Sailing in Gironde? More than a sport, a hobby, it's a moment of sharing and reconnecting with the elements. With more than 120 km of coastline, the Gironde is the ideal playground for practicing sailing sports.
Colored, monochrome or two-tone, all shapes combined, the sails remind us of our young camp years, teenagers to get out of the way as best as possible, in an optimist or a twinner. At your own pace, in cool or sporty mode, from the salty waters of the estuary to the fresh, clear waters of the great lakes, there are so many ways to set sail and change course. Hobie, catamaran or wing foil, even the most down to earth delight in Gironde to slalom along the beaches.
Sailing on the Gironde estuary
From Bourg to Lamarque or from Pauillac to Blaye, the largest estuary in Europe is dotted with numerous islands. To apprehend them, we set sail for a cruise from Bordeaux, Blaye or Pauillac. You can also shock the sail of your monohull to discover the string of wild islets. To moor between two stopovers, a good number of pontoons are available to boaters from Verdon-du-Mer to Cussac-Fort-Médoc via Blaye, Bourg and Pauillac.
For sports enthusiasts, on the Pointe du Médoc, remember in particular the Nautical Circle of Verdon-sur-Mer, located on the pretty beach of La Chambrette. The ideal setting to practice making circles in the water on a wing foil, a kind of surfing with a sail, before setting off at high speed to attack the long crossing.
Our natural favourite: Port des Clonges, on the edge of the ornithological park Terres d'Oiseaux, where more than 100 species of migratory, wild or sedentary birds nest.
Bassin d'Arcachon
Monday, heading for the island of birds, to turn around the tchanquées cabins.
Tuesday, head for the meanders of the Delta, play hide and seek with the sandbanks.
Wednesday, on the way to the ocean, familiarize yourself with the waves of the passes.
Thursday, straight on the Bancs du Chien and Bancs du Toulinguet to drop anchor at the Banc d'Arguin, facing the dune...
We don't know where to turn! And on the leisure side, the same. Regattas throughout the year, sailing in catamaran, funboard and dinghies, there is something for everyone. And our favourite, on the Basin side: the Claouey sailing center which offers courses in sailing pinasses, to combine the pleasure of sailing and authenticity.
The Médoc lakes
Windsurfers and catamarans like to glide in colorful clusters on the two large lakes of the Médoc Regional Natural Park. With the sea breeze, the sails hit the wind and punctuate the blue shades of the landscape of Lake Lacanau.
Our favorite, Hourtin-Carcans lake, is the largest freshwater lake in France. To the north, Hourtin invites you to take beautiful trips to the wildest part. To the south, Carcans-Maubuisson and its Bombannes nautical base nestled under the pine forest, offer sporting holidays in a crazy setting. Opt for a sailing stay or a short training course at the UCPA center so that you no longer confuse port and starboard and awaken the sailor who lies dormant in you.
Sailing on the Bordeaux side
On sunny days with your tram ticket in your pocket, set sail for “Les Berges du Lac”. With the Sailing Center of Bordeaux Lac, take advantage of courses and training close to the city center. You will understand that saffron is not only used in salads, it can be very useful in the maneuver. And for those who have already mastered navigation, leisure outings take place from April to October. Everything that floats is at their disposal: dinghies, catamarans, windsurfers...
Sailing on the sand side
It's not to say but here the sand yachting is doing like a charm and for good reason. With 120 km of uninterrupted beaches to ride with the wind in your hair, the Gironde is a dream racing ground for small machines that have the wind in their sails. For them, there is no obstacle: riding and singing everything is possible and in all seasons. Long live the winter, autumn, summer or spring wind!
Our best spots: Montalivet, Carcans-Maubuisson, La Salie. And the little tip of the summer : a discovery of the activity in Vendays Montalivet with the CAP33 centre.
