The must-see places
in the Arcachon Basin

The Dune of Pilat

The Dune of Pilat is the tallest sand dune in Europe—approximately 110 meters high, 500 meters wide, and 2.7 kilometers long. This ever-shifting sand giant, which advances a few meters a year toward the forest, offers an exceptional panorama from its summit: the Atlantic Ocean on one side, the Arcachon Basin on the other, and the Landes forest stretching as far as the eye can see. At sunset, the spectacle is unforgettable—the ochre and pink hues of the dune create one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in France.

Climbing the wooden stairs (in summer) or walking directly through the sand is a must. Descending to the wild Atlantic beaches that stretch out at the foot of the dune is a moment of pure freedom.

Cap Ferret

Cap Ferret is the peninsula that closes off the Arcachon Basin on the ocean side—a narrow strip of land between the Atlantic and the Basin, covered with pine trees and wooden villas. Its atmosphere is decidedly chic and relaxed, halfway between the simplicity of the fishermen of yesteryear and the understated luxury of a Parisian and international clientele who have made it their preferred summer retreat since the 1980s.

The Cap Ferret lighthouse (52 meters) offers a panoramic view of the mouth of the Arcachon Basin and Bird Island. The Oyster Route, which runs along the shore of the Basin, passes through hamlets like Le Canon, L'Herbe, and Piraillan—oyster-farming villages of simple and authentic beauty where tasting oysters overlooking the Basin is an unmissable ritual.

Bird Island and the Stilted Cabins

At the geographical center of the Arcachon Basin, Île aux Oiseaux (Bird Island) is a natural islet accessible only by boat—a major ornithological refuge for migratory birds and terns. It is the Cabanes Tchanquées (stilt houses) that have made it famous: two small houses on stilts built in the waters of the Basin, iconic symbols of Arcachon's oyster farming of yesteryear. They are now listed as historical monuments and are part of the Basin's visual identity.

Boat trips from Arcachon allow you to circumnavigate the island and observe the cabins and the islet's wildlife up close. It's one of the most unique experiences in the Bay.

Arcachon's Winter Town

The Winter Town is one of the most unique seaside districts in France—perched on the wooded dune overlooking Arcachon, it was conceived in the 19th century as a therapeutic resort for those suffering from lung ailments, sheltered from the sea winds. Its Belle Époque villas, each unique in its architecture, turrets, bow windows, and gardens, form an eclectic ensemble of high architectural quality. Many are listed as Historical Monuments.

The Moorish casino (now gone, though some elements remain), the public gardens, and the shaded walkways create a setting of preserved elegance. This district represents one of the most attractive character property markets on the Atlantic coast.

Oyster Farming Villages

The Arcachon Basin produces the most famous oysters in France—a tradition dating back to the 19th century that still shapes the Basin's economy and landscape today. Gujan-Mestras, with its seven oyster ports, is the heart of this activity. The colorful oyster farmers' huts, the flat-bottomed boats, the oyster beds visible at low tide, and the waterfront tasting tables create a unique spectacle and culinary experience.

Andernos-les-Bains, north of the Arcachon Basin, also boasts an authentic oyster farming waterfront with its jetty and producers' huts. A tasting directly at the oyster farmer's, accompanied by a glass of Entre-Deux-Mers or Graves white wine, is an unmissable experience.

The Teich Ornithological Reserve

The Teich Ornithological Reserve is one of the most important in France—120 bird species have been recorded there, including grey herons, egrets, flamingos, and numerous migratory waders. Its 120 hectares of wetlands, flooded meadows, and reedbeds at the mouth of the Leyre River offer an exceptional natural spectacle that attracts amateur and professional ornithologists from all over Europe.

The Banc d'Arguin

The Banc d'Arguin is a shifting sandbank at the entrance to the Arcachon Basin, between the Dune du Pilat and Cap Ferret—a protected natural area classified as a National Nature Reserve. Accessible only by boat, it is one of the most important nesting sites in France for terns and gulls. Its shallow waters, wild beaches, and ephemeral nature—the sandbank changes shape and position with the currents—make it a unique and mysterious place.