Hugging the south shore of Arcachon Bay, Gujan-Mestres is an important oyster-farming town in the French department of Gironde. It’s home to family-friendly attractions and recreational facilities, all on the doorstep of Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park.
Things to do in Gujan-Mestras
If you’re interested in Gujan-Mestres’s oyster farming heritage, visit La Maison de l’Huitre, which houses informative exhibits and a film about the industry. After viewing the outdoor farm, be sure to taste the fresh oysters that are plucked from the water. Also on site is an oyster-themed escape room that’s all about saving a Hurfana pearl.
Travelling with kids? Don’t miss Parc de La Coccinelle, a family-friendly farmyard where you can feed adorable lambs, calves and piglets. After saying “hello” to the resident llamas and four-horned sheep, you can race your family and friends down the slides, ride the Mine Train or cool off at Splash River. Young kids will love the carousel while older kids can challenge themselves on the zip lines.
Anglers can cast a fishing line to see what’s biting at Lac de la Magdeleine or observe the resident swans and birdlife. To the south is Golf Blue Green Gujan-Mestres, which was designed in 1990 by the famous golf architect Alain Prat. In addition to the 18-hole course, there’s a 9-hole course, a pitch and putt, plus a covered driving range and putting green.
Getting around Gujan-Mestras
Gujan-Mestres is around 40 minutes’ drive from Bordeaux and Bordeaux–Merignac Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Regular trains connect to the Gujan-Mestres railway station while buses travel through the commune. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around.