In the Médoc region of Gironde, Maison du Lac enjoys a privileged position just a few metres across from a beach on Lac d’Hourtin-Carcans, one of France’s largest lakes. As well as being a very short drive from the vast sandy shores of the Atlantic coast, it’s also a great location for visiting the famous vineyards and wineries of Pauillac and Margaux.
Just step out of your front garden, cross the one-way road, and you will find yourself on a sandy beach on the edge of Lac d’Hourtin-Carcans, backed by beautiful pine trees. You have easy access to a range of watersports on the lake such as water-skiing, pedalos, sailing and para-gliding as well as boat hire. The lake is of course wonderful for swimming and the shore shelves gently making it ideal for youngsters.
The local village, also on the edge of the lake, is less than 500m away – stroll along the promenade lined with pine trees. It’s home to a handful of restaurants, a couple of bars, ice-cream parlours as well as a small supermarket, boulangerie, butchers, fish mongers (look out for fresh oysters) and a weekly market. Carcans, about a 10-minute drive away, has a wider range of amenities including a larger supermarket.
You can also hire bikes from the local village – this region offers a wealth of cycling trails including part of the La Vélodyssée which follows the Atlantic coast along the Médoc peninsula as far as Arcachon Bay and beyond.
If you feel like a day by the Atlantic coast, it’s around a 5-minute drive to Carcans Plage, a particularly popular spot for surfing enthusiasts. The bustling seaside resort of Lacanau (20km), another popular surfing spot, has a number of restaurants along the beachfront - an ideal spot to watch the sunset. Alternatively, discover the beauty of Étang de Lacanau, perfect for long walks, swimming, sailing and other watersports.
For a change of scene, head out and explore the Médoc peninsula which is especially well known for its wine production. Look out for famous wine châteaux including Latour, Lafite-Rothschild and Mouton-Rothschild or seek out smaller family-run wineries to sample some of France’s finest wine appellations. The wine villages of Pauillac and Margaux are around forty-five minutes by car, as are a number of excellent places to eat from Michelin starred restaurants to markets selling fresh mussels, oysters, foie gras and garlic.
The Region
Aquitaine’s reputation as a varied and enchanting destination is well-earned – whether you’re looking for relaxation or excitement, this beautiful part of south-western France is a feast for every one of the senses.
