Unspoilt places

The Gironde estuary

The Gironde estuary is one of the largest and best conserved estuaries in Europe. It is about 65 km long and from 3 to 12 km wide and it is formed by the merging of the rivers Dordogne and Garonne. The Gironde continues its course from the maritime part which begins at the pointe de Suzac and the Pointe de Grave including the Cordouan lighthouse and Bonne Anse to the fluvial part of the estuary which includes lots of islands ( Ile de Patiras, Ile Sans Pain, Ile de Fort Pat�, Ile Margaux, Ile verte ...)Navigating the Gironde can be dangerous because it is subject to very strong tidal currents.

The estuary provides a mixture of land and water. It is lined with sandy beaches and coves. Cliffs are also part of the scenery. There are walks along the cliff tops which reveal breathtaking views of the estuary or the river Gironde as people say. In the cliffs we can also see some cliff dwellings. The caves were dug out of soft limestone and were the places for protestants persecuted during the War of religion.

Carrelets which are traditional fishing cabins with suspended nets can be seen along the banks of the Gironde. The estuary is also famous for its production of caviar but due to overfishing stocks of sturgeons declined and sturgeon fishing has been banned for years.

The estuary is also a place for the migration of the fish population. It is characterised by a small number of species but in large numbers. There are shrimps, elvers, maigre, lamproies ( sort of eel) and sturgeons which are now a protected species.

It is also an important site for migration and a nesting place for birds. Grey herons, cormorants, black-headed gulls.. can be seen. It is the home of thousands of ducks which come to feed and rest in natural habitats.
There is much wildlife in the area ( foxes, badgers, deer, wild boar...) and most local people and visitors do hope that the most beautiful and unspoilt estuary in Europe will conserve its beauty and natural settings.