The Bassin d'Arcachon

In this enchanting setting, you'll find 10 towns and villages: Arcachon, La Teste de Buch, Gujan-Mestras, Le Teich, Biganos, Audenge, Lanton, Andernos-les-Bains, Arès and Lège-Cap Ferret that welcome you during your weekend, holiday or even for an afternoon! Come and discover all the must-sees less than 30 minutes from Médoc Atlantique between beaches and ocean, piers and sand dunes, typical architecture, ports and oyster villages...

Are you a fan of the ocean? Or do you prefer the lake of Cazaux, or the Bassin? Here, the Bassin d'Arcachon has beaches to suit all tastes.

With its surface area of 165 hectares at high tide and 1,690 hectares of mudflats at low tide, as well as its 5 villages: l'Afrique, l'Ilot, le Saous, le Truc vert, le Port de l'île, you will discover its famous "cabanes tchanquées" and many other surprises. Put yourself in the shoes of a real explorer.

Bathing in cristilinean waters is possible on the Banc d'Arguin. You can get there by boat, an opportunity to stroll along the sea and admire the magic of the place. Out of time, let yourself be intoxicated by the superb view and let yourself be carried away by the feeling of solitude in front of the immensity of this natural reserve. Enhance this beautiful excursion with a picnic with family or friends to enjoy the 360° view.

Want to get some height? Climb the famous 110 m high sand mountain. A physical effort that is far from unpleasant once you reach the top of the dune! Several activities await you to learn more about the history of this exceptional natural monument and its environment: Guided walks and hikes, we let you discover on the official website of the Dune du Pilat. Faced with the immensity, all you have to do is immortalise this moment and admire it!

To get even higher, discover the Cap Ferret lighthouse which offers a panoramic view of the peninsula! "258 steps, 57 meters high to admire the peninsula, from the "Basin" to the Pyla. Your legs will remember it and your eyes too!

For those who like to walk and love nature, there are 220 kilometres of cycle paths that encircle the Basin. You will discover the magnificent setting of the Bay of Arcachon in complete safety! Along the seafront, on the edge of the forest... The choice is yours. 150 kilometres of tracks that go around the Basin, to discover the charm of the peninsula in complete peace of mind. Would you rather take a breath of fresh sea air and discover the destination by water? Then let yourself be tempted by a boat trip and a walk along the piers. It's an opportunity to observe the migratory birds of the Arcachon Basin. Or in the air, fly over the Basin and discover the view from the sky. A magical moment engraved in your memory!

More into sports activities and thrills?

Take part in a water activity during your stay. Between surfing, paddle, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, kitesurfing, you have the choice to fill up with strong sensations while practicing a sporting activity. Water sports are the leading leisure activity in the Basin! You can also visit the leisure parks (Aqualand, Kid Parc, La Coccinelle, zoo...) for a day full of family activities or a relaxing break with the thalassotherapy. But Arcachon is also an international golf course, a racecourse, a riding school, tennis courts, pelota courts, beach clubs, a skate park... for everyone's pleasure!

Discover the lively town centres with shops open all year round in Arcachon and Andernos and leave with a souvenir for family or friends.

An essential component of the Arcachon lifestyle, gastronomy is the result of a subtle marriage between seafood and local produce.

Here, seafood, foie gras, fish and other duck breasts are spiced up with a touch of Iberia and enhanced by the palette of aromas of Bordeaux wines. Taste the specialities of the Bay of Arcachon: Arcachon-Cap Ferret oyster, fish (sole, cuttlefish, sea bass...), caviar (Caviar Perlita and Caviar de France), Abatilles natural mineral water, cep, foie gras from the Basin, Ô Sorbet d'Amour, white dunes from Chez Pascal, dunettes and chocolate oysters from Pâtisserie Marquet, canelés from Guignard, vegetable oysters (aromatic plant) from La Serre Ô Délices... A multitude of specialities between sweet and savoury that will tickle your taste buds!

We have put together a list of activities to discover local products!

• Discover the local producers and learn about the oyster production of the area and meet the oyster farmers and fishermen,
• A trip to the tide pool with an oyster farmer or fisherman,
• A practical shucking workshop so that you will no longer have difficulties opening oysters during the holidays!
• Introduction to fishing on foot and a diversion to the Arcachon fish market,
• Visit the districts and oyster ports,
• Food tour and taste all the local dishes.

There is something for everyone!

Oyster farmers, fishermen, shopkeepers and associations give rhythm and life to the Bay of Arcachon in summer and winter!

Take part in the great events of the Bay of Arcachon:

• Oyster and sea festivals,
• Festival Arcachon en Scène,
• Festival Cadences,
• Cabanes en Fête,
• Cap Ferret Music Festival...