Gironde department
The department of Gironde, located in the region Nouvelle-Aquitaineis a popular destination at France for its diverse landscapes, renowned vineyards and rich historical heritage. With Bordeaux as its capital, the Gironde offers a unique cultural experience and many opportunities for discovery.
Geographical features of Gironde
Theme definition : The department of Gironde is part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine and stands out for its geographical dimensions, which are unique in France.
Situation in the department
Visit Gironde is France's largest metropolitan department, covering an area of 10,725 km². It takes its name from theGironde estuarya river formed when the Dordogne and Garonne rivers meet. It is bordered to the west by theAtlantic Ocean and shares its borders with the Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, Dordogne and Charente-Maritime departments.
This strategic positioning enables Gironde direct access to the sea and extensive land suitable for agriculture and viticulture.
Europe's largest estuary: the Gironde estuary
L'Gironde estuary is a major natural site, nearly 75 km long and 12 km wide at its mouth. Classified Natura 2000This remarkable ecosystem is home to numerous species of migratory birds.
The shores of the estuary are dotted with plaiceThese small huts on stilts, typical of the Gironde landscape, are used for traditional fishing.
➡️ Find out more about France's natural regions in our guide to the country's regions.
Climate and varied landscapes
Visit Gironde benefits from temperate oceanic climatewith mild winters and warm summers. The department's landscapes alternate between :
Sandy beaches extending over 126 km
Maritime pine forests among the largest in Europe
World-famous vineyards
Marshes, dunes and wetlands
This diversity makes Gironde a privileged destination for nature lovers.
Location
Gironde is located in southwest France, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The department is characterized by a variety of landscapes, from sandy beaches to vast vineyards and forests.
Neighboring departments
Gironde shares its borders with several departments, including :
- Visit Landes to the south
- Lot-et-Garonne to the east
- Dordogne to the northeast
- Charente-Maritime to the north
Climate
Gironde's climate is oceanic, with hot summers and mild winters. The proximity of the ocean strongly influences weather conditions, making the region pleasant all year round.
Must-see towns in Gironde
Cities in the Gironde offer a rich blend of French heritage, culture and art de vivre.
Bordeaux
Bordeauxthe capital of the Gironde region, is famous for its wine and elegant architecture. The Port de la Lune, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-see.
Arcachon
Famous for its basin and delicious oysters, Arcachon is a popular seaside destination, not least for the Dune du Pilat, Europe's highest dune.
Libourne
Libournelocated in the heart of the vineyards, is renowned for its prestigious Saint-Émilion, Pomerol and Fronsac wines.
Bordeaux, a dynamic capital
Impossible to talk about Gironde without mentioning Bordeauxcapital of the department and metropolis of the South-West. Listed in the UNESCO World Heritagethe city's appeal lies in its elegant seatingits historical monuments such as the Grand Théâtre or Place de la Bourse, and its landscaped docks along the Garonne.
Bordeaux is also considered the the world's wine capitalthanks to its numerous castles and Cité du Vinan immersive museum dedicated to the world of wine.
➡️ Discover our guide to Bordeaux.
Arcachon and the Basin: between sea and nature
60 km from Bordeaux, the town ofArcachon is famous for its sea basina veritable little inland sea covering 150 km². A popular vacation destination, the Arcachon Basin is surrounded by oyster-farming villages, family beaches and the Cap Ferretan emblematic natural site in the Gironde.
Saint-Émilion: a medieval jewel
The village of Saint-Émilion is one of the finest in the Gironde. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its cobbled streets and its medieval monuments and above all its prestigious wines.
➡️ To find out more, see our selection of France's most beautiful villages.
Beaches and natural spaces in Gironde
Theme definition : Visit Gironde is famous for its unique natural spaces, between ocean beaches, forests and spectacular dunes.
Atlantic beaches
With more than 120 km of coastline, the Gironde offers some of the most beautiful beaches in France. These include:
Lacanau mythical surf spot
Carcans and Hourtin wild, family-friendly beaches
Le Porge unspoilt beaches and vast dunes
➡️ Find out more about our France's most beautiful beaches.
The Dune du Pilat: a natural monument
Located at the entrance to the Arcachon Basinthe Dune du Pilat is the highest in Europe, culminating at a height of 110 meters. This exceptional site attracts over 2 million visitors every year.
The climb up the dune offers a breathtaking view of theAtlantic Oceanthe Landes forest and the Arcachon basin.
Forests and nature reserves
The department is also covered by the Landes de Gascogne forestone of Europe's largest forests. Several nature reserves are open to the public, such as the Le Teich ornithological parka veritable paradise for birdwatchers.
Gironde's cultural and historical heritage
Theme definition : Visit Gironde is a region steeped in history, whose architectural heritage reflects the richness of its past.
Castles, bastides and authentic villages
Visit Gironde a large number of wine châteauxlike the famous Château Margaux or the Château Pape Clément. The department is also home to bastides (medieval fortified towns) such as Sainte-Foy-la-Grande or Creon.
These sites offer a journey through the centuries and bear witness to the region's historical importance.
Museums and historic sites
Among the cultural highlights of the Gironde :
Visit Musée d'Aquitaine in Bordeaux
Visit Brion archaeological site
Romanesque churches of Entre-Deux-Mers
Gastronomy and wines of Gironde
Theme definition : Visit Gironde is renowned for its wines and its local gastronomythat reflect its exceptional terroir.
Local culinary specialities
Among the must-try dishes of Gironde cuisine:
Visit Arcachon Basin oysters
Visit Bazas beef
Visit canelés de Bordeaux
Visit lamprey à la bordelaise
These emblematic dishes illustrate the gastronomic richness of the Gironde.
World-renowned vineyards
Visit Gironde is France's leading wine-growing region, with more than 6,000 castles in prestigious appellations such as :
Médoc
Saint-Émilion
Pessac-Léognan
Serious
➡️ See also our guide to wine routes in France.
Wine routes to explore
Wine lovers can follow several wine routes at Girondelike the Médoc Wine Route or the Graves and Sauternes.
Must-See Tourist Sites
La Dune du Pilat
This impressive sand dune is an ideal place for hiking and offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Landes forest.
The Médoc
The Médoc is a world-renowned wine region, home to some of the most prestigious vineyards, including Margaux, Pauillac and Saint-Julien.
The Arcachon Basin
This unique lagoon is famous for its picturesque oyster-farming villages, beaches and nature reserves, notably Île aux Oiseaux.
Saint-Émilion
This medieval village is known for its exceptional wines and its architectural heritage, with monuments such as the underground monolithic church.
The Citadel of Blaye
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this citadel offers a breathtaking view of the Gironde estuary and tells the story of the region's military history.
Activities and ideas for your stay in Gironde
Theme definition : Visit Gironde is an ideal destination for outdoor recreation and family vacations.
Seaside tourism
With its long sandy beaches, the Gironde is a Mecca for seaside tourism. Stations like Lacanau and Arcachon offer a wide range of water sports, including surfing, sailing and paddling.
Hiking, biking, boating
The department has more than 2,000 km of cycle paths. Among the most popular itineraries: the Vélodysséealong the Atlantic coast.
Hiking enthusiasts can explore the forest paths or the paths around the Arcachon basin.
Festivals and cultural events
Visit Gironde is also rich in events:
Visit Bordeaux Fête le Vin Festival
Visit Sea festivals in Arcachon
Visit ODP Festival in Talence
Gironde today: economy and population
Theme definition : Visit Gironde is an economically and demographically attractive department.
Demographics
With over 1.6 million inhabitantsthe Gironde is the region's most populous department Nouvelle-Aquitaine. The Bordeaux metropolitan area accounts for more than 60 % of the population.
An economically attractive department
The Gironde economy is driven by several sectors:
Visit viticulture
Visit tourism
L'aeronautics and the technology
Bordeaux is regularly ranked among France's most attractive cities for businesses and families.
Practical information
Transport
The Gironde is well served by an efficient transport network, including :
- Airports Bordeaux-Mérignac airport is the main entry point for air traffic.
- Trains Bordeaux-Saint-Jean station is a major rail hub with links to Paris and other major cities.
- Roads : The motorway network provides easy access to the region, with the A10 linking Paris to Bordeaux.
Hosting
Gironde offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to charming self-catering cottages and seaside campsites.
France Bleu Gironde: local radio at the heart of the department
France Bleu Gironde is the essential local radio station for everyone living in the department of Gironde and regional news enthusiasts. It is part of the France BleuRadio France, with 44 stations across France, is distinguished by its proximity to listeners in the Gironde region.
A local radio station
Created in 1983 under the name Radio France Bordeaux Girondethe station has become France Bleu Gironde in 2000, when the national network was created France Bleu. For more than 40 years, it has been a part of the daily lives of the people who live in the region. Gironde broadcasting local news, music, reports and participatory programs.
Based in BordeauxThe radio station covers the whole of the département, providing listeners with information on local news, cultural events, traffic conditions, weather and sports results.
France Bleu Gironde programming
The strength of France Bleu Gironde lies in its program schedule, which is geared towards the local life. Every day, the station offers a variety of programs dealing with subjects close to the concerns of Girondins :
Gironde News hourly local news bulletins.
Guests of the day These include personalities, artists and local players.
Traffic and weather in Gironde A regular update on the department's roads.
Cultural and gastronomic chronicles Discover what's on, what's out and what's special in the region.
Music also plays an important role, with a mixture of French variety and international headlines, accompanied by continuous local news.
A relay for local events
Beyond the news, France Bleu Gironde is actively involved in promoting the events that punctuate life in the département. The station covers major events such as :
Bordeaux Fête le Vin
ODP Festival in Talence
Bordeaux International Fair
The FC Girondins de Bordeaux
It is also a partner in numerous sporting, cultural and solidarity initiatives in the towns and villages of Gironde.
How can I listen to France Bleu Gironde?
The radio is available on the following FM frequencies: 100.1 FM in Bordeaux and in most of the département. You can also listen to France Bleu Gironde live on the Internet via the official website francebleu.fr or via Radio France's mobile applications.
The station also offers podcasts so you can listen to shows and columns at any time.
District Gironde: everything you need to know about amateur soccer in Gironde
Visit Gironde district is one of the pillars of amateur soccer in New Aquitaine. A real driving force behind local football, it brings together the clubs, members and departmental competitions that keep the game alive in the region. Gironde.
What is the Gironde district?
Visit Gironde district is an official structure of the French Football Federation (FFF) responsible for organizing, managing and promoting soccer throughout the Gironde region. It is one of many departmental districts present in France, and represents the local level of soccer, below the New Aquitaine League.
Created to develop soccer for all, the Gironde soccer district is aimed at both amateur clubsFrom youth to senior football, including women's soccer and futsal.
Gironde district missions
The main missions of the Gironde soccer district are :
Organizing local competitions departmental championships, cups, youth, senior and veteran tournaments.
Supporting clubs in their development, whether in terms of training, financing or infrastructure.
Training educators, referees and managers to guarantee quality supervision.
Promoting the values of sport respect, fair play and civic commitment.
In 2024, the Gironde soccer district had nearly 450 affiliated clubs and more 75,000 membersmaking it one of the largest districts in France.
A key player in amateur soccer
Visit Gironde soccer district is the link between grassroots soccer and the national authorities. It actively contributes to the detection of young talent and the structuring of amateur soccer throughout the department.
The competitions it organizes are essential to the training young footballersbut also to maintain a sporting dynamic in the small communities of Gironde.
In collaboration with New Aquitaine League and the FFFThe district also offers events to raise awareness of the issues of inclusion, respect and women's soccer.
How can I keep up to date with the Gironde soccer district?
Keep up to date with results, rankings, invitations and news from the Gironde soccer districtjust visit the official website gironde.fff.fr which regularly distributes useful information to clubs and members.
Dedicated social networks also enable you to follow competitions and events organized throughout the department.
Gironde Prefecture: role, services and practical information
Visit Gironde prefecture is a key player in the administrative life of the département. Located in BordeauxIt represents the State at local level and ensures that laws and regulations are applied throughout the Gironde region. Whether you're a resident, a newcomer or just a visitor, it's essential to know how this institution works and what its services are.
What is the Gironde prefecture?
Visit Gironde prefecture is the departmental branch of the French government. Headed by a prefectappointed by the government, it is responsible for ensuring coordination of public servicesThese services include law enforcement, the issuance of official documents, and crisis and election management.
It is located in the heart of Bordeauxin a historic 18th-century building, a listed building Historical monument.
The main missions of the prefecture
Visit Gironde prefecture fulfills several essential missions for the department's residents:
Safety and public order It coordinates the actions of the police, gendarmerie and emergency services.
Issuance of official titles These include driving licenses, vehicle registration documents, residence permits, identity cards and passports.
Association management registration, modification and dissolution.
Election follow-up Organization and control of voting procedures.
Support for local authorities legal and financial support for town halls and local authorities.
It works closely with the sub-prefectures of Langon, Libourne and Lesparre-Médocwho act as administrative relays in the different areas of the department.
How do I access the prefecture's services?
In recent years Gironde prefecture has modernized its services to make things easier for citizens. The majority of requests can be made online via the official website gironde.gouv.fr. Here you will find :
Forms for title applications
An appointment service
Information on current procedures
For procedures requiring travel, the prefecture is located at 2, Esplanade Charles de Gaulle, Bordeaux. It is accessible by tramway (line A, Palais de Justice stop).
Practical information
Opening hours of the Gironde prefecture are generally from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. However, we strongly recommend that you make an appointment in advance and check the specific times for the service you require.
For urgent administrative procedures or information, you can also contact the prefecture by telephone or e-mail. Contact details are available on the official website.
FAQ
When is the best time to visit Gironde? Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit the Gironde, thanks to the mild climate and wine events.
What are the best wines to taste in Gironde? Bordeaux wines, especially those from Médoc, Saint-Émilion and Pessac-Léognan, are among the best to taste.
Getting around Gironde The car is the most practical means of transport for exploring the region, although trains and buses are also available.
What natural sites are not to be missed? The Dune du Pilat, the Bassin d'Arcachon, and the Landes de Gascogne nature reserve are all unmissable natural sites.
Where can you taste oysters in Gironde? The oyster-farming villages around the Bay of Arcachon, such as Gujan-Mestras, are the best places to enjoy fresh oysters.
What festivals take place in Gironde? The Festival de Bordeaux, the Festival des Vins de Bordeaux, and the many musical and cultural events in Arcachon are popular festivals in Gironde.
Conclusion
Gironde, with its rich cultural heritage, its varied landscapess and its culinary delights, is an ideal destination for travelers in search of discovery and pleasure. Whether you're a wine lover, a history buff or a nature enthusiast, Gironde has something for everyone.
