Discovering Gironde (Department 33)
Updated: Oct 8
Introduction
Gironde (Department 33) is the largest department in mainland France and forms part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in south-west France. Best known for the city of Bordeaux and its world-famous vineyards, Gironde offers far more than fine wine. The department combines Atlantic coastline, vast pine forests, rivers, historic towns, rural villages and a thriving economy, making it one of France's most diverse places to live.
Whether you're considering moving to Gironde, retiring in Gironde, buying a second home or starting a business, you'll find an impressive mix of city life, coastal living and peaceful countryside. It appeals to professionals, retirees, families, entrepreneurs and anyone looking for an excellent quality of life with good transport links and year-round amenities.
At a Glance
Feature | Information |
Region | Nouvelle-Aquitaine |
Historic name | Guyenne (historically part of Aquitaine) |
Department number | 33 |
Department capital | Bordeaux |
Largest towns | Bordeaux, Mérignac, Pessac, Talence, Libourne, Arcachon, Langon |
Population | Approximately 1.7 million |
Area | Around 10,000 km² |
Climate | Oceanic with warm summers, mild winters and moderate rainfall |
Best suited for | Families, retirees, professionals, entrepreneurs, wine lovers, remote workers |
Is a car recommended? | Yes outside Bordeaux; optional within Bordeaux |
English-speaking community | Large and well established, particularly around Bordeaux and popular rural areas |
Lifestyle summary | Cosmopolitan city life balanced with vineyards, beaches, forests and relaxed rural communities |
Why Choose Gironde?
Gironde consistently ranks among the most desirable places to live in France. Its popularity comes from offering almost every lifestyle within a single department.
Lifestyle
Life in Gironde can be as lively or as peaceful as you choose. Bordeaux provides all the facilities of a major European city, while the surrounding countryside offers quiet villages surrounded by vineyards and woodland. The Atlantic coast adds another dimension, with beach towns and outdoor activities throughout the year.
Community
The department has attracted international residents for many years. English-speaking communities exist throughout Bordeaux, the Entre-Deux-Mers region, the Médoc, Libournais and areas close to popular market towns. Despite this, French remains the everyday language, making Gironde a good place for those wishing to integrate.
Scenery
Gironde offers remarkable variety:
Atlantic beaches stretching for miles
Famous vineyards
Pine forests
Estuaries
Rivers including the Garonne and Dordogne
Nature reserves
Historic villages
Elegant city architecture
Few departments offer such contrasting landscapes within relatively short driving distances.
Accessibility
One of Gironde's strongest advantages is connectivity.
Residents benefit from:
Excellent motorway links
High-speed TGV services
International airport
Easy access to Spain
Convenient travel throughout south-west France
Food
Gironde is one of France's gastronomic highlights.
Local produce includes:
Oysters from Arcachon Bay
Fresh seafood
Duck
Lamb
Bordeaux wines
Cannelés
Artisan cheeses
Seasonal produce from local markets
Weekly markets remain central to everyday life.
Culture
The department blends modern living with centuries of history.
Highlights include:
UNESCO-listed Bordeaux
Wine culture
Music festivals
Traditional village fêtes
Art exhibitions
Maritime heritage
Historic châteaux
Property
Property choices are extremely varied.
Options include:
Bordeaux apartments
Village stone houses
Vineyard properties
Coastal homes
Rural farmhouses
Contemporary developments
Prices vary considerably depending on location, with Bordeaux and Arcachon commanding premium prices.
Pace of Life
Outside Bordeaux, life generally moves at a slower pace. Long lunches, outdoor markets, local festivals and community events remain important parts of everyday life.
Gironde Is It Right For You?
Lifestyle | Rating | Why |
Retirees | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent healthcare, varied property, mild climate and active communities. |
Families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Outstanding schools, parks, beaches and employment opportunities. |
Second-home owners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Easy access from the UK and excellent rental potential in many areas. |
Entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Strong economy, tourism, wine industry and growing technology sector. |
Remote workers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fast internet is widely available with excellent transport links. |
Outdoor lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Beaches, forests, cycling, sailing, walking and water sports. |
City lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Bordeaux offers shopping, nightlife, culture and excellent public transport. |
Popular Places to Live
Bordeaux
Description
A vibrant regional capital combining historic elegance with modern living.
Ideal for
Professionals, remote workers, families and entrepreneurs.
Advantages
Excellent transport
Major employment centre
Superb restaurants
Cultural attractions
International atmosphere
Things to consider
Property prices are among the highest in south-west France.
Arcachon
Description
A popular coastal town overlooking Arcachon Bay.
Ideal for
Retirees, second-home owners and beach lovers.
Advantages
Beautiful beaches
Seafood
Marina
Relaxed atmosphere
Things to consider
Busy during summer and property prices are high.
Libourne
Description
Historic riverside town close to Saint-Émilion.
Ideal for
Families and wine enthusiasts.
Advantages
Attractive centre
Good transport
Lower prices than Bordeaux
Excellent markets
Things to consider
Less international than Bordeaux.
Langon
Description
Growing market town serving southern Gironde.
Ideal for
Families, retirees and commuters.
Advantages
Affordable housing
Good shopping
Railway station
Local services
Things to consider
Quieter nightlife.
Saint-Émilion
Description
Beautiful medieval wine village recognised worldwide.
Ideal for
Wine lovers and second-home owners.
Advantages
Stunning architecture
Prestigious vineyards
Strong tourism economy
Things to consider
Very busy during peak tourist season.
Andernos-les-Bains
Description
Friendly coastal town on Arcachon Bay.
Ideal for
Retirees and outdoor enthusiasts.
Advantages
Walking routes
Beaches
Cycling
Relaxed pace
Things to consider
Property demand remains strong.
Bazas
Description
Historic market town with impressive heritage.
Ideal for
Those seeking traditional rural France.
Advantages
Attractive architecture
Weekly market
Lower property prices
Things to consider
Car essential.
Cost of Living
Gironde offers a broad range of living costs depending on where you choose to settle.
Property affordability
Bordeaux and Arcachon are among the most expensive areas in south-west France. However, inland towns and villages offer considerably better value, particularly in southern and eastern Gironde.
Shopping
Major supermarkets are widely available alongside independent shops and weekly markets. Shopping costs are generally comparable with much of France.
Utilities
Utility costs vary with property size and energy efficiency. Modern homes tend to be more economical than older stone properties.
Eating Out
Options range from Michelin-starred restaurants to affordable cafés and traditional village restaurants. Many towns offer excellent lunchtime menus providing good value.
General Value for Money
While Bordeaux itself commands premium prices, much of the department offers excellent value considering the quality of life, infrastructure and amenities.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision is one of Gironde's strengths.
Main hospitals
Major hospitals are centred around:
Bordeaux
Libourne
Arcachon
Langon
Bordeaux is home to one of France's leading university hospital centres.
Healthcare availability
GPs, dentists and pharmacies are widely available throughout the department, although waiting times may be longer in some rural areas.
Access to specialists
Specialist medical care is excellent in Bordeaux, with referrals available across most medical disciplines.
Pharmacies
Even smaller towns usually have at least one pharmacy, with emergency services operating outside normal hours.
General healthcare considerations
Registering with the French healthcare system and finding a local GP soon after moving is advisable.
Education
Gironde offers education for all ages.
Schools
Both public and private schools are available throughout the department.
Colleges and universities
Bordeaux is one of France's largest university cities, offering higher education across numerous disciplines.
International options
Several international and bilingual schools serve expatriate families around Bordeaux.
Language schools
French language courses are available through private providers, community organisations and adult education centres.
Getting Around
Airports
Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport provides domestic and international flights throughout Europe.
Rail
High-speed TGV services connect Bordeaux with Paris in around two hours, along with regular regional services.
Roads
Excellent motorway network including the A10, A62 and A63.
Public transport
Bordeaux has an extensive tram, bus and cycle network. Smaller towns rely more heavily on regional buses.
Is a car recommended?
Yes. A car is strongly recommended outside Bordeaux and larger towns to access villages, healthcare and shopping conveniently.
Weekly Markets
Town | Main Market Day |
Bordeaux | Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday |
Libourne | Tuesday, Friday & Sunday |
Langon | Friday |
Bazas | Saturday |
Arcachon | Daily covered market (main activity every morning) |
Andernos-les-Bains | Friday |
Saint-Émilion | Wednesday |
Lesparre-Médoc | Tuesday & Saturday |
Local Food & Drink
Gironde is internationally recognised for its food and wine.
Local specialities include:
Bordeaux wines
Médoc wines
Saint-Émilion wines
Graves wines
Sauternes
Arcachon oysters
Cannelés
Duck confit
Entrecôte à la Bordelaise
Cèpes (wild mushrooms)
Lamb from the region
Fresh Atlantic seafood
Artisan cheeses
Things to Do
Gironde offers activities throughout every season.
Historic sites
Bordeaux Historic Centre
Saint-Émilion
Château de Roquetaillade
Numerous wine châteaux
Outdoor activities
Atlantic beaches
Sailing
Surfing
Cycling
Walking
Horse riding
Golf
Canoeing
Museums
Wine museums
Fine art museums
Maritime museums
Local history collections
Festivals
Bordeaux Wine Festival
Music festivals
Local food festivals
Village fêtes
Christmas markets
Nature
Dune du Pilat
Arcachon Bay
Landes forest
Nature reserves
Estuary wildlife
Family attractions
Zoo de Bordeaux Pessac
Aqualand Bassin d'Arcachon
Adventure parks
Beaches
Cycling routes
Boat trips
Good to Know Before You Move
Language
Although English is spoken in many tourist areas, learning French will make daily life significantly easier and help build relationships within the community.
Rural living
Outside Bordeaux, public services may be spread out, making a car essential.
Internet
High-speed broadband and fibre continue to expand and are widely available, particularly in towns and larger villages.
Seasonal tourism
Coastal areas become significantly busier during summer, particularly Arcachon and surrounding resorts.
Climate
Expect warm summers, mild winters and generally pleasant weather, although Atlantic storms occasionally affect the coastline.
Community life
Markets, sports clubs, cultural associations and local events offer excellent opportunities to become part of village life.
Find Trusted English-Speaking Businesses
Whether you're living here, moving here, retiring here or simply spending part of the year here, finding reliable local services can make settling in much easier.
Biz Où? helps you discover trusted English-speaking businesses across France, including property professionals, tradespeople, accountants, healthcare providers, legal services, gardeners, cleaners, holiday services, financial advisers, pet care, marketing specialists and many more.
Every listing is designed to help you connect with businesses that understand the needs of English-speaking residents, making it easier to build your new life in one of France's most popular departments.
Find Places to Visit as recommended by readers
Some of the best places in France aren’t found in guidebooks — they’re discovered by people who live here, love it here and know where the magic is. Explore places recommended by our readers, from hidden gems and beautiful villages to favourite markets, cafés, beaches and unforgettable days out. Who knows what you’ll discover?
Find Properties for Sale, Rent, Winter and Summer Holiday Accommodation
Your next chapter in France could be closer than you think. Explore our Property Hub for homes, holiday properties and opportunities from local property partners across France. Whether you’re dreaming of a permanent move, a place in the sun, an investment or simply somewhere to escape to, go on — have a look. Your French property might be waiting.
Plan Your French Dream
Dreaming of a life in France? Start turning the dream into a plan. Plan Your French Dream brings together practical guides, local insights and useful information to help you explore your options, understand what’s involved and make confident decisions about moving, retiring, buying a home or simply creating a life you’ll love. Start exploring — your French story begins with a plan.
Where Will Your French Story Begin
What if the place you’ve been dreaming about is waiting for you in France? A little village where everyone knows your name, a lively market town, a home surrounded by rolling countryside or somewhere completely unexpected. Explore our guides to France’s regions and departments, discover the character, lifestyle and possibilities of each area, and start finding the place that feels like it could be yours. Where will your French story begin?
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