Gironde is France's largest department, and is without doubt the wine growing capital of the world, boasting some 57 'appelations'. The bay of Arcachon is famed for its oysters, and the estuary is also the last remaining bastion for the endangered Sturgeon.
If golf is you're sport, you won't be disappointed with Gironde. There are no less that twelve golf courses within an hour's drive of Bordeaux.
The Gironde is a cattle rearing area, so beef dishes are common. You should look for Entrecôte à la Bordelaise (steak with red wine and shallots)
Seafood specialities include lobster, caviar and Arcachon oysters.
