Soulac-sur-Mer, found on the most northern tip of the Medoc is where the Gironde Estuary meets with the Atlantic Ocean. This relaxed Aquitaine sea-side town, has been a travelers passage from the Neolithic and Bronze Age, with each century leaving its own mark.
From the Bronze Age village which is found submerged about a mile out to sea, the Roman remains which can be spotted with the spring tides, to the 12th Century church with the passage of the Crusaders, to the German concrete fortress and the second world war, to the modern day passage of the Santiago de Compestelle pilgrimage, the happening town of Soulac sur Mer in France has always been a good choice for a stop over for a few days.
During the first week of June, Soulac sur Mer holds its yearly festival, Soulac 1900, this event is a trip in the past. The whole town gets dressed up and lives a fun weekend in the year 1900. Including a steam train (which comes all of the way from Bordeaux, passing through, Blanquefort and Pauillac) classic cars from the beginning of the last century, live music, a circus, a fun fair, a market and much much more. In the end of September a meeting for VW camping-cars has the water-front road filled with a 1970's vibe..
Sport and Activities in the Soulac region The Courdouan lighthouse built in 1584 at the mouth of the Gironde ( which is the least polluted estuary in Europe) is the oldest functioning lighthouse in existance with its beautiful interior and chapel is well worth the visit. There are day trips available by the boat on La Boheme from the Port Verdon to the Courdouan lighthouse.
Tennis courts and tennis lessons are on offer at the Tennis de la Foret. Other holiday activities include archery, horse riding and a flying school and parachute school at the local aerodrome.
If you are looking at salt water sports, the ocean is the front garden and the four main beaches of Soulac-sur-Mer offer surf, bodyboard, longboard and swimming. The summer water temperature gets up into the low 20c 's in July and August and drops down below 12c in the winter. The surf school can be found on the southern beach situated behind the dunes where you can find also the skate park. Here in Soulac-sur-Mer you will also find the ex- french champion of land yacht, Brice Petit who runs the "land yacht" centre of Soulac sur Mer.
OR you may just want to catch hold of Mickey's Tail..!
Travel and transport in the Soulac region. The railway station of Soulac-sur-Mer has summer connections to Bordeaux St Jean ( in the winter this line does not have a regular service, but is covered by a bus service). During the summer Soulac also has a little railway which gives a magnificient trip through the forest between Le Verdon and Soulac-sur-Mer where you will be able to enjoy the views of the Point de Grave, Gironde Estuary and the Atlantic Ocean.
Travelling to Soulac by car from the north; leave the A10 at Saintes (J25) follow signs for Royan. Find the Bac (ferry). Crossing of the Gironde is about 30 min. Watch out for queues in high season. Follow the N215 to Soulac. By car from the south, leave the Bordeaux ring road (junction 8). Follow the RN 215 until Salaunes. passing Castelnau de Medoc, St-Laurent and Lesparre before Soulac-sur-Mer.
written : 2010 / latest update : 2021
