Vendays-Montalivet between forest, beach and Médoc culture

Vendays-Montalivet brings together nature, beaches, heritage and a range of leisure activities. The Médoc Landes forest in Vendays-Montalivet is home to diverse fauna and flora. Lifeguards supervise swimming at Montalivet’s beaches from April to October. Before visiting a beach, check the municipal notices for lifeguard hours.

Nature, beaches and outdoor activities

The 34-kilometre mountain biking route in Vendays-Montalivet is fully signposted. It winds through a varied landscape of forest and marshland, with technical sections alternating with smooth-flowing stretches. Trail conditions can change seasonally, so check local conditions before setting out.

Behind the tourist office, there is a bicycle service station with dedicated charging points and a quick-repair kit. A cable can be borrowed during the office’s opening hours. Take these opening hours into account when planning to borrow one.

Parc de l’Aventure has six ziplines, including two that are 300 metres long each. It also has a family-friendly course accessible to everyone. Check the latest opening information before visiting. When choosing an outdoor activity, consider the different options: the 34-kilometre signposted mountain biking route and six ziplines at Parc de l’Aventure, including two that are 300 metres long each.

Culture and history

The Maison du Patrimoine is a museum about local life. It traces 100,000 years of Médoc history. The museum is open to all visitor groups, and admission is free.

Over the centuries, the Church of Saint-Seurin has evolved while preserving its historic architecture. Another chapter in the area’s history is linked to the Centre Naturiste Hélio-Marin de Guyenne: Albert and Christiane Lecocq founded it in 1950 as Europe’s first holiday village for naturists. Terra Medoca encourages visitors to reflect on environmental issues affecting the area.

Markets and other activities

Montalivet Market offers oysters, Médoc wine and local crafts. In summer, more than 200 vendors set up there every morning. This seasonal pattern can vary from year to year, so take that into account when planning your visit.

Mini golf des Vins, Chez Grapouille, offers an 18-hole course themed around winemaking. At the end of the course, a tasting of the day’s selection is available on request. Check the latest opening information before visiting.

Aéroclub de Montalivet offers introductory and discovery flights, as well as a flight school. Scenic flights pass over the Médoc, its châteaux, Étang d’Hourtin, Phare de Cordouan, the Gironde estuary and the Bassin d’Arcachon. Visits are by appointment; check availability before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Christoly-Médoc, Bassanne, Gaillan-En-Medoc, Captieux, Le Bouscat, Cenon, Bellefond, Brach

For the broader travel overview: Gironde.