With the arrival of the railroad, Soulac-Sur-Mer was, along with Arcachon, one of the first seaside resort destinations on the Gironde coast and in France.
There are nearly 500 19th century villas scattered throughout the resort which is classified as an ancient village. The first ones, on the sea front, were built in 1860. Behind the dune, protected by the forest, you will find 1900’s villas, all made of wood, brick and stone, some of which are very elaborate with wooden laces and turrets.
A family and sports resort par excellence, Soulac-sur-Mer is also home to one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the Gironde, the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Fin-des-Terres. Built in the 12th century, this basilica was a major stopover for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In Soulac-sur-Mer, you can learn to sail with a world champion, Brice Petit (+33 5 56 09 80 76), take a first flight (Cordouan Air Club +33 5 56 09 84 89 – www.cordouanairclub.fr) or try tandem flying (+33 5 56 73 60 53 – www.parachutisme-altitude.com).
Tourist Office of Soulac-sur-Mer | +33 5 56 09 86 61 – www.soulac.com
