Sports & Activities

Virtually every kind of sport is available in the area except snowboarding and snorkelling!
Montalivet particularly one of the least developed along the entire west coast of France is known for its vibrant market, its safe bathing and watersports, particularly surfing. “Monta” is popular with the young and has a relaxed, “chilled out” character, ideal for children and families. It will not take you long to discover the gastronomic treats available at Montalivet market nor the fun atmosphere. Stall holders from all over France fight to get a place there for the summer although priority is given to locals. Nobody cares a rap if you move around eating your plate of food at a wine stall and vice versa.
Each beach along this region has a slightly different character. Going south towards Hourtin is the “Pin Sec” beach which is wild, totally undeveloped and approached via a beautiful drive through pines and cork oaks. Watch the surfers and the sun go down in the simple restaurant overlooking the beach.
Hourtin has the joys of a great beach with the lake virtually alongside.
Visit the little lakeside hamlet of Picquerot by turning left on the way to Hourtin Plage where small children will enjoy paddling and swimming in the shallow water as a change from the big waves.
The next beach south is Lacanau, larger and host to the World Pro Surfing with all its accompanying razzmatazz.
Going north from Montalivet is Soulac a more sedate resort with a fabulous beach, a good pedestrianised shopping street, gastronomic indoor market and some restaurants overlooking the sea.
Riding is available throughout the area, particlarly recommended is “de Claviéres” at Vendays, the centre at Euronat and there are several around Montalivet where you can ride along the beach.
The zoo at Royan (take the ferry) is the largest in France with spectacular polar bear viewing, sealion spectacles and a childrens zoo where it was very difficult to persuade my grandson to leave!
The two large naturist centres CHM and Euronat are vast, fenced and situated several kilmetres outside Montalivet. They are a world of their own with their own beaches, swimming pools, shopping centres, banks and facilities. Nudity is not obligatory and you are at liberty to visit in your car fully clothed to have a look around, go to the spa or eat in the restaurants.
A 15 minute drive due west away from the beaches will take you into another world of wild marshes, egrets and small fishing ports with the classic wooden “cabanes” (shacks), on stilts over the water taking a step back in time to a different, simple way of life in tune with nature and the tides. This is becoming quite fashionable and there are some charming simple restauarants serving seafood. Langoustine are bred on the marshes for you to sample and many small chateaux will welcome you with open arms for tastings and some excellent bargains.
A visit to Cordouan Lighthouse is a good visit for children including a boat trip and a climb to the top. It is beautiful architecture with frescoes and a chapel and has just been saved for posterity with giant underpinning works
The new “Winery” at Arsac on the way to Bordeaux is a 15 hectare park devoted to art, sculpture and the grape costing millions.
Many of the important Medoc chateaux set up stands here in Montalivet so you can sample real quality in a convivial setting right on your doorstep, (no wonder the mairie is so fanatical about closing before 2 p.m.!)
Restaurants are reasonable in the area and there are plenty of gourmet restaurants as well and also many suitable for children.
A comprehensive guide book with directions is available at both houses..