Gironde,
In latin Girus Undae : " The eddying produced by the waters as they come
together "
A strong identity between land and water
Rivers, estuaries, lakes, basins and ocean : the Gironde
is first and foremost related to water. The Garonne and Dordogne rivers
merge to form the Gironde estuary, the largest in Europe : 100 km.
The basin of Arcachon, like a "small inland sea", is something really
exceptional, with its outlet into the Atlantic ocean. The great Dune of Pilat
dominates the horizon, the highest in Europe: 114 m of sand. The coast offers
some marvellous beaches: from the Pointe du Verdon right to the border with
the Landes. Its lakes - Hourtin-Carcans, Lacanau and Cazaux – are the most
extensive in France.
A land of traditions, the Gironde is also a land of
forests and vines, which spread out through 500 municipalities. A magnificent
heritage, with a history still marked by vineyards and the wine trade and its
world-famous designations of origin …
The province has also the second largest forested area in France, with pine
woods occupying 388.400 ha. The forests of the Landes of Gascogne, a former
marsh, is now accessible to visitors thanks to a network of bike routes
developed by the district council.
Located on the two most important axes connecting Northern Europe to Spain,
the Gironde is less than three hours from Paris by the TGV Atlantic high speed
train whilst the airport at Mérignac provides numerous air links to the rest
of the world.
With regard to Bordeaux, its capital city, this is the centre of commerce and
trade for La Gironde, and is the seventh largest city in France.
Finally, it is a land of innovation with
leading-edge industries: high-tech, chemical, computing, research and
the aeronautics and space sector.
