Bassin d'Arcachon & Dune du Pilat

The Banc d'Arguin is a sandbank at the entrance to the Bassin d'Arcachon, opposite the Dune du Pilat. Its shape is constantly changing due to tides and currents. Since 1972, it has been a national nature reserve, primarily serving as a breeding and resting ground for seabirds like the Sandwich Tern. From the sandbank, you get a view of the Dune and the tip of Cap Ferret. Our Tip: The Banc d'Arguin is only accessible by boat, for example, with excursion boats from Arcachon or Cap Ferret. Parts of the protected area are closed year-round; check in advance for the applicable rules and tides. Due to the strong currents at the entrance, do not swim without proper precautions, and take your waste back with you.

The Dune du Pilat, located at the southern edge of the Bassin d'Arcachon entrance, is Europe's tallest moving sand dune. Its height fluctuates from year to year, and is around 100 meters (2024 measurement: approximately 101 meters). It is nearly three kilometers long and about 600 meters wide. Wind and sea constantly reshape it, slowly shifting inland into the pine forest.You can reach the ridge via the stairs installed during the season or directly through the sand. From the top, you look out over the Atlantic and the Banc d'Arguin on one side, and over the forests of the Landes de Gascogne on the other.Practical Tip: Come in the early morning or late afternoon when it's cooler and quieter. In summer, bring enough water. The dune is popular at sunset, so expect many visitors then. At the foot of the dune towards the sea, there are strong currents, so only swim at supervised beaches.

Two wooden huts on stilts stand in the middle of the bay off the uninhabited Île aux Oiseaux and are a landmark of the Bassin. They were originally built for oyster farming as shelters and watchposts over the oyster beds. The huts are not publicly accessible. Excursion boats from Arcachon and Cap Ferret circle the island; at low tide, the surrounding oyster farms are exposed and wading birds stand between the rows.

The red-and-white lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula has stood here since 1947, after its predecessor was blown up during World War II. Via 258 steps, you reach the gallery at a height of 52 meters, from which you overlook the entire bay, the Dune du Pilat opposite, and the open Atlantic all at once. In the base, a small exhibition explains the history of the lighthouses along this coast. In strong winds, the platform remains closed.

One of several oyster villages on the north shore of the bay, built of low wooden houses in blue, green, and red. The alleys are so narrow they are only accessible on foot; boats, nets, and oyster crates lie between the houses. Several growers serve their harvest at simple tables directly by the water, usually with bread, butter, and a glass of white wine. On the village's edge stands a 19th-century chapel with a Moorish feel, the remains of a long-demolished villa complex.

On the southeastern edge of the bay, where the Leyre river flows in, lies a bird sanctuary comprising former fish ponds, reed beds, and salt marshes. Around 20 observation hides are distributed along four marked circular trails between two and six kilometers long. Over 300 species have been counted here, including Spoonbills, Storks, and in winter, large flocks of ducks. The paths are flat and largely suitable for strollers; binoculars make the visit significantly more rewarding.