Le Verdon (Medoc), France

Le Verdon-sur-Mer is a small coastal resort at the northernmost end of the Medoc peninsula, close to Soulac-sur-Mer and north of Bordeaux in south-west France.

Le Verdon is a small resort town with basic facilities. It faces across the Gironde estuary to the town of Royan.

The beaches here are long, clean and sandy - and since Le Verdon-sur-Mer is at the northermost point of the Medoc peninsula you can access either the Atlantic beach (the Plage Saint-Nicolas), or the beach that faces the Gironde estuary (the Plage de la Chambrette). The Plage de la Chambrette doesn't directly face the Atlantic ocean so avoids the large waves that are found on the beaches along the west coast and is more suitable and safe for children.

Both beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness and facilities and both beaches are supervised during the summer months.

The town of Le Verdon-sur-Mer itself is pleasant to stroll around. Sights to see are: the adequate and pleasant port; the 19th century Church of Notre-Dame du Bon Secours et de Saint-Louis, built on the site of an earlier chapel after the council decided that a church with a tall spire was required as a warning to ships offshore; and the town hall, set in a large area of gardens.

There are various restaurants both in the town and at the Pointe de Grave, and near the beaches.

Le Verdon Sur Mer is 64 miles from Bordeaux and is surrounded by lush and famous vineyards which are well worth visiting.

The Cruise season is from May to September to take advantage of the longer days and warmer weather. Weather during the cruise season to this region is mild to warm and the days are long. However this is an area where the weather changes rapidly and you can experience a number of seasons in the one day. Cruise Lines often have advice on what clothes to take.

General Information:

Population: 1,357 (2008)
Language: French
Currency: Euro, French francs
Time Zone: GMT + 1