24 hours in… Soulac-Sur-Mer

Towards the end of any great European expedition it is always welcome to spend a couple of days at a peaceful, beautiful, and preferably coastal retreat.

The traveller needs time to digest and recover from weeks of sleeping on, and in, trains, planes, and automobiles.

Add to that a couple of dodgy hostels, an occasional night on a railway station platform, and ‘that strange little hotel’ in the seedy part of some town that is by now thankfully consigned to memory, and the tranquillity of a sedate town or village suddenly becomes a necessity.

Those searching for salvation need look no further. Soulac-sur-Mer is the Accident and Emergency department of the travelling world.

What’s so bad about Italy…?

Located on the Atlantic coast of France this pretty resort offers the traveller long, expansive beaches on which to rest the aching body. Cool, refreshing waters of the Atlantic in which to dip blister ridden feet. And a tranquil atmosphere so complete that it could relax even the most frustrated of traveller (probably those having arrived by rail from Italy).

I’ve recovered, now what…?

Once recovered from the trials and tribulations of extensive travel Soulac-sur-Mer will attempt to encourage the explorer to prolong their stay.  The promise of excellent surf, idyllic paths and bridleways that reach out into the surrounding countryside, fine food, and a subtle charm, proves difficult to ignore.

The town is a little under 60 miles from the rejuvenated Bordeaux and the wine growing regions beyond. Yet the relatively close proximity to Bordeaux is not part of Soulac-sur-Mer’s lure.

The town’s main attraction comes from being just far enough out of the way. There is a distinct feeling on reaching Soulac that one has indeed arrived at the end of the world. And yes, Soulac-sur-Mer is well off any recommended travelling itinerary but then discovering destinations like Soulac is surely what travelling is all about in the first place.

This paragraph will make you hungry…

A  stones-throw from the beach are gift shops, bars and restaurants where the traveller can spend any last remaining Euros on those much promised gifts for the family.

The wise traveller will withhold a handful of coins in order to sample some of the incredible regional gastronomic delights that small patisseries and the well stocked indoor market have to offer.

Make the effort…!

Soulac-sur-Mer is not that easy to reach, but then that is the idea.

The traveller should have no problems reaching Bordeaux-St-Jean station, with regular TGV services arriving from Paris Montparnasse hourly. From Bordeaux a regional rail service links the city to Soulac in two hours.

The traveller should check rail information before setting out for Bordeaux as the timetable for trains to Soulac is liable to change depending on the season. (The Bordeaux – Soulac-Sur-Mer route is not displayed on some Inter-rail and Eurail maps)

Sleep…

Accommodation is plentiful in and around the town. Single room rates are between €35-€70 depending on the season. Camping is an excellent alternative with tent pitches starting from around €12.

He’s right you know…

Soulac-sur-Mer is a delightful, uncomplicated town that can rebuild a traveller within hours. A process that is vital for any explorer travelling across Europe by rail.

Useful links…

Accommodation & information… www.soulac.com

Rail information… www.bahn.de

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Map…

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