Enjoying a unique and privileged position just metres from the waves at Claouey on the Cap Ferret peninsula, Les Goélands is a rare find. The villa epitomises all that's best about the French expression les pieds dans l’eau and the unrivalled joy of accessing the beach directly from the garden is simply unbeatable. Dating back to the 1930s, when the only access was by boat, the villa was updated to its current contemporary style in 2014, using natural materials and marine colours to complement the beautiful bay views. Much has changed in the area since the 1930s, but the exceptional location remains unchallenged and Les Goélands offers a truly magical base for any party with their sights set on a beachfront holiday where sandcastles, swimming and the hypnotic ebb and flow of the sea form the backdrop to daily life. 

The villa belongs to the grandchildren of its original owner, and has witnessed many happy family gatherings over the years. With four bedrooms, there’s space for several generations to get together in comfort, and plenty to do in the local area to keep everyone entertained.

The local area

Cap Ferret is a picturesque, pine-covered peninsula sandwiched between the fine beaches and dunes of the Atlantic coast and the gentle waters of the bay of Arcachon. The house is located on the bay front at Claouey, with small shops and restaurants within a five-minute walk. Claouey beach club runs children’s activities and swimming lessons in July and August, with sailing courses available nearby all summer long.

Cycle trails connect Claouey to the Atlantic beaches and along the peninsula into Cap Ferret village itself (15 kilometres), where you’ll find chic shops to browse. The ambience is relaxed and appreciative of good living, evidenced by the abundance of oyster sellers, fishmongers and waterfront restaurants that make a stay here so deliciously civilised. From Cap Ferret you can take a boat tour of the oyster beds, catch the ferry to Arcachon or hop onto the little train that trundles out to the rather spectacular L’Horizon beach on the Atlantic coast. Continuing down the headland, you can climb to the top of Cap Ferret lighthouse, with fine views over the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s highest sand dune.

Days out

From fresh oysters to fine wines, this chic coastal corner of Aquitaine is foodie heaven. Enjoy a tour and tasting visit one of the many Médoc vineyards, and allow yourselves at least half a day to wander the medieval old town, swish restaurants and glossy wine shops of UNESCO-listed St Emilion, synonymous with some of France’s most celebrated producers and vintages. Bordeaux (50 kilometres) also boasts World Heritage status plus a state-of-the-art wine exhibition in the city centre, and an up-beat, contemporary atmosphere that contrasts most appealingly with its extravagant pre-Revolution architecture. And if you find yourself needing to work off some of the excesses of lunch, a climb up the Dune du Pilat (get there by water taxi) will do the trick.

Explore our pre-bookable experiences in Aquitaine

Our choice of French properties is diverse, ranging from simple charm to genuine luxury and style. Much of our portfolio is privately owned, and price alone is therefore not a universal guide. We contract all our accommodation in person, and each property has its individual appeal.

To help you make the right choice based on your own priorities, we have devised a simple grading guide to be considered in conjunction with each individual property description, awarding up to a maximum of five stars for the below categories.