Guide to Gironde and Property in Department 33

Discover Gironde - Houses & Lifestyle in Gironde

Gironde is the largest department in France, famous for the Bordeaux wine region. Located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine area, it features diverse landscapes including rolling hills, stunning coastlines, and lively cities. Its Atlantic shoreline is known for Europe’s tallest sand dune, the Great Dune of Pyla, near the upscale resort of Arcachon, which offers fine dining and designer shops, along with the scenic Bay of Arcachon. Gironde also hosts Europe’s longest beach at Côte d’Argent, a popular spot for surfers heading to Lacanau to enjoy the waves and sandy shores. Outdoor enthusiasts flock here for sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, and cycling. The Gironde estuary, formed by the confluence of the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, teems with birds and wildlife amidst marshes and wetlands. Historically, defenses like Blaye Citadel, Fort Pâté, and Fort Médoc were constructed to guard Bordeaux from sea invasions. Today, all three are 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, Bordeaux boasts some spectacular châteaux, many of which have been converted into elegant luxury homes and boutique hotels. Others remain neglected, awaiting purchase and restoration. Local restaurants feature the newest seasonal ingredients, such as juicy, ripe tomatoes from Marmande, delicate asparagus from Blaye, and the renowned cepes mushrooms. Seafood enthusiasts come here to enjoy 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 each month. Bordeaux is also easily accessible by train, with a high-speed TGV link, so the journey to Paris takes just over 2 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 2026

• Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €2,914 (April 2026)
• Apartments: the average price per sq. metre: €4,152 (April 2026)
• Price trends: 0% over the last 12 months, +8% over the last 5 years (April 2026)

House Prices in the Main Towns in Gironde in 2026

• Average House Price in Bordeaux: €4,518 per sq. metre (April 2026)
• Average House Price in Mérignac: €4,076 per sq. metre (April 2026)
• Average House Price in Talence: €4,053 per sq. metre (April 2026)

(source: Le Figaro Immobilier)


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