Camping in Carcans

Thanks to its location on the Atlantic Ocean and the largest freshwater lake in France, Carcans is ideal for both beach and lakeside camping. Whichever option holidaymakers choose, they wake up in picturesque natural surroundings and can head straight out on a canoe trip or surf course. In between, they can fortify themselves with delicious fish and seafood dishes before setting off on bike tours or sightseeing tours.

Special features of camping in Carcans

The great thing about camping on Carcans beach is that there are pitches to suit all tastes and budgets. Holidaymakers can book simple pitches with or without shade, as well as mobile homes and even luxury safari tents with elegant furnishings. What the campsites have in common is their proximity to the water, so that surfers, sailors, swimmers and water skiers feel equally at home.

France is a paradise for gourmets anyway. Self-caterers can stock up on fresh fish, seafood, meat, aromatic cheese, baked goods and fine wines at the weekly markets or small local shops. If you don't want to cook, you will find excellent restaurants on and near the Carcans campsites.

How to get there

The Carcans campsites are easy to reach by car, motorhome or caravan. There are various routes depending on where you are travelling from in Germany. The shortest route from Hamburg is around 1,517 kilometres and runs via Essen, Lille, Paris and Bordeaux.

From Frankfurt am Main via Metz, Orleans and Bordeaux, travellers cover around 1,210 km. Travellers from Munich to the Atlantic coast of southern France often take the 1,332 km route via Zurich, Lyon and Bordeaux.

The distances from Germany to Carcans are not without their challenges, which is why an overnight stopover is recommended, especially with children on board. France is a paradise for campers and offers plenty of options, from simple pitches to comfortably equipped sites. It is therefore advisable to spend the night away from the motorways on a beautiful site in idyllic natural surroundings.

Especially in the peak holiday season, it is advisable to book both the campsite at your destination and the overnight stopover well in advance. Holidaymakers should allow sufficient time for any delays on their journey, especially on holiday weekends, so that nothing stands in the way of a relaxed arrival.

Top 5 sights

• Church of St Martin: The sacred building is fascinating with its listed statues from the 16th and 18th centuries inside.
• Lac de Hourtin et de Carcans: The largest freshwater lake in the country is definitely worth a trip. Both water sports enthusiasts and those seeking peace and quiet will feel at home there.
• Museum of Folk Art: Here, visitors can gain an interesting insight into the history of the seaside resort.
• Beach: Carcans Plage is the main attraction of the seaside resort. Fine sand and lively waves beckon here.
• Etang de Cousseau nature reserve: The idyllic landscape with overgrown dunes and mysterious marshes is well worth a detour.

Top 2 insider tips

• Sunsets: New lovers in particular should not miss out on the glowing sunsets on Carcans beach. It's best to pack a cosy blanket, a few snacks and a fine bottle of red wine for the spectacle. When the sand and sea are bathed in shades of red and orange, it's also the perfect time for holiday snaps.
• Safari tents: Even if holidaymakers are travelling by motorhome or caravan, an overnight stay away from home is an option. At one of the campsites in Carcans, there is the option of sleeping in luxurious safari tents, where guests almost feel like they are on an exclusive desert tour through Africa.

Activities and excursions

The long sandy beaches of the French Silver Coast and the large freshwater lakes in the neighbourhood of Carcans are an Eldorado for water sports enthusiasts and outdoor fans. The wine regions in the Médoc and the city of Bordeaux are marvellous excursion destinations for culture lovers, connoisseurs and nature lovers.

Water sports

The region's beaches are particularly popular with surfers and kite surfers. However, sailors and catamaran fans also like to come to Carcans. From the Lac de Hourtin et de Carcans or the Atlantic Ocean, canoeists and rowing boat enthusiasts can discover the enchanting shores. Motorised sports such as water skiing and paragliding are also available in the region.

Cycling

Around 120 km of well-maintained cycle paths await holidaymakers in the Carcans area. Visitors can hire mountain bikes and city bikes on site. The Boucle des Cavalles, which starts near the beach in Carcans and leads back to the finish via the Plage de Bombannes, is a leisurely 12.5 km route.

Bordeaux

Around 50 km away is the historic harbour city of Bordeaux, surrounded by vineyards. The fountain on the Place de la Bourse, the magnificent cathedral, the Grand Théâtre and the excellent art museum cast a spell over visitors from all over the world.

events

May - June

• Youth Festival: The Carcan'Scène Festival takes place every year on the Whitsun weekend. It provides a stage for young artists between the ages of eight and 18. The artists delight the audience with dance performances, musical acts, magic shows and theatre performances.

August

• Sailing competition: Every year in August, the Bordeaux Sailing Club organises the exciting Grand Prix de Maubuisson race. The event not only provides an adrenaline rush for the participants, but also for the spectators who watch the competition from the shore.
• Festival of the Sea: The event starts at around 10.30 a.m. with a church service during which the ocean is blessed. This is followed by a sea rescue operation. During the day, various musicians play their hits in the streets of Carcans. From 21:30, the big dance evening kicks off, which is crowned by a gigantic fireworks display at around 23:00.

September

• Triathlon: This sporting event, organised by ATSCAF Gironde, has been taking place for almost three decades. The competition mainly attracts participants from the region. The visit definitely provides variety and plenty of thrills.

Gastronomy

Naturally, the proximity to the sea and the large freshwater lakes has left its mark on the region's cuisine. Delicacies from the sea include oysters, squid and scallops. However, there are also excellent meat dishes such as duck legs, lamb or entrecôte à la bordelaise with shallots, tarragon and red wine sauce.

But it's not just meat and fish that provide epicurean delights, but also the flavoursome cheeses made from goat and sheep. The cheese is often served as part of the dessert along with a sweet dessert. Typical temptations for those with a sweet tooth are chocolate mousse or the Broyé du Poitou sand cake, which is garnished with slivered almonds. These are accompanied by first-class wines, for example from the Médoc.

Best time to visit

Visitors are increasingly drawn to the French Atlantic coast from as early as April. In the Carcans region, holidaymakers then enjoy temperatures of up to around 20 degrees Celsius. From May onwards, the 20 degree mark is regularly exceeded and the blue sky invites you to sunbathe for the first time.

Those who enjoy swimming in the sea should come camping in Carcans in July and August. Then the Atlantic can warm up to 24 degrees Celsius. What's more, eight hours of sunshine a day promise absolute dream weather.

From September onwards, temperatures slowly drop again, although it can be as warm as 21 degrees Celsius until October. Outdoor sports enthusiasts and culture vultures like to make the most of these mild temperatures for excursions. Even in the coldest month of January, the thermometer barely drops below six degrees.