Considered the second largest department or region in France, Gironde makes up over 10,000 square kilometers and is bordered by Charente-Maritime, Dordogne, Landes, and Lot-et-Garonne.
Bordeaux is the capital city of Gironde and the region of Nouvelle Aquitaine, located in Southwestern France.
Main cities in Gironde
- Bordeaux is a world-renowned city and the wine capital of the world, making this city stand out in the region of Gironde. Fusing modern and old, Bordeaux is a lively and cosmopolitan city with plenty of outdoor markets, world class shopping and an ample selection of bars and restaurants to sample the gastronomy of this area. Plus, Bordeaux is architecturally stunning with Roman ruins and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit. Don’t miss the Grosse Cloche or the Great Bell and The Grand Théâtre of Bordeaux, which was built in 1790 and now is the base for the Bordeaux National Opera. Many expats from the UK, the United States as well as other countries, call Bordeaux home and enjoy living in Gironde.
- Saint Emilion may be the most well-known village near Bordeaux and is often recommended as a day trip to visit the vineyards. But this medieval village is also worth a trip to roam around, enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants, and of course, sip on Bordeaux wine. This beautiful town is on the UNESCO World Heritage site for Cultural Landscape since the land is traditionally maintained to grow and cultivate grapes for wine.
Main attractions in Gironde
Here are some you want to make sure you visit:
- Miroir d ‘Eau is the world’s most enormous water mirror in the centre of Bordeaux and was created by landscape artist Michel Corajoud.
- La Cite du Vin is for all wine aficionados and anyone who is intrigued by wine culture, terroir and the process of making wine. Make sure you plan for a half day or a full day to explore this 6- storey museum.
- Bazas is a town south of Bordeaux that borders the Landes forest. Bazas is on the map, thanks to the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, which has UNESCO World Heritage site status and is part of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.
- Arcachon is a popular beach town, located west of Bordeaux and is part of the 200 km of coastline, known as the Côte d'Argent or the Silver Coast. One advantage of the Arcachon beaches is they are protected from the strong currents of the Atlantic ocean since it’s situated on the edge of an inlet.
Public transportation makes it easy to move around within the region or head out to other cities. Want to go to Paris? Hop aboard the high-speed train in Bordeaux, and you’ll be there in around three hours. Curious about Lyon? The train ride is under six hours, and if you want to cross the English Channel and visit London, you can arrive in under seven hours. Or, if you prefer air travel, the Bordeaux Merignac airport offers several French destinations and international flights.
Cost of living
Living in Gironde, especially if you choose to live in a more rural area, offers a more relaxed lifestyle. The cost of living in Gironde is similar to other areas in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and is considered affordable and less expensive than other regions in France. Property and utility costs are typically lower than in the UK or the United States.
Property prices depend on location, and typically, the closer you live to a city, the higher the cost. The average price for purchasing a property in Bordeaux averages around €320,000. Apartments in Arcachon on the Atlantic Coast average €335,600 and if you prefer to purchase a home, then you’ll need at least half a million euros since prices are around €545,000, according to French Property. If you’re wondering what’s the process of buying a place in this country, check out our Step by step guide to buying property in France.
If that’s more than you want to spend or what your budget allows for, then you’ll want to head to the north of the Gironde, where prices are more affordable, averaging around €155,000 for a property.
If you’re unsure about buying a holiday home in France or prefer to get a feel for the area first, renting is a great option. Rent in Bordeaux ranges from €3,080m/2 to €5,760m/2, based on if it’s an older or newer building as well as the neighbourhood. As a general rule of thumb, the further away from the centre, the less expensive the rent.
Best places to live in Gironde?
But with so many variables, individual preferences, along with budgets, there are numerous villages, towns and cities that can be deemed ideal places to live in this region. It’s important to figure out if you prefer to live in the countryside, along the coast, or want a more urban setting to help narrow down your options for deciding on where to live in Gironde.
Weather in Gironde
Because Gironde borders the Atlantic Coast, this region has an oceanic climate. Living in Gironde offers comfortable temperatures year-round. Rain is common in winter and spring, providing the vineyards with the necessary water to grow grapes.
Summer is typically hot and dry, with average temperatures hitting 27C in July and August. Be prepared for some intense hot days as this region can experience highs of 40C in the height of summer.
During the Autumn, days are usually sunny with crisp air. Temperatures are still warm in September, usually hovering around 25 C and then dropping to an average of 20 C in October before it cools down in November.
Cold days do occur during the winter, but typically with a clear blue sky and, if you’re lucky, rays of sunshine. The average temperature in winter is around 10C, though you’ll want to have plenty of blankets at night as the temperature often drops significantly with temperatures around 2C. Rain is common with average rainfall hitting 100 mm each month during the coldest season, so you’ll want to ensure you have a quality umbrella and rain jacket.
The transition from winter to spring is noticeable, usually in late March or early April when temperatures start to get a bit warmer. In the spring, you can expect plenty of rainy days but less so than in the winter months. In March, temperatures average around 15C, and by May, you can expect warmer days around 21C.
History and culture of Gironde
Known as Gironde, this region is named after the Gironde estuary. But before the French Revolution, this area was known as Bec-d’Ambès.
This region has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic era with remnants from the pair-Non Pair cave. The history of this region is intertwined with the province of Nouvelle- Aquitaine. During the 2nd and 3rd centuries, Gaul tribes lived here, which was known as Burdigala under Roman rule. In the Middle Ages, the villages of La Sauve-Majeur, Saint-Emilion, and Saint-Macaire were started by monks.
In 1137, Louis VII and Eleanor of Aquitaine were married but later divorced him. Soon after, she married King Henry II of England, creating significant ties for this region between France and England, especially when it came to exporting wine. This area would bounce back and forth between English and French rule. During the Hundred Years’ War in the Battle of Castillon in 1453, the English lost their rule, and France once again ruled this region.
In the 18th century, many important buildings were constructed in Bordeaux, such as the Grand-Théâtre and the Place de la Bourse, as well as many stunning vineyards with castles. By the 19th century, the resorts along the Atlantic Coast, such as Arachaon, were built, thanks to the railway. Wine production increased along with exporting to England and other countries, such as the Netherlands.
Living in Gironde, it’s easy to observe how French cultural traditions continue to be maintained. Taking time to enjoy meals is important, along with using quality, seasonal ingredients that are also connected to the area where you reside. Wine and spirits are also an integrated part of the culture and is a common way for friends and family to socialize. Wine is affordable at local bars or by buying a bottle, so everyone can enjoy this drink instead of wine reserved for the wealthy.