to share their passion for wine with you. Events, tastings, cultural exhibitions, etc. www.sauternes-barsac.com And more châteaux to discover on www.tourisme-gironde.fr Download your touristic information on : Oslo Moscou Dublin Londres Amsterdam Berlin Varsovie Bruxelles Prague Paris Vienne Bordeaux Lisbonne Madrid Berne Rome Contact : Anne QUIMBRE + 33 (0)5 56 48 68 16 [email protected] Karin LABARDIN + 33 (0)5 56 48 91 27 [email protected] Comité Départemental du Tourisme de la Gironde Maison du Tourisme de la Gironde 21, Cours de l’Intendance - 33000 BORDEAUX - France Tel : + 33 (0)5 56 52 61 40 - Fax : + 33 (0)5 56 81 09 99 [email protected] www.facebook.com/tourisme.gironde http://twitter.com/tourismegironde