Arcachon, with its stunning coastline, boasts an abundance of beautiful beaches waiting to be explored. While the central beach in Ville d’Été (summer city) boasts vibrant energy and proximity to amenities, those seeking tranquility may prefer the southern beaches, in Ville de Printemps (spring city) and the majestic Dune du Pilat.
By the way, if you have no idea, what are these seasonal cities I’m talking about. That’s what different parts of Arcachon City are called 🙂 You can read all about it in my Arcachon guide.
In this article, I’ll be talking about my favorite beaches in the southern part of Arcachon Bay. If you’re planning to go to the Cap Ferret peninsula, you should check out my article about the most beautiful beaches in Cap Ferret.
Before we start here are a few fun activities you can do on the beaches of Arcahcon: Paragliding near the highest sand dune in Europe Surfing lessons on the Atlantic coast Boat cruise on Arcachon Bay (great option if you’re a group traveling together)
Let’s dive into the best and most beautiful beaches of Arcachon!
The most beautiful beaches in Arcachon
Plage Pereire
Plage Pereire with its scenic views stands out as a favorite among Arcachon’s beachgoers. Accessible via public transport, it offers convenience and scenic views. This wide beach, beloved for its safety and family-friendly atmosphere, stretches along the coastline, inviting visitors to relax and enjoy the sun. Club Plage Pereire, a beachfront restaurant, adds to the allure, providing a delightful dining experience amidst the coastal beauty.
Plage Pereire is accessible by a short bus trip from the center of Arcachon which makes it very accessible and convenient to get to. However, the best way to get there and most beaches on my list is by bike (you can find plenty of bike rentals everywhere in the center).
Plage Pereire – by Lost in Bordeaux
Plage des Arbousiers
For those seeking a peaceful getaway, Plage des Arbousiers welcomes you with its tranquil atmosphere and vast coastline. My favorite part is the southern stretch of this beach provides a serene escape. The northern section, called Plage des Abatilles, is a part I don’t particularly love but it offers excitement for adventure seekers with SUP rentals and kite schools. With its laid-back vibe and convenient amenities like the Bikini bar, Plage des Arbousiers ensures a delightful beach experience to remember.
Plage du Moulleau
Often dubbed the beach of the Parisian affluent, Plage du Moulleau charms visitors with its family-friendly vibe and scenic surroundings. Whether arriving by car, bus, or bike, it’s effortlessly accessible, making it a favorite spot for families and beach enthusiasts alike. While summer days may draw bustling crowds, the charm of nearby bars and ice cream shops adds to the allure of a leisurely seaside retreat.
Bars near Plage du Moulleau – by Lost in Bordeaux
So far, we’ve explored the beaches within Arcachon city limits, but now let’s venture to some hidden gems nestled in neighboring Pyla sur Mer, a charming part of La Teste de Buch town. Close to the iconic Dune du Pyla, these coastal treasures await discovery.
Plage Daniel Meller
Located near Pyla-sur-Mer, Plage Daniel Meller offers a serene escape with stunning views of the iconic Dune du Pyla. Ideal for families, it features a playground and grassy areas, providing options for both beachside relaxation and recreational activities. With its picturesque setting and family-friendly amenities, Plage Daniel Meller is a hidden gem awaiting discovery.
Plage Daniel Meller – by Lost in Bordeaux
Plage de la Corniche
Tucked away from the crowds, Plage de la Corniche is a true hidden gem of the Bassin d’Arcachon. Accessible via stairs in Pyla-sur-Mer, adjacent to La C(o)orniche hotel, this beach offers a secluded retreat for those seeking tranquility. Surrounded by natural beauty and offering a serene ambiance, Plage de la Corniche is perfect for a peaceful day by the sea.
Le Petit Nice
Le Petit Nice stands out as a top choice for families seeking a relaxed beach experience. With easy accessibility and free parking, it’s a convenient option for a day of seaside fun. Surrounded by lush forest, it offers picnic areas and a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a family outing.
A few minutes walk from the beach (next to the parking) you can find a restaurant and a snack bar called Restaurant Le Petit Nice.
Le Petit Nice – by Lost in Bordeaux
Plage de Salie Sud
Venturing beyond Arcachon, Plage de Salie Sud awaits on the Atlantic coast, offering an entirely different beach experience. With its crashing waves and surfer-friendly conditions, it’s a haven for water sports enthusiasts. While less suitable for young children, this beach promises an exhilarating adventure for surfers and beachgoers alike.
Le Salie Sud Beach also has a great surfing school and you can use it as an opportunity to take surfing lessons. You can book a group lesson here.
Whether you seek vibrant energy or secluded serenity, Arcachon’s beaches offer a diverse array of experiences, inviting visitors to explore the beauty of the coastline and create cherished memories by the sea.
If you’re lucky enough to have a few days in Arcachon, here are a few other articles you might find useful:
You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via Lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:
*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in!
The wild Atlantic coast of Southwest France is a paradise for surfers, especially beginners. The long coastline offers a mix of beach breaks and a vibrant surfing culture. The hot summers and consistent waves make this region an ideal destination for both experienced and aspiring surfers.
In this article, I’ve included the best surfing spots on the Atlantic coast. My list features beaches near Bordeaux, the Basque Country, and the Landes department, along with the top surfing schools in each location. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro surfer, this guide will help you decide where to surf in Southwest France.
Best surfing beaches on the Atlantic coast – Basque country and Les Landes
Cote de Basques in Biarrtiz
Located in the Basque Country, Biarritz is a city steeped in surfing history that offers a variety of surf spots catering to different skill levels, from the powerful waves at Grande Plage to Marbella Beach’s challenges. The ideal beach for beginners in Biarritz is Cote de Basques an iconic surf spot, bustling with surf schools in summer and offering a sheltered location and gentle waves.
Surfing lessons – La Vague Basque School offers exceptional surfing lessons on the legendary Côte des Basques beach. Whether you’re starting or aiming to refine your skills, La this school offers a range of lesson options, including group lessons for a social experience and private lessons for personalized attention. Book your surf lessons here.
surfing schools in Biarritz- Lost in Bordeaux
Bidard in the French Basque county
Located between Biarritz and Guéthary on the Basque coastal path, Bidard offers over 5 kilometers of coastline with world-famous surfing spots. Spring and autumn are ideal for beginners, with consistent waves and fewer crowds.
Among the most popular surfing spots in Bidard is Plage de l’Uhabia. Known for its long, fun waves, accessibility, and summer lifeguard presence, this beach is a favorite spot for beginners and families. The beach’s spacious layout and gentle waves offer a welcoming environment for learning and enjoying the surf.
Plage d’Erretegia is another great spot for surfing in Bidard. Surrounded by cliffs and part of a Sensitive Natural Area, this beach provides a picturesque backdrop for surfing in tranquility and beauty. It is easily accessible by foot or bike and there’s summer supervision, which ensures a safe and enjoyable surfing experience.
Surfing school – Located at Chemin de Parlementia, Taiba Surf Club caters to all levels, from beginners to experienced surfers. Their certified instructors focus on safety, paddling techniques, and wave selection, so you can feel relaxed and safe to experiment. Book your surfing course here.
Plage des Cavaliers in Anglet
Plage des Cavaliers in Anglet is a renowned surf spot for its powerful waves and international competitions. Despite its challenging waves, the beach is also suitable for beginners, especially during mid-tide. With nearby amenities and access to other surf spots along the Anglet coastline, it’s a popular choice for surfers of all levels and a must-visit destination for surf enthusiasts.
Surfing school – Gliss is a great school that offers surfing courses adapted to any individual level and includes personalized instruction, top-notch equipment, and small group sizes for focused learning. Book your course here.
Take surfing lessons on the Basque coast – by Lost in Bordeaux
Hossegor
Hossegor is one of the most renowned surfing spots worldwide. Known for its fast, hollow waves, vibrant après-surf scene, and acclaimed surf camps, it’s truly a surfer’s paradise. Hossegor features a three-kilometer stretch of sand and four distinctive surf spots. Among them is La Sud, the most beginner-friendly spot in Hossegor, offering good protection from big swells.
Surfing school – Surf Trip in Hossegor is a perfect place for beginners, with ideal conditions year-round and a one to six-day course for a group of up to 8 people. You’ll learn basic techniques, and surfing history, and gain confidence and autonomy. Book your surfing lessons here.
Surfing school in Hossegor – by Lost in Bordeaux
Seignosse
Seignosse offers some of the most thrilling beach breaks in southwest France, capturing the full force of the Bay of Biscay swell. Though often overshadowed by neighboring Hossegor, Seignosse’s peaks feature wedgy, hollow waves that attract surfers of all levels.
Surfing school – Authentic Surf has a tailored beginner’s experience led by passionate instructors Michaël and Mikaël. You’ll receive theoretical guidance before hitting the waves, and enjoy personalized instruction in the water for rapid progress. You can book your surfing adventure in Seignosse here.
Where to surf near Bordeaux and Arcachon
Lacanau Ocean
Boasting one of the oldest surf clubs in the area, Lacanau Ocean is a historic hub for surfing in France. With its sandy beaches, serene lake, and lush pine forest, It is one of the best surfing vacation destinations. Known for its quality waves, Lacanau offers safe learning conditions in shallow waters, which makes it perfect for beginners.
Where to take surfing lessons in Lacanau – BO & CO surf school offers tailored lessons to all ages and skill levels. They have advanced equipment, especially suitable for beginners, like surfboards that make learning in the water much easier. Out of your 2-hour lesson, 1.5 hours will be spent in the water! Book your surf lessons here.
Surfing at Lacanau Ocean – by Lost in Bordeaux
La Salie sud in Arcachon
Located near the Dune du Pilat, La Salie Sud in Arcachon offers year-round surfing with reliable conditions amidst stunning scenery. Summer is perfect for beginners, while the shoulder seasons provide punchier waves with fewer crowds. Overall, it is a great spot, ideal for both learners and experts.
Surfing lessons in Arcachon – It’s On Surf School offers tailored lessons for all levels. Led by Stéphane and his certified team, enjoy this amazing surf spot with its stunning landscape, including La Salie Sud. Book your surfing lessons here.
Plage Du Truc Vert in Cap Ferret
Cap Ferret offers a surfer’s paradise with 25 km of beaches and numerous surf spots, including Plage Du Truc Vert. Nestled between Arcachon Bay and the Ocean, it’s known for its unstable sandbanks, creating ideal surfing conditions for all levels, including beginners!
Surfing lessons in Cap Ferret– Perfect for beginners, Cap Ferret Surf School offers a safe, dynamic intro to surfing. Choose group or private sessions, tailored to your level. With top-notch gear and expert instruction, you’ll have the best first surfing experience on this beautiful beach. Book your surfing course here.
You can also join this amazing surfing camp – Remi’s Surf School offers an amazing opportunity to discover Cap Ferret’s surfing scene in a one-week surf camp. Their program includes a laid-back beach house stay, daily surfing lessons, and delicious meals. Perfect for social beginners and those looking to improve their skills in a warm environment. Book your place in the camp here.
Surfing in the Bordeaux region – by Lost in Bordeaux
L’Amelie in Medoc Atlantique
Médoc Atlantique offers 124 km of beaches, 22 of which are supervised. They extend from Lacanau to Pointe de Grave and offer surfing spots for all levels. Summer welcomes beginners, while winter attracts locals with swells and empty peaks. L’Amélie Beach is a beautiful, supervised, sandy beach, located near the charming town of Soulac sur Mer. You can find reliable waves and a picturesque setting for safe swimming and family fun.
Where to take surfing lessons in Medoc Atlantique – Nouvelle Vague in Soulac-sur-Mer offers an exhilarating experience with spots suited to your abilities and expert guidance along Gironde’s Atlantic coast. Ideal for beginners, these small-group sessions ensure personalized attention from passionate instructors. There are also dedicated surf lessons for kids aged 3 to 10. You can book your surf lessons here.
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Get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via Lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:
*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in!
Lège-Cap-Ferret is a narrow peninsula that sits on the western part of Arcachon Bay about an hour or two drive from Bordeaux, depending on traffic. Albeit its growing popularity, notably among Parisians, Cap Ferret managed to keep its raw atmosphere of simplicity and tranquility. The area consists of twelve little villages, one of them being the town of Cap Ferret, located in the south part of the peninsula. Its position between the bay and the Ocean turns it into an amazing place for a summer vacation with tens of small village beaches and wilder ones on the ocean side.
In this article, I’ll help you discover the most beautiful beaches in Cap Ferret. It’s important to note that during the low tide, it’s impossible to swim on the bay side and it’s thus very important to check out the tide hours before going. Here’s a site where you can see when the tide is high enough to enjoy the beach.
The best beaches in Cap Ferret – by lost in Bordeaux
One last thing before we start, traffic to Cap Ferret can be quite heavy, especially in the summer. So you can either try to get there as early as possible or stay the night :). If you love camping check out my article about the most recommended camping sites in Cap Ferret. If camping is not your thing, here are a few recommended hotels in Cap Ferret: Domaine du Ferret Balnéo & Spa in the north part of the peninsula, the 4- star hotel Hôtel Côté Sable in the center of Cap Ferret town, or Les Chambres du Phare, a beautiful bed and breakfast, located near the lighthouse of Cap Ferret.
You can also rent a house near the beach, here are two recommendations: Cabane Japajo, a wooden cabin on the beach of le Four, or this rental unit in Claouey. Both are located in cute villages in the north of the peninsula.
Now let’s dive into the most beautiful beaches in Cap Ferret
The best beaches in Lège Cap Ferret
La Plage des Américains
La Plage des Américains – by lost in Bordeaux
Visiting the peninsula, many people go straight to Cap Ferret, which is the largest village in Lege Cap Ferret. You can find a number of nice beaches here, including the central one, but the best one in my opinion, is the Plage des Americains. This little piece of heaven is located a few minutes’ walk from jetée de Belisaire, the pier of Cap Ferret. The narrow beach with its beautiful water and the forest behind it will immediately put you in a state of tranquility. It feels like nothing in the world could bother you here. When the tide is low you can get there walking on the beach from the main pier of Cap Ferret.
Plage de la Pointe aux Chevaux
Plage de la Pointe aux Chevaux – lost in Bordeaux
One of the most popular beaches in Cap Ferret is Plage de la Pointe aux Chevaux. The beach is located right next to a little oyster-port and you can see plenty of pinasses (oyster farming boats) floating on the calm waters of the bay. When the tide is low you can enjoy a beautiful walk on the beach and then continue into the foresty route located at the southern part of the beach. If you continue to ’avenue de la Pointe aux Chevaux’ you will reach a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the beach.
Finish your day with a plate of oysters at La Dégust du Grand Coin, which is located right on the beach. The beach is located between the two port-towns of Grand Piquey and Petit Piquey. Access to the beach is easier from the latter.
And here’s a pro tip from me, make the effort to get there early in the morning to see the amazing sunrise. If you’re not an early bird, you can do it in the winter when the sun rises after 8 am.
Plage de la Truquette
Plage de la Truquette -by lost in Bordeaux
Plage de la Truquette is a little hidden gem located right to the north of Plage de la Pointe aux Chevaux. The beach is tucked in Foret Dromanile de la Lege et Garonne, so the access there goes through the forest. It’s one of the rawest beaches in Cap Ferret with solely the pine forest in the background.
Another way to access it would be through the little oyster port of Petit Piquey, Les Parcs de l’Impératrice. Park the car at the oyster park and walk through the Impasse des Pecheurs to get to the beach.
This beach is located in Petit Piquey which has plenty of cute little shops on its main road.
Plage de l’Herbe
l’Herbe – by Lost in Bordeaux
L’Herbe is definitely my favorite place on Bassin d’Arcachon. Nothing matches the charm of this little village with its colorful oyster farmers’ cabins. Along the shore, you can find a handful of little oyster cabins where you can eat fresh oysters accompanied by white dry wine.
In the north of the village, you’ll find the main beach, Plage de l’Herbe. It’s a small beach with a few vacation houses of people that are coming here every year. It’s one of the most kids-friendly beaches on Bassin d’Arcachon with plenty of space for them to run around even when the tide is high.
When you go to l’Herbe you must do the little trail to the upper part of the village and enjoy the view of the cabins from the top. To go up, take the stairs from the southern part of the beach (just next to the public toilets ).
The best beaches in Cap Ferret – Ocean side
Plage Du Truc Vert
Plage Du Truc Vert – by lost in Bordeaux
Surfers’ favorite, le Truc Vert is one of the wildest beaches in the region. This beach is so long that if you walk far enough, you’ll have the beach all for yourself.
The beach is located on the ocean side of Cap Ferret and you have to walk a bit to get there. Park your car in the forest near the Truc Vert camping. Then cross the route Forestiere du Truc Vert and walk along the path to the Truc Vert beach.
If you have little kids who hate walking (like mine do) I wouldn’t necessarily recommend going there. Otherwise, it’s a perfect beach for surfers and anyone who loves the ocean and long walks on the beach.
Plage du Grand Crohot
Grand Crohot beach is located on the Ocean side of the Cap Ferret peninsula. As opposed to the calm water on the side of the Bassin d’Arcachon, on the ocean side, the waves are strong, making it a surfing paradise. This beautiful white sand beach attracts both kite surfers and families that love to swim in the ocean. In the summer the beach tends to be quite busy and sometimes parking can be an issue so try to come early. If you’re coming with kids, this beach is supervised during the summer. The beach is located in the north part of the peninsula which makes it a good choice if you want to avoid the heavy traffic of Lege Cap Ferret.
Plage de la Pointe Cap Ferret
Plage de la Pointe Cap Ferret – by lost in Bordeaux
Plage de la Pointe Cap Ferret is located at the most southern point of the Cap Ferret Peninsula which makes it one of the most special places in Arcachon. Due to its position, you can see both the ocean and the famous Dune du Pilat on the other side of the Bay. The beach is quite isolated and requires a bit of a walk to get to. It’s important to note that due to the strong current of the bay it’s considered quite dangerous for swimming. Also, due to the erosion of the Cap Ferret point, the beach can be closed to the public from time to time. However, when open, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in our region.
Need more ideas for things to do in and around Bordeaux? you should definitely join my newsletter where I share all the best events in the region and all my other Bordeaux discoveries. I send an email every Friday in the afternoon– sign up here.
You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via Lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:
*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂
Arcachon is the biggest town of Bassin d’Arcachon, a bay on the Atlantic coast and one of the highlights of visiting the Bordeaux region. As someone who goes there at least once a month, I felt I had to write down all my favorite parts for you. So in this article, I will walk you through the best things you can do in Arcachon, where you should eat, and even how to get there.
Less than 60 km separates Bordeaux from Arcachon and its beautiful villas, clear blue beaches, and delicious seafood. This is also one of the centers of French osticulture (oyster farming) so eating oysters is a “must” when coming to the area. But don’t worry, you’ll fall in love with Arcachon even if you hate oysters.
There are other amazing towns in the north and west parts of the bay, such as Andernos les Bains and Cap Ferret. However, in my opinion, if it’s your first time in Arcachon, you can by no means miss the incredible Dune du Pilat, south of the bay, and so I’ve focused my recommendations on that area of the bay. You can read about all the other places I love on Arcachon Bay in my article about day trips to Arcachon.
Arcachon is divided into 4 regions. The summer city is the city center with walkways and restaurants. The winter city is the most beautiful part of Arcahcon, adorned with stunning 19th-century villas. The autumn city is the port and the fishing area of Arcachon. And the spring city covers the most beautiful beaches in the Southern part of the bay.
Ville d’été in Arcachon – by Lost in Bordeaux
In most cities, people usually get to visit only the city center, but in Arcachon, each part offers something completely different, and you have to visit at least three to fully discover it. There’s a guided tour of the summer and winter cities that offers more in-depth information about the stunning architecture in Arcachon. However, to help you plan the day I’ve made a list of all the places I think you should visit and things you should do while in Arcachon.
In most cities, people usually just stick to the city center. But in Arcachon, each part of the town has its own personality and flair. To get the full experience, you’ll want to visit at least three of these unique areas. While you could opt for a guided tour to dive into the history and stunning architecture of the summer and winter cities, why not go one step further and experience Arcachon at your own pace?
I’ve created a self-guided audio tour that’ll walk you through Arcachon’s highlights, from the coastal charm of the Ville d’Hiver to the Belle Époque splendor of the town’s historical villas. You can enjoy the beauty of the city while learning fun facts, all without a guide yelling at you to hurry up. Check out the tour here and get ready to explore Arcachon like a local (without having to ask for directions every five minutes!).
Best things to do in Arcachon
La Ville d’Eté – the main beach and the Arcachon market
The summer city is the tourist center of Arcachon. Typical to most towns in the region it has a nice pedestrian area with plenty of restaurants and boutiques. You can start your visit directly on the waterfront; just stroll along the beautiful promenade next to the main beach (Plage d’Arcachon). If you’re on a family vacation in Arcachon, this is one of the safest beaches for kids on the Atlantic coast.
During the summer, this beach tends to be very crowded so you might consider searching for a quieter one in Ville de Printemps (see below).
The main beach with plenty of restaurants on the waterfront – by Lost in Bordeaux
One of the main attractions in Arcachon’s city center is the main market, Marché d’Arcachon. Like many towns in the area, Arcachon too has a fantastic covered market gathering plenty of food stands with local delicacies. The market is open daily from mid-June to mid-September and Tue- Sun the rest of the year so you can rely on it for great home-cooked meals or just a breakfast snack.
Arcachon market by Lost in Bordeaux
In the summer, a night market takes place several days a week, with stands of clothes, accessories, jewelry, and more. The night market takes place The night market takes place from Tuesday to Friday from 19:00 to 23:00. Check out all the details about the markets of Arcachon here. And all the info about other night markets in the region here.
La Ville d’Hiver – Beautiful villas and the main park of Arcachon
The Architecture of La Ville d’Hiver
While it’s not the city center, La Ville d’Hiver is definitely the most beautiful part of Arcachon. The winter town, built on the hills of the city in the late 19th century, attracts many visitors thanks to its gorgeous architecture.
The neighborhood is home to more than 300 villas, each designed with different elements, giving it an elegant yet eclectic style. Get lost in the clam-green streets of the winter town to discover its architectural gems. To get the full experience, check out my audio tour, where I take you to the most beautiful villas in Arcahcon.
Parc Mauresque – a beautiful park with a panoramic view
Overlooking La Ville d’Eté you will find the charming Parc Mauresque, built in 1843. It’s located on a hill which you can spot right from the city center. If you don’t want to climb too many stairs, there’s a lift that will bring you all the way up to the park’s center. That’s also the best way to go from the summer city to the winter city.
The park is equipped with great playgrounds for kids and many cute spots for a picnic. This would be a great time for a picnic before heading to the beach.
Just next to the park, you’ll find the Observatoire de Sainte Cécile, a belvedere built from metal on which you can climb to see an incredible panoramic view of Arcachon Bay. If it reminds you of the Eiffel Tower, that’s because Gustave Eiffel took part in the project! The site is open daily and is free.
The view from the belvedere – Lost in Bordeaux
The beaches of La Ville de Printemps
The best beaches of Arcachon are located in “Spring Town”, the western part of the city. The most famous beach is Plage Pereire, which starts right after the pedestrian promenade (bordered by Jetée de la Chapelle).
Ville de Printemps in Arcachon – by Lost in Bordeaux
It’s a beautiful three km beach with white sand and a view of the Cap Ferret peninsula on the other side of the bay. This beach is equipped with many sports facilities, a cycle path, and green lawns for people to have a picnic on. In the summer, don’t miss the beach cafe, Club Plage Pereire, where you can have a nice meal or just a drink on the beach.
Club Plage Pereire – by Lost in Bordeaux
If you walk south on the beach line, you’ll get to Plage des Abatilles and des Arbousiers, the last one attracting the windsurfers and kite surfers coming to the area. Most beaches in Arcachon are supervised and well-equipped, so you just have to choose between the calmer beaches on the bay or the big ocean waves.
A visit to Le Moulleau
Le Moulleau, located in the far west, is officially a part of the city of Arcachon. However, in reality, it feels like a completely separate little resort town with its own center, beaches, and restaurants.
Le Moulleau beach
Le Moulleau is built around the beautiful Notre Dame des Passes square and its pier. There are several restaurants on the main street (Boulevard de la côte d’argent) and the Chemin des Pères promenade. The hotels and some restaurants in Le Moulleau are quite pricey as the area attracts a lot of wealthy French tourists.
The resort is located mid-way between the center of Arcachon and the famous Dune du Pilat, so this could be a nice stop on the way there. If you’re coming by public transport, line 3 (Baia company) will take you from the Arcachon train station to the main street of Moulleau.
Take a boat to go eat lunch in Cap Ferret
If you’re around Le Moulleau during lunchtime, you can upgrade your lunch to a fun adventure!
Just in front of Le Moulleau beach lies the peninsula of Cap Ferret. It’s one of the most charming villages on the Bassin d’Arcachon and is known particularly for its oyster farming. Many people go there from Arcachon just for a few hours to eat the freshest oysters in one of the restaurants on the beach.
lunch in Cap Ferret – by Lost in Bordeaux
The village is located on the other side of the bay so going there by car will take more than an hour. But you can totally skip the long route and go by sea. From April to mid-September, there’s a ferry that takes you from le Moulleau to Cap Ferret in just 20 minutes (leaving from Jetée du Moulleau). You can also take the ferry from the center of Arcachon, which takes 30 minutes to reach Cap Ferret. For the schedule and ticket reservation, click here.
A boat trip to Iles aux Oiseaux and the Cabanes Tchanquées
Arcachon Bay is not just another resort town. The biodiversity and natural conditions that helped its famous oyster farming industry also make for fascinating adventures. If you wish to discover the Bassin d’Arcachon beyond its beautiful beaches, visit two of its landmarks, Les Cabanes Tchanquées and L’Ile aux Oiseaux.
Les Cabanes Tchanquées, the two wooden huts decorating almost every postcard in Arcachon, are one of the most emblematic symbols of the bay. They were originally used for supervising the oysters’ farms but are no longer in use and can only be seen from the outside. L’Ile aux Oiseaux, the birds’ island, owes its name to the many birds that reside on the Island yearlong.
Several companies offer both group and private tours to these and other parts of the bay. You can go by regular boat or by pinasse, which is a traditional boat from Arcachon. The tours are usually in French but many of the guides speak some English and can easily explain the most important details. The tour leaves from Jetée Thiers, located on the main beach of Arcachon. You can also get more information about different tours in the tourist office or on this website.
Another cool way to visit these two sites is on a kayak! There are a few companies you can do it with. Arcachon Kayak is located in the town of Arcacachon and Sophie et son équipe which is located in Ares, another town on the Bay.
Dune du Pilat – the amazing sand dune
If there’s one thing in this list I consider a “must” it’s definitely la Dune du Pilat. The gigantic dune is one of the wonders of the area, with its 60 million metric cubes of sand it’s quite astonishing the first time you see it.
Dune du Pilat is Europe’s tallest sand dune, rising to an impressive 110 m high. It’s also 500 meters wide and 2.7 km long so you’ll have plenty of room to wander. You can climb the dune by stairs that are installed from the end of May to early November. If you come during the low season or just feel energetic, you can just climb straight up the sandy slopes.
Dune du Pilat by Lost in Bordeaux
Once you reach the top, a stunning panoramic view will be revealed in front of you. The Cap Ferret peninsula on one side, a huge pine forest on the other, and the magnificent Banc d’Arguin nature reserve just in front.
After working so hard climbing the dune, you can slide to the other side (when the sand is not too hot of course) and go straight to the beach. If you’re not in a rush you can easily spend the day here, have a nice picnic, and swim in the crystal clear water. It’s hard to describe the beauty of this site in words, you really must see it yourself.
One activity that has become very popular in recent years is the Parachute jump above the dune. I’m not at all surprised by that as it’s one of the most incredible views you’ll ever see. So if you like extreme sports, here is a good skydiving company in Arcachon.
How to get to the dune: You’ll need a car or a bike to get to the dune from Arcachaon. If you’re coming by public transport, line 3 (Baia company) will take you from the Arcachon train station to Dune to Pilat. See detailed instructions on how to get to the dune in my article.
Discover Arcachon by Bike
There are many bike paths and roads with very little traffic in the Bassin d’Arcachon which makes it a perfect place to discover by bicycle. The bike lanes go along most of the waterfront and lead from one beach to the other quite easily.
You can also take the circuit from the center of Arcachon to Dune du Pilat and go through le Moulleau and Pyla sur Mer, the village where Dune du Pilat is located. To follow the path see the map here. There are many bike rental places in Arcachon where you can rent a bike for a few hours or for the whole day. Beach Bikes is a great place to rent bikes from.
Have a drink at la Co(o)rniche
La Co(o)rniche is a 5-star hotel designed by Philippe Starck with the most amazing view of the Bassin d’Arcachon. The hotel is luxurious and expensive so obviously not affordable to many people traveling to the region. However, you can still enjoy the stunning view with a cocktail at their terrace bar. The Co(o)rnice is located just a few minutes by car from the Dune du Pilat but is also reachable by bike.
infinity swimming pool at La Co(o)rniche
Theater and Casino
If you want to finish your day with an artistic program, go ahead to Theater Olympia. This great theater hosts a variety of shows and concerts almost every night. For more details and tickets clickhere.
If you’re staying the night in Arcachon you can also check out the Casino located in the city center.
Where to eat in Arcachon
There are quite a few restaurants in Arcachon, but you should know where to go in order to avoid tourist traps. A few good places are located right at the market.
Le Bouchon du marché is located in the heart of the market with plenty of tables outside as well. The restaurant serves excellent local food, is open daily, and has a great vibe to it.
The market is also a good opportunity to taste some of the best oysters in Arcachon. l’Oyster Bar is an excellent spot to taste the local delicacies as well as other seafood.
Oysters in Arcachon – by Lost in Bordeaux
If you want to enjoy a better view, go to Chez Pierre located on the main beach of Arcachon.
You don’t have to stay in the city center for Lunch, there are some nice spots in Le Moulleau as well, among them is Le Jardin with the magnificent terrace and the Royal Moulleau on the riverfront. For desserts head to the center of Moulleau where you can find plenty of great ice cream on every corner.
For special occasions, there are several fine dining places worth mentioning, among them Thierry Renou’s Le Patio on the port of Arcachon. You can also stop for lunch at the Haaitza hotel which has an amazing restaurant, located just a few minutes by car or bicycle from the Dune du Pilat.
When to visit Arcachon?
Arcachon is one of the most popular sea resorts in France. In the summer, it’s flooded with tourists and locals alike and the traffic is so bad that it can sometimes take two hours to get there. The best time to go there is either May-June or September If you have the choice of course!
To avoid the crowded places you can visit one of the other charming villages on the Bassin d’Arcachon, such as la Teste de Buche and Gujan Mestras.
In recent years, the town has gone through an important renovation and a lot of new cafes and boutiques have opened up in its center. That made it an even bigger attraction for locals living in Bordeaux. This means that even in the winter months it can feel lively and fun. So if you’re visiting in the off-season you might don’t get to bathe in the ocean but you will enjoy Arcachon anyway.
Arcachon is an amazing destination all year long
How to get to Arcachon and where to park?
By public transport
The easiest way to get to Arcachon is by train from the Saint-Jean station in Bordeaux. The train leaves every 30 to 60 minutes depending on the hour (with a break of two hours between 9:00 and 11:00).
It takes about 50 minutes to get there and if you want to avoid traffic this is how I recommend getting to Arcachon. However, the train tickets aren’t cheap so if you’re more than two people, renting a car is a better option. It’s a local train without seat reservation and tickets can be bought online or at the station. See the hours of the trains here.
By Car
It can take about an hour to get from Bordeaux to Arcachon, depending on traffic. During the summer, the bay is packed with locals and tourists so the traffic can be a bit heavy. If you’re planning to visit only the town of Arcachon and the dune, getting there by train would be the easiest option.
However, if you also want to visit some of the other magical spots on the bay, a car is a more practical way to get around. Except for Dune du Pilat mentioned above, there are plenty of other fascinating places you can visit on the way, such as the oyster capital Gujan-Mestras and the Teich bird reserve.
I usually find the best deals on this website whenever I need to rent a car for myself or when my family’s coming to visit.
By air
The Bordeaux airport in Merignac is less than an hour drive from the Bassin d’Arcachon. You can rent a car at the airport and avoid entering the city if you’re planning to go straight to Arcachon.
If you want to do everything by public transport, take bus number 1 from the airport to the train station and a train to Arcachon from there, as explained above.
You can also use the help of a private driver to get from the airport to your hotel in Arcachon.
Parking in Arcachon
If you’re coming in low season parking is not a big issue. Between October 1st and March 31, you can park in most of the streets of Ville d’hiver which is only a few minutes walk from the city center.
However, during the summer, finding free parking is nearly impossible and you should get familiar with some of the parking spaces the city proposes. In July and August, the cheapest way to park in Arcachon is to leave your car at the Parking Relais, and then take their Navette to the city center and other parts of Arcachon. The access to the parking is through the Grands Chênes roundabout.
Some other parking places in the city include the Parking du Center Ville, Parking de la Gare, Parking Place de Verdun, Parking Place Peyneau and Parking Place Carnot. You can find more details about parking in Arcachon here.
The main events
Arcachon is a very lively place with plenty of entertaining events. Besides the local small events taking place throughout the year, there are several big ones you should pay attention to when planning your visit. I always include information about these and other events in Arcachon in my monthly lists.
Andernos Jazz Festival at the end of July – a jazz festival in one of my favorite towns on the bay (Andernos les Bains). This place was not mentioned in the article as it’s located a bit far from the city of Arcachon but if you come during the festival I highly recommend going there.
Music O Teich in July – a world music festival with free concerts every night on the port of Teich.
Fêtes de la mer in August – the city celebrates the sea and its maritime traditions. Festival Arcachon en Scéne at the end of July, the beginning of August – a big music festival you should check out
Festival Cadences in September – a dance festival on the beach and at the Olympia Theater.
Cabanes en fete in December – another fun event celebrating oysters, taking place in Andernos les Bains.
To be honest, this area is pretty amazing even without any special events but those definitely add to the fun atmosphere of the Bassin d’Arcachon.
Are you convinced now that you must visit Arcachon?
As you can see, there’s quite a lot to do in Arcachon, and you might need at least a few days to properly cover this stunning part of the Southwest of France. If you’re lucky enough to have a few days in Arcachon, here are a few other articles you might find useful:
You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via Lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:
*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂
