Things to see and do Aquitaine

Next to the Basilica, the former hostelry Géraud de Graves has been fitted out in 2010-2012 in the former monks' convent. If its foundations date back to the 12th century, important works were carried out in the 17th century under François de Sourdis, then in the 19th century with Cardinal Donnet, who revived the pilgrimage. The interior is richly decorated. The baroque altarpiece in which the statue of Our Lady is incorporated, undertaken in the 14th century, took its present appearance in 1666. The nave and the choir are enriched with naive paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as numerous ex-votos (boats, hearts, military decorations...). The basilica is the scene of regular pilgrimages which take place on the^first Sunday from March to November. Those of August 15 and September 8 are the most important. Note that the Sanctuary has a park of 3 hectares. Located on the hillsides overlooking the city of Langon, close to the medieval cities, the Notre-Dame hostel is a place of accommodation with 15 rooms, including 4 that can accommodate people with reduced mobility. Without forgetting the 4 dormitories of 3, 4 and 5 beds. And always with a view on the park! A truly atypical establishment, the Notre-Dame hostelry has been welcoming pilgrims and retreatants of the Notre-Dame de Verdelais sanctuary for over 900 years, but also all types of visitors who wish to experience a peaceful stay. Possibility of catering for groups on reservation. The Museum of Religious Art was inaugurated at the end of the 1990s.

The shoreline of the basin has been built for discovery. The heart of the Arcachon basin is a very interesting natural area with its landscapes, flora and fauna. The aménagées are the refuge of herons, crested, cormorants, swans, various species of ducks, otters and ragondins. Ostréicoles ports of La Testing and Gujan-Mestras, the swamp of the delta of the Leyre delta and the house of Nature, occupy the southern shore with the old salt marshes transformed in the th century into fish tanks. To the north, we meet the Domaine de bien, then Andernos and Ares, the natural reserve of the salted meadows leading to the peninsula of the Cap-Ferret, the village of L'Herb, to finish at the foot of its lighthouse.

The Bordeaux metropolis is urban... In this territory of 57,000 hectares, the balance between city and nature is perfect. Here, everything is done to preserve it: short circuits from producer to consumer, preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity... But the most astonishing thing is the variety of landscapes. To convince yourself of this, you just have to walk some of the 160 km of marked routes, stroll through some of the 130 parks and gardens of the agglomeration or spend the night in a peri-urban refuge: free and unusual!

To access the Cordouan lighthouse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the launches La Bohême II and La Bohême III are the only ones to provide connections from the port of Le Verdon. In July and August, La Galantaise de croisières offers a departure from Port Médoc for up to nine people. The Cordouan lighthouse stands in the middle of the ocean 7 kilometres from the land. It is 67.50 metres high and has 311 steps. It is the only lighthouse at sea in the world that is still manned and open to visitors.

Grand Piquey, which means great dune in gascon occitan. As you have understood, this village is marked by high wooded dunes. But you will also find a small oyster farming area, of course, a pier, as well as beautiful beaches highlighted by rows of pine trees. Between the villages of Petit Piquey and Grand Piquey is La Pointe aux Chevaux, from which the herds of mostly wild horses, swam to the Bird Island, popular for its salty herbs. The village is also famous for its visitors: Jean Cocteau, Raymond Radiguet, Jean Marais or Le Corbusier stayed there.

At the end of the peninsula of Lège Cap Ferret, the tip is a unique place, both powerful and moving, where the ocean enters the basin. It offers a breathtaking view of the Dune du Pilat and a nature so wild that one could imagine oneself at the end of the world. Wind, waves and currents have shaped this moving territory. Follow the "Dune Primer", a five-kilometre trail that invites you to better understand the landscape around you. On the theme of mobility (dunes, tides, birds, clouds...), words from A to Z follow one another illustrating the fauna and flora but also the local history and geography. You can also opt for a visit accompanied by a guide of the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux, from June to August on Monday, Thursday and Sunday from 10am to 1pm, registration at the Tourist Office.

Municipal authorization of July 21, 1967. South of Montalivet Beach on 1,800 meters, signposts - CHM. Dangerous but supervised. Attendance is important near access to the beach, it is family. Possible access for pmr.

Municipal authorization of June 8, 1994.

Naturism is permitted near the military observatory. Mixed attendance. Large parking lot and many people in the summer.