Vendays-Montalivet is a coastal town of Gironde, in region New Aquitaine. Located in the tip of the Medoc, bordered by the ocean to the west and the mouth of the Gironde to the east, the town is 80 km from Bordeaux and enjoys a privileged environment on the Silver Coast , With 12 km of beaches on the Atlantic, on the edge of the forest.
With a population of nearly 2,500 "permanent" inhabitants (but more than 30,000 in summer!), The small town includes a village, inland, and a seaside resort on the coast, Montalivet-les-Bains.
Vendays Montalivet, first surrounded by swamps which were drained, became, after the Hundred Years War, a fief of the seigniory of Lesparre. Its development takes shape during the second half of the 19th century with the vogue of the sea baths that facilitates the arrival of the train.
However, economic activity also remains based on the exploitation of the Landes forest.
The seaside resort developed even more after the Second World War when a helio-marine center was created which quickly became a naturist resort of international renown.
In the town center, a quick visit makes it possible to notice the church Saint-Seurin (19th), neo-Gothic style, and the town hall built in limestone.
In Montalivet-les-Bains, facing the ocean, there is a column supporting a Virgin (1868) and a bust of the founder of the station, Jacques Laporte, which gives rise to a custom: 'Make the tour when you stay on the coast...
But it is its natural environment that makes Vendays-Montalivet a step of choice for holidaymakers and tourists. Some 40 km of hiking trails and 30 km of cycling trails have been built on the territory, providing opportunities to enjoy the coast but also the charms of the forest (6,000 hectares!) And the last remaining perennial marshes (The Perche and the Gua). What to apprehend fauna (geese of Canada, hawks...) and a typical flora (not to mention the porcupines in autumn and for the most patient, the deer slab...). For more information about hiking and cycling trails, please call +33 5 56 09 30 12. For a visit accompanied by the swamp, contact +33 5 56 09 30 12; To go through paddle, contact the +33 6 81 94 45 90.
Another way to discover the geology, history and biology of the commune and its region: visit the Musée Grange du Patrimoine (permanent showcases, projections and temporary exhibitions). Information on +33 5 56 73 32 02.
Then, enjoy the pleasures of the beach. There are five: the "north" beach, which includes a hold for boats; The "central" range; The beach "sud", where the surf club is located (Montalivet is famous for its spots, for all information, join the +33 6 83 52 63 74)... Always from the north to the south, follow the beach of the naturist center and that of the ACM holiday club. Then, the 8 km of remaining beaches included in the municipal territory are no longer monitored but can be the object of walks in a preserved environment...
It should be noted that naturism is not allowed outside the perimeter of the helio-marine center: it includes several types of accommodation, shops and reserved play areas. The center is located on 200 hectares of pine forest and is protected by a wall. Contact to 05 33 092 092.
Other possible activities: the tree climbing (Tel: +33 5 56 09 07 88), the karting (Tel: +33 5 56 09 38 94), the sailing boat (Tel: +33 5 56 09 31 15)...
The last weekend of June, over three days, Montalivet's "show bike" brings together motorcycle enthusiasts (exhibitions, entertainment, shows).
The third weekend of July, the Estivales of the comic book bring together some thirty authors. Meetings, signings and workshops are on the program.
On August 15th, the Festival of the sea brings together local public and holidaymakers for the Festival of the sea (animations, shows, fireworks).
In a different way, for gourmets and gourmands eager to taste the charms of the local terroir (oysters, Bordeaux wines...) but also tourists wishing to know regional crafts, a market is scheduled every day in Montalivet (under the market In winter), from 8am to 2pm. It has become an institution and one of the busiest in the region. On Sunday morning, a market also takes place in the borough.
