Camping by the sea in Soulac sur Mer

From their campsite by the sea in Soulac sur Mer, guests can discover the Medoc either actively or on the picturesque narrow-gauge railway, which runs through the surrounding forests and along the beach. Families love spending the day on the kilometre-long sandy beach. A walk along the beach is worthwhile for culture lovers, who can admire the Notre-Dame-de-la-fin-des-Terres monastery church, a jewel of Romanesque architecture.

Beautiful sites such as Camping Les Sables d'Argent and Camping Soulac Plage Sandaya are located directly on Soulac Plage (beach) or just a few minutes' walk away, like Camping Club Les Lacs. Campers can stay overnight on idyllic pitches for motorhomes in the shade with a view of the sea, mobile homes or family tents on request. Early booking is always recommended in both the high and low seasons.

Top tips

• A top tip for shopping is the large market hall in the centre, which is open daily in the morning. In summer, guests also have the opportunity to go shopping in the evening. The stalls sell juicy fruit and vegetables, meat and freshly caught fish. Two days a week, there are additional stalls outside selling clothing, jewellery and handicrafts.
• Guests seeking relaxation at the seaside campsite in Soulac sur Mer can take part in free yoga classes on the north beach, which take place once a week in the evening right by the water. Here, guests can leave the daily grind behind them with the beneficial movements.

Activities and excursions

The long, fine sandy beach offers numerous leisure activities such as horse riding and water sports. The region also has a lot to offer culturally, with the famous Dominican monastery and the oldest lighthouse still in operation.

Cultural highlights in and around Soulac sur Mer

The Benedictine monastery Notre-Dame-de-la-fin-des-Terres from the 12th century is the most impressive and also one of the oldest buildings in this fascinating town on the Atlantic. Over the centuries, the Romanesque sacred building has sunk into the sand several times, but has been lovingly restored time and again. Today, the church is part of the Way of St James and, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the region's visitor attractions. It is also worth taking a boat trip to the oldest lighthouse in France, the Cordouan lighthouse, which has been in operation since 1611. The 67.5 metre high circular building in the mouth of the Gironde, made of white stone, is affectionately known by locals as the Versailles of the sea. Those who climb the 311 steps to the balcony on the 6th floor are rewarded with a marvellous view of the sea.

Active on land and water

If you would like to swim in the Atlantic Ocean while camping by the sea in Soulac sur Mer, it is best to come from July to September. This is when the water near the coast warms up to more than 20 degrees. Thanks to an offshore sandbank, the swell is lower than at other Atlantic seaside resorts. This is why families with small children also feel at home on the 7 km long sandy beach. Water sports enthusiasts take advantage of the good wind conditions for sailing and surfing. But Soulac sur Mer also has plenty to offer on land: Animal lovers can book a horse ride at the Les Petits Chevaux equestrian centre and let the good-natured horses carry them through the cool forests and along the surf of the Atlantic.

Events

Whether sporting or historical, the events around Soulac du Mer are fascinating: the Medoc Marathon and the Soulac 1900 historical festival attract many visitors.

June

• Soulac 1900: Every year in June, the lavish Soulac 1900 festival takes guests and locals back in time. The spectacular parade features elaborate costumes and carriages. Holidaymakers can buy many an unusual bargain at the historic market. Numerous catering stands invite you to top up your energy reserves.

September

• The Marathon du Medoc, which starts in Pauillac, around 53 kilometres from Soulac sur Mer, is a special spectacle for active holidaymakers. Many athletes complete the distance in colourful costumes. The route passes 55 wine estates, and instead of water and soft drinks, fine wines from regional winegrowers and luxurious oysters await at the refreshment stations. As the starting places are highly coveted, it is worth registering in good time. But even just watching and cheering on the participants promises to be great entertainment.