Arcachon is located in the southwest of France and offers the best conditions for a vacation with swimming fun as well as cultural discoveries. Walks over the famous Dune of Pilat and through the adjacent forests are especially popular. During a vacation, you can relax here directly on the Atlantic.
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Around two million people flock to the Atlantic each year to marvel at the Dune du Pilat. Its height, between 100 and 115 meters, is constantly altered by the wind. Visitors reach the summit via stairs, while the daring walk over the sand. The Dune du Pilat is set in a wild and romantic landscape of pine forest, a sandbank, and the blue of the Atlantic. At the foot of the dune, Corniche Beach invites you to cool off or take a stroll.
In 1722, a stone seamen's chapel was built in Arcachon. The small structure was expanded in 1860 with the addition of the Church of Notre Dame in early Gothic style. Today, the chapel and church, elevated to a basilica by Pope Pius XII, form a much-visited Marian shrine. The sculpture of the crowned Madonna with Child sits in a niche of the chapel, which is adorned with baroque paintings. The main altar of Notre Dame is decorated with a large, elaborate fresco. A first-class auditory experience is the restored organ of the minor basilica, created in 1863.
In the summer, you can look forward to a pleasant climate and ideal conditions for swimming. Many vacationers are drawn to the Dune of Pilat. From there, you can enjoy the view over the sea and the forests of southern France. In addition to swimming and climbing the dune, Arcachon offers good conditions for hiking in the region. The dense forests invite you to take long excursions. If you feel like it, you can explore the area by bicycle and take a trip to Bordeaux.
The Île aux Oiseaux was presumably separated from the neighboring Cap Ferret peninsula over the course of the tides. People live year-round on the island in huts without electricity and water. The huts on wooden stilts, known as chancas, are the landmark of the island. Bird lovers are drawn to the island to admire the approximately 150 bird species native to the area. From surrounding communities like Arcachon, shuttle boats regularly depart, offering island tours. The untouched salt marshes and sandbanks form a unique natural environment.
The foundation for the Winter City was laid in the second half of the 19th century. Almost all architectural styles are represented here: while strolling, one encounters neo-Gothic villas as well as charming wooden houses in Alpine style. Noteworthy are the Villa Trocadero and the Villa Alexandre Dumas. In addition to the villas, there are other sights to discover. For example, the blue-painted metal pedestrian bridge, which Gustav Eiffel was involved in constructing, as well as the St. Cécile observation platform.
The blue of the Atlantic completely encloses the spectacular sandbank, and the waves constantly change its shape. Visitors can view the natural wonder from the beach or experience the untouched nature on boat tours from Arcachon. Bird lovers, in particular, will get their money's worth at the sandbank. The nature reserve is a nesting site and wintering ground for native birds as well as a resting place for countless migratory birds, including the Sandwich Tern. Oyster farmers are also active on the Banc d'Arguin.
The coast around the Arcachon Basin forms the National Park Domaine de Certes et Graveyron. Countless birds inhabit the bird sanctuary, many on the bird island Île aux Oiseaux. Extensive sandy beaches invite you to spend days swimming or walking, such as to the 110 m high Dune of Pilat. Inland, you can hike through pine forests.
In the heart of Arcachon, in the Winter City, lies a small green jewel: the Parc Mauresque. An elevator conveniently takes you from the lower town to the wooded hill, where walking paths invite you to stroll. Among flower beds, tropical plants, and in the rose garden, statues delight art-loving guests. Children love the pretty playground.
Bird enthusiasts will find a true paradise 20 km east of Arcachon, consisting of marshy wetlands, meadows, salt marshes, and forests that provide habitats for a diverse birdlife. You can explore the 110-hectare area in the Arcachon Basin on your own or as part of a guided tour. At the observation points, you can get very close to the animals.
The neighboring town of Arcachon, Gujan-Mestras, offers a charming city grove with the Parc de la Chêneraie on the banks of the Canal des Landes. Here you can experience the tranquility of nature under gnarled cork oaks that line the paths along the water. In addition to restrooms, there is a picnic area and a modern playground.
Your first day in Arcachon begins with an absolute natural highlight. South of the beautiful coastal town rises Europe's largest moving dune. With a height of 110 meters and an impressive panoramic view of the Atlantic and the Arcachon Basin, this place is simply spectacular. Your children will love climbing the dune and playing in the fine, white sand. From the dune, it goes down to the sea. You can refresh yourself in the turquoise water. Sailboats cross in front of the shore. After this relaxing break, you climb the huge sand hill again and return to Arcachon. You end the evening in the city center of the port town. Stroll through the charming center, browse small shops, walk along the promenade, and visit one of the fish restaurants. A trademark of Arcachon is the fresh seafood, especially the oysters you should not miss.
On the second day of your stay, you can look forward to a boat tour on the sparkling Bassin d'Arcachon. The waters are a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. During the boat ride, you have the opportunity to admire the famous Cabanes Tchanquées – picturesque stilt houses in the middle of the water. Numerous tours lead from the port of Arcachon further through the bay between Cap Ferret and the Dune du Pilat. This way, you experience the natural spectacle on the second day from a whole new perspective. After enjoying plenty of fresh sea air, you get closer to the underwater world at the Musée Aquarium d'Arcachon. Here, both young and old explorers learn more about the astonishing diversity of marine life forms and the richness of the local underwater world. End the evening with a relaxing walk on the beach and watch the sunset over the sea with a sundowner.
On the third day, a trip to the nearby bird sanctuary Réserve Ornithologique du Teich is on the agenda. It can be quickly reached by car in less than half an hour. This nature reserve is a paradise for bird watchers. A variety of species live in the reserve of forests, meadows, and swamps, including storks, woodpeckers, and herons. You can either explore the area on your own with a quiet walk along the elevated paths or join a guided tour. From observation points, you have a good view of the fascinating birdlife in their natural environment. In the afternoon, the journey continues to the Cap Ferret peninsula, known for its idyllic beaches and charming villages. The headland separates the Atlantic from the Bassin d’Arcachon and is covered with magnificent pine forests. The lighthouse is worth seeing. From the top, you have a beautiful view all the way to Arcachon.
Most vacationers come to the coast of Arcachon in the summer. Then they can relax in peace in the shade of the Dune of Pilat. During this period, temperatures are around 25°C – the water is similarly warm. The least amount of rainfall is expected in July and August. In spring and autumn, people enjoy hiking and cycling tours at temperatures between 15 and 20°C. However, there is more rainfall during these seasons, so you should pack appropriate clothing. In winter, it is still relatively mild with temperatures around 3 to 9°C.