Guide to Gironde and Property in Department 33

Explore the Gironde & Properties in the Area

The Gironde is the largest department in France and home to the famous Bordeaux wine region. Situated within the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, it is a diverse area that encompasses rolling countryside, spectacular coastline and vibrant city living. Its Atlantic coast is renowned for having Europe’s tallest sand dune, the Great Dune of Pyla, which is located near the sophisticated resort of Arcachon, featuring fine restaurants and designer boutiques, as well as the picturesque Bay of Arcachon. Gironde also has Europe’s longest beach at Côte d’Argent, which is a haven for surfers who flock to the seaside town of Lacanau to enjoy the sand and waves.  Sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, and cycling are also very popular in this part of the Gironde, which is ideal for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. The great Gironde estuary, where the rivers Dordogne and Garonne meet, is full of birds and wildlife, marshes and wetlands. The defences of Blaye Citadel, Fort Pâté and Fort Médoc were built here to protect Bordeaux from invasion from the sea. All three are now UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The Natural Beauty of Gironde

Inland Gironde is a bounty for foodies and wine lovers.  The famous vineyard regions of Médoc, Pomerol, Saint-Emilion and Sauternes are located here, and the area is punctuated by ancient towns with castles, citadels, churches and historic fortifications.

Chateaux and Culinary Delights

Thanks to its wine heritage, there are some spectacular châteaux around Bordeaux, many of which have been transformed into beautiful luxury homes and boutique hotels, while others remain unloved and waiting to be snapped up and restored. Local restaurants announce the latest seasonal produce, which could include rich and ripe tomatoes from Marmande, tender asparagus from Blaye and the celebrated cepes mushrooms. Seafood lovers flock here to taste fresh oysters from the Atlantic coast.

Access and Transport Links

Bordering on the departments of Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, Dordogne and Charente-Maritime, the Gironde spans an area of 10,000 square kilometres. Its capital, Bordeaux, is well-connected to the UK, Europe and the rest of the world thanks to its large international airport, which welcomes over 737,500 travellers every month. Bordeaux is also easily accessible by train thanks to a high-speed TGV rail link, which means the journey between here and Paris takes just over two hours.

Cultural Renaissance in Bordeaux

Bordeaux itself is a cultural city that has experienced a renaissance in recent years, retaining its historic charm while embracing a cosmopolitan feel. The Chartrons business district is a hive of activity midweek, but the bustle is tempered by the aristocratic architecture and sophisticated wine bars and restaurants. The city’s Rue Sainte Catherine is the main focus for shopping and high street fashion, with the Triangle-d’Or area offering something a little more upmarket.

A Diverse Range of Properties

The Gironde offers a superb range of properties, from city centre lofts and centrally located apartments in beautifully converted stone buildings to rural barns, village houses, characteristic flat-fronted Girondine houses and beach villas and chalets.

Key Information about the Gironde (33)

• Main City/Prefecture: Bordeaux
• Nearest Airport: Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport
• Population: Around 1.66 million (as of the latest census)
• Area: 10,725 sq. kilometres and 4,141 sq. miles
• Landmark: Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
• Number of Tourists per Year: Approx. 7 million, drawn by its world-famous vineyards, Atlantic coastline, and heritage.

Property Prices in Gironde in 2025

• Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €2,997
• Apartments: the average price per sq. metre: €4,268
• Price trends: 0% over the last 12 months, +13% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro)

House Prices in the Main Towns in Gironde in 2025

• Average House Price in Bordeaux: €4,934 per sq. metre
• Average House Price in Mérignac: €3,852 per sq. metre
• Average House Price in Talence: €4,781 per sq. metre

(source: Le Figaro – October 2025)


Discover more about France by exploring our detailed guide and infographic, which are filled with informative facts and figures.