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Meschers, the seaside resort and the troglodytique caves
Meschers, is not only an exceptional troglodytique site, it is also a seaside resort which extends from Saint-Georges-de-Didonne and a good harbour for sailing and fishing.As far as Meschers is concerned, one thinks immediately of the caves dug into the limestone cliff above the Gironde.
Meschers, is not only an exceptional troglodytique site, it is also a seaside resort which extends from Saint-Georges-de-Didonne and a good harbour for sailing and fishing. For me, Meschers is the end of the sandy beaches and the beginning of the real estuary.
If you already know Meschers, you will have appreciated its
diversity. If, however, you are just discovering Meschers, I suggest
you spend a day or even just a morning or afternoon there and walk
from the beach of Nonnes to the harbour, following the small road
along the top of the cliffs which takes you past the caves.
When coming from Royan, which is about twelve
kilometres, or Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, you will
arrive at a roundabout with a sign indicating the
beach des Nonnes to the right. It is best to leave
the car in the car park near the beach and walk
from there.
The beach des Nonnes is a fine, sandy beach stretching between
two cliffs. Grottes de Regulus et
des Fontaines A few hundred metres
further on, you will find the entrance to the caves of Matata. Grottes de Matata After the caves,
continue up to the port and then you can return, if you wish, by
crossing the renovated and busy centre of the town. If this was your first
visit to Meschers, I am sure that you will return for a longer
period next time to revisit the places that captured your
attention.
From the road, looking
between the houses built on top of the cliff, you will have a
beautiful view over the estuary.
On the left-hand side
of the road there is an old, restored and inhabited windmill. It
was probably built on this high ground to take advantage of the
strong winds.
Then you will arrive
at the entrance of the caves, Grottes de Regulus et des
Fountaines. This municipal site is opened from Easter to October,
seven days a week.
The conducted tours
are fascinating.
Some days, during the
peak season, for example when the weather is not really
convenient for swimming, the flow of visitors can be enormous.
Morning visits are recommended during the summer season.
83, boulevard de la Falaise
17132 Meschers
Phone 05 46 02 55 36
You can take a
conducted tour and you will find a bar and a creperie where you
can stop for a while and enjoy a unique view of the estuary of
the Gironde, the Pointe de Grave, the Médoc region, the estuary
and Talmont.
An hotel, with rooms
with balconies looking directly on to the estuary, is open all
the year round.
67, boulevard de la Falaise
17132 Meschers
Phone 05 46 02 70 02
The environment of the port has changed a lot during the last
few years to welcome the sailors and the tourists.
Some people will
recall with a little nostalgia, the port of the 1960's shown in
the photograph opposite.
Notes