Holidays in Arcachon
An inland sea with the colours of a lagoon, breathtaking scenery and a host of activities, the Bassin d’Arcachon (Bay) is an ideal holiday destination near Bordeaux and the pine forests of the Gironde region.
The unique bay has some truly amazing scenery so climb aboard for a quick tour !
We’ll start at the Dune du Pyla, the tallest sand dune in Europe at 110m high with magnificent views of the Atlantic, the Bay of Arcachon, Banc d’Arguin, the lighthouse at Cap-Ferret and pine forests stretching as far as the eye can see. Watching the sun set from the top of the Dune du Pyla is an unforgettable experience.
Let’s carry on to Arcachon and its famous ‘Ville d’hiver’ district dating from the Belle Epoque, a paradise of architecture and creativity on the hills above the town. Have a walk around the marina which rubs shoulders with the fishing harbour and the oyster district of L’Aiguillon and if you don’t mind getting up at the crack of dawn, the early morning fish auction is a fascinating experience.
Harbours and oyster villages are part of the scenery right around the Bay of Arcachon ! La Teste de Buch, Gujan-Mestras, Biganos, Andernos, Arès, L’Herbe…, can be explored on foot, by bike or even by boat. Walk among the brightly-coloured huts, eat delicious oysters straight from the farm and breathe in the fresh sea air.
The Bassin d’Arcachon also has several nature conservation areas like the Réserve Ornithologique du Teich (Bird Reserve), which welcomes 260 different species of birds over the course of a year, the Domaines de Certes-Graveyron or the 400-hectare Réserve des Prés Salés (Saltmarshes) at Arès.
The legendary Presqu’ile (peninsula) of Cap-Ferret
Now, off we go to the legendary Presqu’ile (peninsula) of Cap-Ferret, where the calm waters of the Bay meet those of the Atlantic Ocean. A panorama of sky, sea and sand as far as the eye can see. More athletic visitors among you can climb to the top of the lighthouse for a mind-blowing 360° view !
To discover the Bay of Arcachon from a different angle, head for the Réserve Naturelle Nationale du Banc d’Arguin, a nature reserve and jewel among the natural attractions of the Bay ! At the foot of the Dune du Pilat and facing the Pointe du Cap Ferret, the Banc d’Arguin continually changes shape with the wind and tidal currents. The only way to get there is by sea ! Go for the day with a picnic basket and beach towels ! Don’t forget the Ile aux Oiseaux and its famous ‘cabanes tchanquées’ in the middle of the Bay of Arcachon. These two wooden huts on stilts were originally built to house the watchmen who kept a close eye on the oyster beds.
It is impossible to describe the enchanting Bay of Arcachon in just a few lines, but one thing is sure, it marks the start of your wonderful seaside holiday with family or friends."
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