Hiking in the Médoc: The picturesque Port of Talais, its cabins, craftsmen and oysters

The Port of Talais is a typically Médocain place, it is located on the banks of the Gironde estuary, where it becomes widest, at the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean. On a beautiful day (from April it's the best), come and do the Port de Talais Loop or simply stroll around the port, on foot or by bike. You will discover an amazing natural environment: the Mattes. We won't tell you more... Let's go!

Photo of the report: Guide Bordeaux Gironde

A hike for the whole family

Not too many places to shelter for this hike, that means going on a sunny day and with water and a hat. The whole family can join the adventure, about 6 kilometers or more, if like me you extend the walk by the Talais channel, to reach the edges of the estuary.

You can start in the center of the village of Talais, at the church, there is easily a place to park the car. For a while, you will follow the cycle path that crosses Les Mattes. This is land that is cultivated or used for grazing animals. The mattes have the particularity of being below the level of the estuary (during high tides), so how come they emerged? It is thanks to an ingenious system of canals , inspired by the Dutch polders, imported by the monks and which, with the help of a dyke, makes it possible to reclaim land from the waters.

The Port of Talais, colorful and bucolic

The Port of Talais is a pleasant place, in season you can eat there. It was in great activity from the end of the 19th century to 1970. Today, it is a leisure stopover, refurbished by the municipality. In season, you can take small boat trips there. The atmosphere is typical, it feels out of time! Sit down, a glass of dry white wine in your hand and oysters on your plate, with the spray, the wind in your hair, it's paradise. The Oyster Museum is also located on the port, to learn more about the exploitation of this famous seafood. Stroll along the thirty fishermen's huts. Motorhomes will have the possibility of spending the night on one of the 3 pitches.

The banks of the Gironde

If you wish, continue the walk along the channel, taking the cycle path to reach the banks of the Gironde and the marshes. You can contemplate the estuary and walk on the dyke, on foot or by bike. There is a covered observation point, a picnic table, a barbecue available and public toilets. The return to the village is done in the same way, follow the yellow road signs!

We wish you a pleasant walk in this pleasant and atypical environment.

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