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A solo trip to the beaches of the Gironde coast

May 16, 2025

From Verdon-sur-Mer to La Teste-de-Buch, the Gironde coast runs like a long ribbon of wild, ever-changing sand. To reach them, you have to cross the dunes, walk along the pine trees, until the silence of the forest gives way to the roll of the ocean.

Here, solitude is not an emptiness but a space, ideal for a break. These beaches are like rest stops, where you can breathe easier.

A solo getaway on the beaches north of Gironde

North of Bordeaux, the Médoc rolls out its blond beaches, open to the Atlantic. This vast territory, bordered by dunes and windswept, invites exploration. Ideal for a tête-à-tête with the horizon.

Before venturing to the coast, why not discover the city and its surroundings with the help of a local guide in Bordeaux and the surrounding area? A great way to anchor yourself before heading off on your own to the ocean.

Soulac-sur-Mer, cultural walks and relaxation

Staying in a hotel in Bordeaux means you can hop on a train to Soulac-sur-Mer. An hour and a half later, we’re there. The town, born in the Belle Époque era, retains the traces of this prosperity: bow-window villas, shady streets, a tranquil atmosphere.
You can walk here alone without feeling lonely, all the way to the beach, wide, straight and lined with sky.

Lacanau, land of surfing and hiking

In Lacanau, surfing is a living language. Even in the off-season, silhouettes dart across the waves. The sea is strong, free and sometimes rough. For those traveling alone, it’s a great lesson in movement and distance. To walk through the pines, to set foot on the still-fresh sand, is to find yourself effortlessly. And if you’re traveling light, this kind of experience is priceless.

Montalivet beach, nature and fresh air

In Montalivet-les-Bains, the atmosphere is relaxed. The immense beach never seems to end. Here, even in the height of summer, you can walk for a long time without passing many people. The wind, the scent of pine trees, the clear sand: everything invites you to take it easy. For a traveler in search of disconnection, this is the perfect place.

Amélie Beach, between dunes and authenticity

Not far from Soulac, the Amélie beach is surprisingly discreet. Little known, it attracts regulars who have been coming here for years. Access is via a small path between the pine trees. Once there, the landscape suddenly opens up. Sand, waves and, in the distance, a vast sky. Nothing else. Nothing more.

A solo trip to explore the beaches of the Arcachon Basin

Further down the coast, the Arcachon Basin offers a different face: quieter, almost intimate. It’s as much about discovering the landscape as it is about rediscovering yourself.

Cap-Ferret, an ocean- or dockside getaway

At Cap-Ferret, the choice is yours. The ocean, on one side, imposes its presence. The basin, on the other, invites contemplation. The village retains its discreet charm. Solo, it’s a perfect stopover: drive, walk, watch the tides recede. There’s no hurry, everything’s in its place.

The Pilat Dune and its deserved view

Opposite, the Dune du Pilat stands guard. The highest dune in Europe, it demands to be climbed. Whether on the sand or the temporary staircases, the climb is well worth the effort. Once at the top, the panorama unfolds: the Banc d’Arguin, the ocean, the immensity. We come back down, a little changed.

Petit Nice beach, softness and horizon

Just south of the Pilat Dune, the Petit Nice beach stretches out peacefully. Less crowded, it’s popular with those seeking peace and quiet without straying too far. The pine trees, the clear sand, the rolling of the water as far as the eye can see: an atmosphere conducive to contemplation. It’s a place where you can settle in alone, and watch no time go by.

Plage de l'Herbe, discreet charm of the bay

In the cśur of Cap-Ferret, the village of L’Herbe hides a peaceful, almost secret beach. No big waves or crowds here. Just the lapping of the water, a few boats at anchor, and the colorful huts of the oyster farmers. Ideal for reading, daydreaming or simply watching the world go by a little slower.

Solo activities on the beaches of the Gironde Coast

Vast landscapes, a dynamic coastline, changing light: for a solo traveler, the Gironde coast is a playground as rich as it is peaceful. Between exertion and contemplation, there’s something for everyone.

Water sports

Surf, paddle, windsurf: the water is everywhere and the energy contagious. Even solo, you can take a lesson, hire equipment, learn or improve. The schools are numerous, and the opportunities for sharing are real. And then there’s the simple joy of gliding across the water without a care in the world.

For a gentler approach, head for the Arcachon basin. In a kayak or paddle, you’ll sail with the tides, skirt the sandbanks and marvel at the sight of an egret. These are suspended moments, between salt and sky.

Walking and exploring the surrounding area

There’s nothing like a walk to put down roots. The coastal paths offer views that change with every step. One bend, and you’re in a cove; further on, a dune, a pine tree, a village market. Stroll, taste, observe. On your own, these little things take on an unexpected dimension.

There’s nothing empty about a trip alone along the Gironde coast. It’s full of breaths, silences and images you’ll keep for a long time. Every moment becomes a way of getting closer to yourself.