Soulac-sur-Mer is a charming seaside town in France that stole a piece of my heart. A little over two hours on the train from Bordeaux, you escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The town is a short drive from the train station, and the town center is compact, with a lovely mix of busy main streets and quieter side streets. The town is packed in the summer, but to my delight, it was primarily French tourists. It didn’t feel inundated with foreigners, which is part of the charm. The beach stretches on for kilometers. You can choose from lively, quintessential main beach vibes or stroll to the dunes for seclusion and quiet.

For accommodation, there are quite a few options. I stayed in a super cozy bnb about 10min cycling from the city center. My options were limited because most places were already booked, but I got lucky. I recommend renting a bike to get around the city. You can also use it to explore outside the city and the neighbouring towns. The cycling paths are paved, and it’s a beautiful ride through the forest. I truly felt disconnected in the best possible way. The simplicity of everything also was a nice change of pace. If you’re looking for a place to rest and recharge while still imbibing from time to time, you should consider Soulac.

Food & Drink Recommendations:

Mojo – If you’re looking for a delightful breakfast spot and excellent coffee, stop here. They also have great lunch options. ☕

Artisan Food Market– A lovely market hall with everything to satiate your foodie desires. You can find the market between the rue de la Plage and the rue Trouche. 🥐

Cabana 8 – A tasty mix of Spanish and Latin American food. They also have a great selection of local beers and delicious cocktails. Grab a seat on the terrace to people watch with your bevy. 🍹

Montreal sur-Mer – Quickly becoming a staple in town. Don’t forget to pop by this lovely shop for a loaf of fresh sourdough and a bottle of superb natural wine. Read more about this incredible shop here. 🍷

Experiencing Soulac

Surfs Up – I cycled about 30 min outside of the town to a surf shop called Ulmo Surf School. The ride to the beach is super nice, pack a lunch and lots of water. You can rent gear or enroll in lessons. The surf spot is fairly protected and the beach is super chill. 🏄‍♀️

Bike Rental – Explore the surrounding areas around Soulac and don’t forget the forest bike paths and dunes.🚴‍♀️