Bordeaux, Cote d'Argent
 

I have a week next summer to spend in the Bordeaux/Cote d'Argent area. Does anyone know the region(s) well? I'd like to fit in some beach days - any suggestions on beaches to visit?

Thinking of staying in Gironde (renting a house or apartment) and then day trip to wineries, caves, beach, castles. Any comments on Gironde or alternative towns to stay in would be appreciated.

Delete "alternative".

ttt

The beaches near Bordeaux are pretty good (arcachon, Cap Ferret, etc.), but the ones further north (mimizan-la-Plage, etc.) are horrific, overcrowded, Atlantic-city-type places for the most part. The Dune de Pyla is well worth a visit, as is the town of Arcachon, where the Bordeaux widows built their seaside mansions.

Of course there are wineries all around the area. Getting to caves will be a bit of a haul - 2.5 hours each way from outside Bordeaux - as will seeing the main castles in the area (though there are privte castles everywhere).

Perhaps you might consider 2-3 days in the Bordeaux area followed by the same farther east in the Dordogne.

Thanks for the reply St. Cirq.