Page 413 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - France

fine beaches and oysters, is the largest sand dune in church, dug out of the chalky
the Bassin d’Arcachon is a Europe. It is nearly 3 km cliff by followers of St Émilion
protected area, perfect for (2 miles) long, 104 m (340 ft) after his death, is somewhat
holidaymakers, sailing high and 500 m (1,625 ft) ruined by concrete columns
enthusiasts and oyster-eaters. wide. Aside from the view, the put up to prevent its collapse.
The basin is dotted with dune is a great vantage point Among the districts famous
smaller amorphous resorts, in autumn for viewing flocks châteaux are the elegant
beaches and fishing/oyster of migratory birds, as they Figeac, Cheval Blanc and
villages, all worth exploring. pass overhead on their way Ausone, all of them St-Émilion
Cap Ferret, the northern to the sanctuary at Le Teich. premiers grands crus classés –
headland that protects the vineyards of the higest quality.
basin from Atlantic winds, is Parc Ornithologique
home to the wealthy, whose du Teich
luxurious villas stand among " -= ⌂ Le Teich, rue BORDEAUX WINE
the pines. Look for the small du Port # Hours vary, The first vineyards in
road under the trees from check website ∑ reserve- the Bordeaux region
Lège, which leads to the wild ornithologique-du-teich.com were planted by the
beach of Grand-Crohot. Romans as far back
Between Cap Ferret and as the 1st century,
Arcachon, near Gujan-Mestras, 28 including those found
the Parc Ornithologique du at St-Emilion. Today,
Teich provides care and shelter St-Émilion there are thousands of
for damaged birds and endan- ! C5 ⌂ Gironde £ @ wine producers, making
gered species. There are two n place des Créneau; it France’s largest wine-
fascinating walks, each care- www.saint-emilion- growing region. While
fully marked: an introductory tourisme.com there are both red and
one, and another of greater white options, the most
length. Both provide concealed This charming village in the common is a red blend
observation points from which middle of the red wine district made from Merlot and
people can watch the wildfowl to which it gives its name, Cabernet Sauvignon
without disturbing them. dates back to an 8th-century grape varie ties. The
Arcachon was created as a hermit, Émilion, who dug out term “château” in the
seaside resort in 1845. Its pop- a cave for himself in the rock. context of Bordeaux
ularity grew and in the late A monastery followed, and by wine means both the
19th and early 20th centuries the Middle Ages Saint-Émilion vineyard and the build-
the elegant villas in Ville d’Hiver had become a small town. ing, which can range
were built. The livelier Ville Medieval houses still line the from the most basic to
d’Eté, facing the lagoon, has narrow streets, and parts of the very grandest, or
a casino and sports facilities. the 12th-century ramparts historic to modern.
The immense Dune du Pilat remain. The interior of the
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