Overview
Travelers flying into Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD) for a lakeside retreat will find Hourtin Plage located approximately 60 km northwest along Lac de Hourtin. This tranquil destination offers sandy beaches and freshwater swimming in Europe’s largest freshwater lake. A Bordeaux airport transfer to Hourtin Plage typically takes 50–70 minutes by road, depending on traffic and route choices through the Médoc wine region.
Getting to Know Hourtin Plage
Hourtin Plage sits on the eastern shore of Lac de Hourtin-Carcans – a 17 km-long lake surrounded by pine forests and dunes. Visitors flock here for:
- Swimming and sailing in calm waters
- Cycling along forest trails
- Birdwatching in the adjacent Réserve Naturelle Nationale des Dunes et Marais d’Hourtin The area maintains a relaxed vibe compared to Bordeaux’s urban energy while remaining accessible to Médoc vineyards for day trips.
Arriving at Bordeaux Airport
Bordeaux-Mérignac handles over 6 million passengers annually with:
- Clear multilingual signage (French/English)
- Currency exchange desks
- Car rental counters (Avis, Europcar) in Terminal B arrivals Collect luggage on Level 0 before proceeding to ground transportation options outside Terminal B.
Main Transfer Options
Public Transport (Bus & Train)
Public options require multiple connections:
- Tram Line A from Airport → Bordeaux Saint-Jean Station (33 mins)
- TER Train from Bordeaux → Lesparre-Médoc (1h10m)
- Bus 703 from Lesparre → Hourtin Plage (40 mins) Total cost: ~€25 | Travel time: 2h45m+ SNCF Timetables | TransGironde Buses
Taxi & Rideshare
Taxis from Bordeaux airport to Hourtin Plage cost €90–€120 depending on vehicle size:
- Official airport taxis available outside Terminal B
- Uber/Bolt operate in Bordeaux but limited availability north of Lacanau Travel time: ~55 mins
Car Rentals
Major agencies at BOD offer vehicles from €35/day:
- Automatic transmission available (request in advance)
- Route via D1215/D3E1 roads passes through Margaux vineyards
Private Transfer Services
Pre-booked private transfer Bordeaux Airport to Hourtin Plage services like A2B provide: ✓ Fixed pricing (€110–€160 depending on vehicle class) ✓ Flight tracking for delays ✓ Free 60-minute waiting period ✓ Child seats/boosters upon request
Choosing the Best Method
Recommendations:
- Families: Private transfers simplify luggage handling and child seat needs
- Budget Travelers: Shared shuttles via BlaBlaCar (website) occasionally list Médoc routes (~€20/seat)
Travel Tips & Local Insights
- Summer Traffic: July/August weekends see heavy congestion – book morning transfers
- Scenic Detour: Request drivers take D205 through Margaux vineyards (adds 15 mins)
- Cash Payments: Some lakeside restaurants/bike rentals don’t accept cards – withdraw euros at BOD
Reaching Your Final Destination
Most Hourtin Plage transfers from Bordeaux Airport drop guests directly at accommodations or the main beach parking lot (Chemin de la Plage). The village is walkable but consider renting bikes from:
- Hourtin Loisirs (€15/day hybrid bikes)
Where to Get More Info
FAQ
How early should I book a Bordeaux airport to Hourtin Plage taxi service? Reserve at least 48 hours in advance during peak season (June–August). Private operators like A2B allow bookings up to 12 months ahead.
Are child seats available for transfers? Yes – specify requirements when booking private transfers. Taxis may charge extra (~€10/seat).
What’s the cheapest month for transfers? May and September see lower demand with rates ~15% below summer prices.
Can I stop en route for groceries? Private transfers often allow quick stops – confirm when booking. Super U supermarket in Hourtin village opens until 8 PM.
Is Uber available at Bordeaux Airport? Yes but coverage beyond Lacanau is unreliable – pre-booking advised.
Safe travels! Let your journey from Bordeaux Airport to Hourtin Plage be the first step in an unforgettable Médoc adventure.
