A friends' weekend near Bordeaux: our ideas for a great stay

The Gironde is one of France's most appealing regions for a friends' weekend away: UNESCO heritage, world-renowned vineyards, majestic rivers, generous nature… And at the heart of it all, the Domaine du Dahu estate in Sablons offers the ideal base to combine relaxation, adventure and good company — just less than 40 minutes from Bordeaux.

The gîte: your privatised headquarters

A successful friends' weekend starts with the right place to stay. The Domaine du Dahu charming gîte ticks every box: 170 m² of living space, 4 bedrooms for 6 guests, a fully equipped open-plan kitchen of 75 m², a large terrace overlooking the lake, and above all — total privacy, far from any neighbours.

Here, there are no hotel rules or a rushed 11am check-out. The estate is yours. You cook together, plan your schedule at your own pace, and enjoy the terrace until the stars appear. That is the spirit of a true friends' weekend.

The private lake: the ultimate luxury of the stay

What turns a good weekend into a memorable experience is often an unexpected element. Here, it is the 3-hectare private lake, fed by natural springs, that makes all the difference. Reserved exclusively for estate residents, it provides an exceptional living environment throughout the stay:

• No-kill fishing: the lake teems with carp, pike, zander, black bass and perch. For angler friends, it is the perfect chance to cast a line in an unspoilt spot, with no crowds or pressure. Even for non-anglers, watching a pike break the surface is a striking spectacle.
• Paddle board or canoe: bring your own inflatable equipment to explore the banks at the water's pace (life jacket compulsory). The lake is calm, surrounded by nature, and the shoreline holds some lovely surprises.
• Contemplation and photography: grey herons, jewel-coloured kingfishers, dragonflies, deer at the forest edge… The estate is a wildlife sanctuary. And when night falls, the starry sky takes over for truly breathtaking evenings.

Sample programme: 48 hours in the Gironde with friends

Here is a programme idea to make the most of a weekend at the estate:

• Friday evening: arrive at the gîte, get settled, aperitifs on the terrace overlooking the lake, a convivial dinner prepared together in the big kitchen. An evening by the water under the stars.
• Saturday morning: up at sunrise for the anglers, a lie-in for the others. Home-made breakfast in the equipped kitchen. A free morning by the lake.
• Saturday afternoon: a trip to Saint-Émilion (less than 25 minutes), a medieval village listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit a wine château, taste the Grand Crus, stroll through the stone alleyways. The Pomerol and Fronsac vineyards are also within easy driving distance.
• Saturday evening: back at the estate, a barbecue or an elaborate dinner in the kitchen, an evening that goes on in total freedom.
• Sunday: a visit to Libourne (Sunday market, covered market halls, Dordogne riverside), or a morning's fishing for those who did not get enough the day before. Departure in the early afternoon.

The surroundings: riches to explore

The estate is located in Sablons (33910), an ideal starting point for exploring the best of the Gironde without spending hours on the road:

• Saint-Émilion (less than 25 min): a medieval town and vineyards listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, unmissable for any wine lover or heritage enthusiast.
• Libourne (30 min): a human-scale town on the Dordogne, with a lively market, medieval architecture and a river port.
• The mascaret (tidal bore) at Saint-Pardon: this unique natural phenomenon on the Dordogne is well worth a detour during high tides — a wave surging upriver, impressive and free to watch.
• Pomerol and Fronsac vineyards: for a more intimate tasting experience at smaller, family-run estates.
• Bordeaux (less than 40 min): for an evening in the city, the Port de la Lune is not far. But with such a setting at the estate, it can be hard to leave.

Practical booking information

The gîte is available from €210/night, ideal for a group of 4 to 6 people. The 5 floating chalets (from €110/night each) can accommodate larger groups, with each pair enjoying their own private space overlooking the lake.

Pets are welcome (€14/pet/night). The tourist tax is €1.15/adult/night. A guaranteed response within 24 hours, and free cancellation up to 30 days before arrival.

Planning a more festive weekend? Check out our guide on hen parties and stag dos in the Gironde. Organising a bigger gathering with multiple generations? Our article on a multigenerational family reunion in the Gironde is for you.

Why this estate rather than anywhere else?

Because Domaine du Dahu is not simply a gîte. It is a complete estate, with a private lake, exceptional wildlife, and an atmosphere of a secret retreat that you will not find in a conventional rental. Less than 40 minutes from Bordeaux, in the green heart of the Gironde, it offers the best of both worlds: nature right on your doorstep, and all the region's cultural and gastronomic riches within easy reach.

A successful friends' weekend is often a matter of setting. Choose the right one, and everything else falls into place naturally.