Places to visit further than 1 hour away
Arcachon
A large bay south west of Bordeaux, which has a large modern resort with a Marina/Harbour. From here you can take boat trips or just go to see the various Regattas during the summer which have a good selection of motorised and sailing crafts. Water sports available.
There are lots of shops, restaurants and bars with lots to see and do.
Good sandy beaches to walk along with a fine view of the town from the end of the Thiers jetty. Take a walk around Bird Island.
The Basin D’ Arcachon is one of the largest producers of Oysters in Europe which is worth a visit
Dune de Pilat and Dune de Pyla close to Arcachon, are the biggest sand dunes in Europe. The highest sand dune at 2.7kms long, 500 metres wide and 114 metres high.
Due to fact that there is no vegetation covering the dunes, the shape is constantly changing.
There are two ways in which to climb the dune, either climb up the sand
[which is hard work] or climb up the 190 steps. Either way is well worth it just to see the views of the Arcachon basin
There are a few shops and bars/restaurants and also picnic areas.
Saint-Emilion
Known as the wine village with vineyards stretching as far as your eye can see beyond the ancient city walls. Apart from wine it’s a lovely medieval village, well worth a look.
Everyday, there are guided tours of the Hermit’s Cave, The Catacombs and a “little train” takes you on a 35 minute tour of the vineyards with a stop at one of the Chateaux for wine tasting.
Within the city walls, there are a few good restaurants and shops. The town square is very busy with tables for eating out. And there are loads of “wine tasting” outlets. Some of the shops are quite upmarket with their goods.
You can climb to the top of the Bell Tower for a magnificent panoramic view of the vineyards and the town, or just stroll through the cobbled streets to see some wonderful architecture. Some of the ancient carved Roman doors are still preserved on the streets.
Futuroscope - just outside Poitiers
Breathtaking images of a gigantic sphere set against a sloping sheet of glass, a translucent cube jutting out up from the ground, crystals dividing up the sky with their mirrors….the Futuroscope is a futuristic universe like a backdrop to a science fiction novel.
Most of the shows are interactive and give visitors a chance to enjoy breathtaking unique adventures on land, sea and space.
It would take more than a day to see all the attractions and is great for young and old alike to discover a high tech world with the very best in multimedia and technology and dynamic cinemas.
There are 1-4 star hotels in the park with lots of restaurants. Train takes you right into park.
La Rochelle
A nice city, lovely arcaded avenues, historical old port, lots of shops and restaurants. Huge Aquarium well worth a visit. Free bicycles for visitors to get around on to see the town which is steeped in history, cobbled streets and beautiful parks.
Libourne
A decent sized fairly modern town although not really a touristy place, good shopping and decent outdoor and indoor restaurants.