Soulac-sur-Mer Travel Guide

Explore Soulac-sur-Mer with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover museums, outdoor adventures, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, places to stay, local culture and customs, and more.


Introduction to Soulac-sur-Mer

Soulac-sur-Mer is a charming seaside town located in Gironde, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the vast Landes forest, this quaint town boasts of natural beauty, rich history, and a vibrant culture. Travelers can enjoy the laid-back and relaxing French coastal lifestyle along with a plethora of exciting activities.

List of Places to Visit in Soulac-sur-Mer

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Soulac-sur-Mer is abundant with museums and historical sites that have played a significant role in shaping the town’s identity. A few must-visit places include the Notre-Dame du Finage, Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-fin-des-Terres, Musée d’Art et d’Histoire Soulacais, and Palmyre Zoo.

Natural Attractions of Soulac-sur-Mer: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The town is also home to some of the most beautiful natural beauty spots in France. Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in hiking, biking and horse riding activities in the Southeasterly beaches and the Le Gurp forest. The Les Lacs du Moulin de la Bégaude, a large lake located close to the town center, is an ideal spot for picnics and water sports such as windsurfing, kayaking, and fishing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Soulac-sur-Mer

Soulac-sur-Mer boasts a vast network of hiking and biking trails. For example, the “Sentier des Douaniers” (Customs Officers’ Path) is a 13.6 km long trek through jagged coastline, dunes, cliffs, and pine forests. Another popular trail is the La Vélodyssée, which is a 150-km cycling route from Royan to Lacanau.

Best Things to Do in Soulac-sur-Mer: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of activities and tours for travelers in Soulac-sur-Mer. Visit wineries like Château Loudenne or Château Laulan Ducos, where you can savor some of the best wines in the region. Take a leisurely stroll through the town center and enjoy its vibrant nightlife. Watersport enthusiasts can indulge in surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing activities at Plage de l’Amélie.

Week-Long Itinerary for Soulac-sur-Mer

Here’s an ideal week-long itinerary for Soulac-sur-Mer:

  • Day 1: Visit Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-fin-des-Terres, and Palmyre Zoo
  • Day 2: Go hiking on the “Sentier des Douaniers” and explore the Le Gurp forest
  • Day 3: Take a bicycle tour of the La Vélodyssée
  • Day 4: Visit the wineries and savor the local wine culture
  • Day 5: Enjoy outdoor activities such as surfing at Plage de l’Amélie
  • Day 6: Take a guided tour of the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire Soulacais
  • Day 7: Relax on the beaches and enjoy the local cuisine

Food and Drink Scene of Soulac-sur-Mer

Must-Try Dishes

Soulac-sur-Mer boasts a traditional French seafood cuisine, and some of the must-try dishes are:

  • Mouclade: This dish consists of mussels cooked in a creamy white wine sauce.
  • Salade de Saint-Jacques: This salad is made with seared scallops, lettuce leaves, nuts, and a Dijon mustard vinaigrette.
  • Côte de Boeuf: This dish is a grilled ribeye steak served with potatoes and a green salad.

Local Beverages

The town is also well-known for its local wine culture. While in Soulac-sur-Mer, be sure to try the Medoc wines or the Blaye wines. The region produces high-quality spirits such as Cognac, Armagnac, and Pineau des Charentes.

Where to Stay in Soulac-sur-Mer: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Soulac-sur-Mer offers a wide range of accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Some of the popular hotels include Hotel des Pins, Hotel Les Sables d’Or, and Hotel La Petite Sirène.

What to Buy in Soulac-sur-Mer: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

The markets of Soulac-sur-Mer are filled with quaint souvenirs and local handicrafts, including:

  • Clothing and accessories made from Basque fabrics
  • Soaps and skincare products made from grapes and grape seeds
  • Handcrafted jewelry and pottery

Local Culture and Customs of Soulac-sur-Mer

The people of Soulac-sur-Mer are warm and welcoming, making it an excellent destination for travelers. French is the official language, and it’s vital to respect the culture and customs of the locals.

Best Time to Visit Soulac-sur-Mer

The best time to visit Soulac-sur-Mer is from June to September when the weather is warm and sunny, and most of the outdoor activities are available. The sea temperature is also warmer during this time and perfect for beach activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Soulac-sur-Mer

Do:

  • Try the local seafood cuisine.
  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Visit the museums and historical landmarks.
  • Explore the town’s natural beauty.

Don’t:

  • Litter in public places or on the beaches.
  • Wear inappropriate clothing while visiting religious sites.
  • Speak too loudly or disrespectfully in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Soulac-sur-Mer

Soulac-sur-Mer is generally a safe town, with low crime rates. However, travelers should take basic safety precautions such as keeping their belongings safe and avoid dark and deserted places at night.

Health in Soulac-sur-Mer

Soulac-sur-Mer has many healthcare facilities, including clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals. It’s essential to carry adequate travel insurance to cover any medical emergencies while traveling.

Getting to Soulac-sur-Mer: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Soulac-sur-Mer

The nearest airport to Soulac-sur-Mer is the Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, located approximately 90 km away. The airport is well-connected to major international airports around the world.

Bus Stations Near Soulac-sur-Mer

The town’s bus station is located in the town, with services from major cities in France.

Other Options

Travelers can also reach Soulac-sur-Mer by train. The nearest train station is in Royan, about 20 km from the town center.

How to Get Around in Soulac-sur-Mer

The town is easily explorable on foot, and most of the popular tourist sites are within walking distance. Visitors can also rent bicycles or use public transportation for a more comfortable experience.

Where to Go Next from Soulac-sur-Mer: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Soulac-sur-Mer is surrounded by many beautiful destinations, including the famous vineyards of Bordeaux and the Gironde estuary, which offer scenic boat tours.

Conclusion

Soulac-sur-Mer is a charming beach town that’s rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Explore the town’s many museums, historical places, and natural attractions. Try the local cuisine and wine culture, and soak up the laid-back French coastal lifestyle. With this travel guide, make the most of your trip to Soulac-sur-Mer and create memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.