Where to swim in Gironde without traffic jams? Our lake beaches match
We've selected seven accessible beaches on Gironde lakes, less than an hour from Bordeaux. Some stand out from the crowd.
It 's still the best solution when the heatwave hits the Gironde: swapping your clothes for a swimsuit. Let's forget the coast, its ocean, and its lakes, to avoid the nerve-wracking traffic jams. We've selected, without any claim to be exhaustive, seven lake swimming beaches accessible within a maximum of an hour's drive from Bordeaux. We've put them all in the arena to gauge their strengths and weaknesses. Here's the outcome of this battle of freshwater swimmers.
Many bathers in South Gironde are familiar with the Hostens departmental estate. A 600-hectare protected green setting surrounded by pine trees, it's popular with families and groups in the summer. Lake Lamothe, open for swimming , has two shaded white sand beaches bordering green waters teeming with fish. Swimming is supervised until August 31st from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Another highlight: large, free, shaded parking lots and bus lines serving the area. For those feeling peckish, a snack bar is open by the lake, and for those in a hurry, there are public restrooms. Finally, if the weather turns cooler, many activities are offered every day on site.
Timothée Gimenez Archives
This is a popular spot for families and swimmers. The beach at Lac des Dagueys, near Libourne , offers a wide range of services. The area is equipped with showers and changing rooms. There is even some shade. The swimming area is supervised in the afternoon and its size makes it suitable for children as well as those more inclined to swim. A large inflatable games complex is accessible but for a fee: from 11 euros for an hour. Les Dagueys also has a restaurant nearby and the parking lot is often well stocked. It is possible to reach the area by bus from the center of Libourne.
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It's almost like being in Carcans. Bordeaux-Lac beach and its tall pine trees offer what's needed during a heatwave: shade. The setting is natural for this spot, which offers the essentials: clear water, a 110-meter-long beach, toilets, and showers. The plus: free paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing activities upon registration (from 8 years old and upon presentation of a swimming test). The minus: swimming is supervised and only allowed from noon, and the crowds won't allow you to swim laps. The place doesn't have changing rooms, and the food options are also a bit limited, with only ice cream and drinks.
Thibault Seurin/South West
For the people of Béglais, there is still something quite pleasant about being able to go "to the beach" by bike, in a swimsuit, with a towel around their neck. This is Bègles beach, one of the first of its kind, created in 2004 on a former gravel pit on the ring road. A 1,000 m² sandy beach developed at the edge of the lake (7 hectares), surrounded by a vast and (more or less) shaded sports lawn, with sports fields, tables and games for children. Cabins, toilets and showers complete the practical and well-designed place. There is a family atmosphere, even if the site is often crowded: a good thousand people every day, including between 550 and 800 bathers. Until the end of August, swimming is supervised from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (8 p.m. in the event of a heatwave alert) and a whole program of activities brings the site to life (workshops, sports initiations, literary naps, etc.).
Laurent Theillet / SO
Enough sand to build hundreds of castles, a playground, and swimming lessons: Blasimon Beach has something for everyone . It's long (about 200 meters by 30), but the swimming area is shallow. Surrounded by forest, the lake can be walked around and is home to ducks, fish (and fishermen). The green water is far from translucent, but it's enough for a dip—outdoor showers are available for the more demanding. It's also impossible not to find somewhere to sit, between the picnic tables at the entrance, the benches facing the lake, and the open-air café, which offers very affordable prices. No need to hurry for those who want to hang around; the parking lot remains open until 11 p.m. Bring a parasol, as the beach is no longer in the shade during the afternoon.
Laurent Theillet/SO
If your wallet allows it, the Lac des Terres Blanches looks like paradise. Converted into a waterskiing base, the former cement quarry also reserves a separate area for swimmers, where the water is cool and quickly deep. Deckchairs, parasols, white sand, and turquoise waters: access to the beach is well worth the entrance fee, even if only once during the summer. Summer visitors will find luxury, calm, and pleasure here, subject to certain conditions: picnics, pets, and music are prohibited. Also plan to eat well beforehand—the snacks and restaurant aren't cheap (€4.50 for a Magnum ice cream)—and book your entry. The place gets quite busy after lunchtime, but you can find a few shady spots.
Laurent Theillet/SO
This is the only unsupervised beach in our selection. Lac des Nauves, in Coutras, stands out above all for its natural setting: a body of water whose central island clearly enhances its charm. The rest is rather basic. Don't look for large facilities: there are no showers, no restaurants, and no marked area. We do not recommend this place for families seeking safety, and swimming is at your own risk. Signs warn swimmers of the steep depth of the pool. Cap Coutras, an offshoot of the City, offers activities during the summer. But they stopped on August 15. You'll have to come back next year.
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