Le Verdon-sur-Mer is full of originality. It has two facades, one opening onto the estuary of the Gironde, the other facing the Atlantic Ocean. Water is also present on the territory in the form of marshes, the marsh of the Logis and that of the Counselor. Naturally, the presence of water makes it a port city. Its four ports, all dedicated to a clean maritime activity, reinforce its identity. Just as the passage in ferry on the estuary allowing to connect Royan confers to him a special character. The lighthouse of Cordouan, built between 1584 and 1611, is planted at the crossroads of the estuary. The village has always lived through the exploitation of salt marshes, maritime activity and food crops. But today, the town is oriented towards a tourist activity exploiting its undeniable assets between the ocean, the estuary and the surrounding nature.
To keep you entertained and enjoy the pleasures of water, there are several choices. For yachting, drop the moorings at Port-Médoc. The blue flag still floats on this mooring port. Along the coast, all water sports are on the program: windsurfing, paddle, sailing... and to catch your breath, a moment of rest on the beach is essential.
To discover the coastline, a cycle tour is offered. You can also walk the trails on foot for an unforgettable stroll, and many hiking trails are also available. You can also discover the surroundings on horseback or by mountain bike. The small tourist train will take you to the discovery of the coast but also of the forest.
The rich heritage of the city deserves you to linger. The Cordouan lighthouse, which is 67 meters high, is visited at low tide and access is by boat. Prepare to climb its 311 steps to arrive at a truly unique point of view. This lighthouse is the oldest in Europe. It was built between 1584 and 1611 and is classified to the Historic Monuments.
The lighthouse of Grave houses a museum of beacons and lighthouses. There, only 107 steps are waiting for you to reach the orientation table located at its top, 28 meters high. The lighthouse of Saint-Nicolas culminates as for him, only 12 meters high. The latter can not be visited.
You will also like visiting the old oyster port lined with typical huts along the channel. Blockhouses of the Atlantic Wall located at the tip of the Grave and the Arros are also to be visited with a guide.
The Old Port with oysters hosts a night market in July and August, every Tuesday from 18:30. It is an opportunity to discover the local artisans and producers in the evening when the freshness settles with the night. You can browse the stalls filled with delicious food, allowing you to shop to compose your evening meal. The place is nice with its typical huts, the lapping of the water, the air filled with spray and the warm and friendly atmosphere for the pleasure of all. You will be able to choose in peace or simply to go to stroll between the stands and to imbue you with the local atmosphere.
Nettoyage des Chemins du Parcours Santé
- On 27 april 2024
- Allée Brémontier
- Meet at 9 a.m. at the Lighthouse Blanc (St Nicolas lighthouse) to clean up the health trail paths (after clearing). A snack will be provided. Registration at the Info Point or by telephone : 05 57 75 18 32.
A la Découverte des Plantes Comestibles Avec Laurence Dessimoulie
- On 5 may 2024
- 15bis Route de Soulac, CPIE
- We propose an exceptional walk dedicated to the discovery of edible plants of the wetlands, in partnership with Laurence Dessimoulie, eco-responsible cook. At the end of this walk, you will learn how to eat obione, samphire, maritime aster and other edible plants typical of the marsh.
Vide-Grenier Organisé par La Pétanque Verdonnaise
- On 8 may 2024
- Vieux Port aux Huîtres
- Refreshment bar on site - 2 ? Per meter
«Visite Découverte et Sensibilisation sur les Algues Comestibles au Phare de Cordouan» Avec L. Dessimoulie
- On 22 may 2024
- Anse de la Chambrette, Port Médoc
- Explore the rocky foreshore of Cordouan to discover edible seaweed. - You'll be accompanied by Laurence Dessimoulie, an eco-responsible chef committed to respect for living organisms, biodiversity and food quality. - After a tour of the tower, Laurence Dessimoulie will accompany you on an iodized walk to discover the edible algae of the Cordouan plateau. You'll observe these marine plants and learn about their environment, their nutritional virtues and the variety of their flavors. - The tour ends with a tasting session.
Découverte du Milieu Dunaire
- On 25 may 2024
- Maison de Grave
- The end of the Médoc is home to a rich and varied natural environment. Just a stone's throw from the busy ocean beaches, the CPIE Médoc invites you to take the time to enjoy this coastline in a different way. Accompanied by a guide, you'll set off to discover the Grave dune, which combines ecological richness with splendid views of Cordouan
A la Découverte des Gravelots - Réservation Obligatoire
- On 8 june 2024
- Maison de Grave
- During a walk in the Marais du Conseiller, we'll try to observe the avifauna present. Equipped with binoculars, we'll observe several species of birds and try to understand their way of life. This family outing will be an opportunity for us to get to know the natural world around us and learn to respect it.
A la Découverte des Rapaces Nocturnes
- On 14 june 2024
- Maison de Grave
- Embark on an evening of discovery of nocturnal raptors. What is a raptor ? And what are the differences between a night raptor and a day raptor ? Learn how to identify the favorable places for these nocturnal species and to recognize them thanks to their songs. On the program, a short theoretical point to be aware of the different species in the area (food, habitats, relations with man ?). Then we will go to the field to count the individuals present.
A la Découverte des Guêpiers d'Europe - Réservation Obligatoire
- On 29 june 2024
- 15bis route de Soulac, CPIE Médoc
- During a walk in the Marais du Conseiller, we'll try to observe the avifauna present. Equipped with binoculars, we'll observe several species of birds and try to understand their way of life. This family outing will be an opportunity for us to get to know the natural world around us and learn to respect it.
