Seaside resorts

You can distinguish four types of coastline in Aquitaine – four geographical areas, four kinds of landscape, four different atmospheres … Running from north to south, they are the Médoc, the Bay of Arcachon, the Landes and the Basque Coast.

“The Côte d’Argent symbolises this whole coastal area, lined with sparkling ocean spray”, wrote Maurice Martin, the inventor of the term Côte d’Argent (Silver Coast) in 1905. The expression “Aquitaine Coast” officially appeared in 1967 with the creation of the MIACA (a French inter-ministerial committee to develop the Aquitaine coast), which was largely responsible for protecting the Aquitaine coastline. 

The seaside resorts of Aquitaine have two remarkable features in common.

The first is the fact that these towns, developed in places devoid of any town-planning, tended to systematically build all the facilities deemed necessary – train station, public park, place of worship, but also casino, swimming pool, fountain…

The second is the so-called “resort-style” architecture of these towns on the Atlantic coast. Around the beginning of the 19th century, art nouveau and exotic influences combined to produce an eclectic style, while the Basque-Landes style saw the emergence of typical villas spreading further north. A pleasant variety of sights to see in a stroll in the open air.

By both these points in common and their specific features, the seaside resorts in Aquitaine have plenty to attract you. Between the varied nautical activities and relaxation, you will enjoy pleasant, colourful holidays.

The Médoc [+]
The Médoc is a peninsula, a triangle of land stretching north and west of Bordeaux. You probably know the Médoc for its world-renowned wines ...

The Bay of Arcachon [+]
An inland sea with the colours of a lagoon, bordered on one side by a blond crown of fine sand culminating at 104 metres: the Dune du Pilat ...

The Landes [+]
It was to describe the Landes, and more specifically Mimizan, that the expression “Côte d’Argent” (Silver Coast) was coined by Maurice Martin, a chronicler and adventurer, on 20 March 1905 ...

The Basque Coast [+]
The decor changes as you move south to the Basque Coast. The straight Landes beaches are replaced by alternating sand, rocks, cliffs, creeks and bays …