Day 1 

5 PM – Wild wild West

Our base camp for the next 48 hours? Village Western in Hourtin — a four-star campground straight out of the American frontier, just 1h15 from Bordeaux. When we pull in, our closest neighbors are… horses! My little cowboy is over the moon. Stables, arenas, open fields — everything here is designed so horses and humans live in harmony.

The reception area is a mix of leather boots, vintage lassos, and wild west treasures. We grab our keys and settle into a cozy mobile home. Tonight’s plan? Dinner at the saloon followed by an open-air Western movie, screened under the stars. Deckchairs, blankets, and a sky full of stars — I’ve found my new definition of perfection.

Day 2 

10 AM – Crush On You

After a night and a breakfast straight out of the States (oops — I mean Hourtin), we head to Château Loudenne in Saint-Yzans-de-Médoc, just 30 minutes away. Nestled on the estuary’s edge, the estate is… pink. Totally, beautifully pink. And the view? No words needed.
Anaïs and Marie guide us through the grounds with charm and ease: gardens, vat room, cellars, and even a mini museum. The view is jaw-dropping, the mood serene. And the buildings? Iconic. From the grand archway to the four whimsical towers — affectionately dubbed les petites folies — we’re crushing hard.

12 PM – Lunch on the grass

Lunchtime means a local picnic prepared by Château Loudenne — and what a feast! Foie gras, pork rillettes, asparagus cream, grilled peppers with fresh cheese, Saint-Félicien, Noisettines… It’s indulgence in its purest (and tastiest) form. Add to that a stunning vineyard backdrop, a bottle of Loudenne wine, and a table in the garden — and you’ve got yourself a moment suspended in time. Just Médoc things. No strawberries here… but who needs them?

3 PM – Soak up nature

A short 10-minute drive takes us to Château Castera in Saint-Germain-d’Esteuil — a haven of biodiversity: 13 bat species, 300-year-old trees, 200 hectares of vineyards, fields, and forest. The whole tribe agrees: this is the perfect place to unwind.

We debate between the treasure hunt and the escape game… but in the end, we opt for the historical tour. Laura tells the story of the medieval château, its 2.5 km of walls, and its ancient moats — now home to aging wine barrels. We wrap up with a tasting of the estate’s wines. Let’s just say: elegant gowns weren’t just worn by us.

6 PM – Sweet Home Pauillac (dancing with shrimp)

Time to toast the evening! We head to the Rotonde in Pauillac (20 minutes away) to try the famous Médoc “shrimp & wine” apéro. It’s a simple recipe: one glass of white wine + estuary shrimp + a knockout view of the riverbanks = absolute joy. Epicureans, follow this route! We could’ve stayed forever… but a country dance session awaits back at camp. And I didn’t practice that line dance for nothing.

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Day 3 

9 AM – My Dear Far West

Let’s just say… the country dancing delivered. Our feet (and our neighbors’ ears) still remember it! Time to pack up and check out of our little American dream.
But fear not, dear readers — the adventure isn’t over just yet. We’re off to explore the famous Montalivet Market, just 20 minutes away.

10 AM – Smells mike market spirit

Ahhh… the scent of fresh produce, sizzling tastings, and open-air buzz — is there anything more joyful? Top-quality stalls, delicious flavors mingling in the air, music all around… We can’t resist. A few oysters, some tapas, a stroll past the artisans and local makers… It’s a TOTAL crush.

11:30 AM – Ocean Eyes

We couldn’t head back to Bordeaux without one last look at the ocean. Our final stop: the wild beach of Pin Sec in Naujac-sur-Mer. Nestled between dunes and pine forests, it’s a stunning stretch of coast, with old WWII bunkers as silent sentinels.
I watch my tribe run freely in the sand, laughing. I take a deep breath — the air, the light, the moment. Sweet ocean, how I’ve missed you. And tonight, we’ve got plans: one last after-beach apéro in a Médoc château, with sunset views, wine in hand, and tapas in mouth.

Médoc, with your wild soul and open arms — you’ve enchanted us.

Sunny, sandy kisses,
The Pulpe Lady Blogger

Want to explore more? Head to the Médoc’s tourist offices — they’ve got all the local tips and sunny secrets you’ll ever need!