Sanguinet - a beautiful setting in South West France for a quiet or active holiday with many local attractions and much to offer all ages and tastes

Sanguinet is a picturesque village situated on the banks of the magnificent 11km by 10km Lake Cazaux-Sanguinet in the heart of the Forêt de Landes, the largest pine forest in Europe. Local archaeology dates back to Roman times and the Iron Age. Whatever passion or interest you want to fulfil, Sanguinet promises you an unforgettable holiday experience.

The perimeter of Sanguinet Lake is sheltered by pine trees providing great picnic spots and the numerous white sandy beaches on the lakeside provide clean safe bathing in warm shallow water. The scenic paths and cycle ways in the pine forests also provide great opportunities to stroll or explore.

All the necessary local amenities are close to hand including a large, well-stocked supermarket, two bakers, chemist, hairdressers, post office, tourist office, church and market. There are several friendly restaurants and cafés locally serving good food at reasonable prices.

A full range of water sports are available locally including swimming, sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, waterskiing, surfing, body-boarding, diving, boating and fishing. Several local clubs offer equipment for hire and personal instruction. There are lots of leisure pursuits and facilities available locally including golf, tennis, cycling, horse riding, archery, quad-biking, karting, para-gliding, an aqua park and an aerial adventure park.

There are Music and Gastronomic Festivals, Craft Fetes and Markets, Sailing Regattas and many events locally throughout the summer. On Saturday nights during the summer, there is music and dancing organised by the local mayor in the open air in the central square, with food and drink available and a late night market.

Magnificent beaches with 10km of white sandy expanse and great surfing are but a short drive away with lifeguards in the summer supervising safe bathing and with big Atlantic breakers offering a challenge and much excitement to novice and expert surfers alike. The sand dunes nearby are truly spectacular and at 117m high are the highest in Europe.

There is much to explore in the beautiful surrounding areas including the world famous vineyards and chateaux of the Bordeaux region, with the fantastic historic hilltop village of St Emillion well worth a visit. Tasting and tours are available and you are welcome to buy direct. The border with Spain is about 90 minutes drive by car and makes a popular day trip.

An attractive harbour and port, boutique shops and a wide selection of fine restaurants is available at trendy Arcachon, 20 minutes by car. Boat trips around the expansive Bassin D'Arcachon are available including a visit to the picturesque Cap Ferret.

An historic and lively city with much heritage, Bordeaux is 40 minutes by car with lots of amenities including major shopping facilities, theatre, harbour-front, magnificent gothic cathedral and beautiful architecture. The old quarter featuring narrow streets and medieval gateways houses the local artisans' shops.

Written by Charles and Teresa Watters - Owners of Property 51901 in Sanguinet, France