While Bordeaux offers a vibrant urban living environment, the surroundings of the Bordeaux metropolis are full of charming towns and villages, perfect for those who prefer rural tranquility while remaining close to the city. Whether you're looking for a peaceful setting in the heart of the vineyards, a picturesque village or an active small town, here is a selection of the best places around Bordeaux to settle down.
Located about 45 minutes from Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion is a UNESCO World Heritage village, famous for its vineyards and medieval history. Its cobbled streets, historical monuments and underground cellars make it a popular place for wine and history lovers. The region offers an idyllic setting for those who wish to live in the middle of the vineyards, while still being close to Bordeaux.
Léognan is a town south of Bordeaux, located in the heart of the Pessac-Léognan appellation, famous for its Grands Crus Classés. Only 30 minutes from Bordeaux, this small town combines rural charm with proximity to the metropolis. Léognan is popular with families who are looking for space and quiet living while remaining within reach of all amenities.
Located immediately southwest of Bordeaux, Pessac is a popular residential town, especially for its green spaces and easy access to Bordeaux. Famous for its wine châteaux and modernist monuments by Le Corbusier, Pessac offers a good compromise between urban life and nature. The city is also served by the tram, making it an ideal location for those who want to live outside of Bordeaux while still having quick access to the city center.
Libourne is a small town located about forty kilometres from Bordeaux, on the banks of the Dordogne River. With its river charm, bustling market, and proximity to the vineyards of Saint-Émilion, Libourne is a pleasant alternative for those looking for a quieter living environment while still being close to Bordeaux. The city is also well served by transport, with regular train links to Bordeaux.
For those who dream of living by the ocean while staying close to Bordeaux, Arcachon is a preferred choice. Located an hour's drive from Bordeaux, this seaside town is known for its basin, its fine sandy beaches, and its Belle Époque villas. Arcachon is very popular, especially as a second home destination, but more and more families and retirees are establishing their main residence there.
About twenty minutes north of Bordeaux, Blanquefort is a small, peaceful town that benefits from the proximity of the Médoc vineyards. With its parks, schools, and sports facilities, Blanquefort is ideal for families looking for tranquility. It also offers good access to Bordeaux via tram and motorway.
Located about an hour east of Bordeaux, Sainte-Foy-la-Grande is a charming village on the banks of the Dordogne River. This medieval village is renowned for its weekly market, voted among the most beautiful in France, and for its surrounding natural landscapes. Sainte-Foy-la-Grande is ideal for those looking for a quiet life in the heart of the countryside while still being close to services.
About an hour west of Bordeaux, Lacanau is famous for its surfing beaches on the Atlantic Ocean. This village is particularly popular with nature lovers, with its lake, pine forests, and direct access to the ocean. While Lacanau attracts many tourists in summer, it is also possible to live there year-round to enjoy the tranquility once the tourist season is over.
Settling around Bordeaux allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds: the proximity of a large dynamic city and the authenticity of the small surrounding villages and towns. Whether you are attracted by the vineyards of Saint-Émilion, the beaches of Arcachon or the residential atmosphere of Pessac, each locality has its own assets. For those looking for tranquility without giving up urban amenities, the surroundings of Bordeaux are full of hidden gems where life is good.