The 10 things to do in Arcachon

Are you going to visit Arcachon and its basin? Discover 8 must-see activities to do during your stay in this pearl of the Atlantic coast.

Visiting Arcachon is to experience the authenticity of a seaside resort that has been able to stay simple. Located on the Atlantic coast, protected by the basin of the same name, it offers a perfect holiday resort for a weekend getaway as for a holiday. The pleasures of mouth associated with many activities make it a secret paradise that accustomed would like to keep for them.

Between hiking, sandy beaches and exceptional sites, here are the best activities if you are looking for what to do in Arcachon.

1. Basilica Notre-Dame

Visiting Arcachon is first of all interested in the history of the city. In 1522, the monk Thomas Illyricus prayed on the beach for the salvation of two ships in bad posture. He then finds a statuette of the Virgin Mary. He decided to raise a wooden chapel to protect it, which became the Basilica Notre-Dame in 1560.

Today, the feast of Arcachon takes place on March 25, the day of the Holy Mary. Choose to visit Arcachon that day, to attend a procession from Mass to the Mariner Cross. You will see all the inhabitants holding a yellow rose by hand, in tribute to the perished sailors at sea.

2. Screaming

You will have to get up at least one day if you visit Arcachon. There is indeed an event not to be missed: the shout! You will be immersed in the heart of the fishing tradition, from the return of the boats to the small day until the tasting. Follow the course of the fish that will be disembarked, weighed, calibrated and then sold.

Observe the professionals who recruit the caisses in search of the best quality. Then let yourself be transported by the electric atmosphere that reigns in the auction room. Merlu, bar, sole or turbot scroll under your eyes according to a well orchestrated mechanics. A tip: follow the buyers to the restaurant to taste fish you can’t get fresh!

3. Island of Birds

In the middle of the Arcachon basin is a remarkably preserved place. The bird island is known for its two shacks (from the gascon "chancas" which means "assembled"). It also houses about 50 cabins without water or electricity, inhabited all year round or only for holidays.

More than 150 bird species can be observed on the site, for some 400,000 individuals! Visit Arcachon and its basin in catamaran or fishing boat will naturally lead you to the wonders of the Island in the Birds.

4. A boat ride

Visiting the city of Arcachon is also enjoying its coastline. Indeed, very nice excursions are to be made by boat, allowing in particular to go to Cap Ferret or to go to the Bassin d’Arcachon!

It would be a shame not to rent a boat in Arcachon , and thus miss the magnificent setting to go there.

5. Thanque huts

The well-known shacks were originally responsible for monitoring oyster parks. Today, they are a major tourist attraction for their beauty and picturesque appearance. Accessible by boat or kayak and perched on pilots, it only visits outside.

If you go to high tide, you will approach the foundations on board your boat. At low tide, it is the feet in the vase that you will approach constructions. In both cases, you can immortalize the moment with spectacular clichés. An impossible to visit in Arcachon.

6. The City of Winter

If you ask that to do in Arcachon, do not miss the City of Winter. This area perched on the heights is emblematic of the history of the commune. You will wander between 19th century villas with spectacular architecture, sometimes even extravagant. Around 300 houses thus populate the hill.

Don't miss the villas Brémontier, Toledo, Alexandre Dumas, Bayard or Athena, each with a particular style. Mauresque Park is an invitation to relaxation, and turns out to be a charming place for a picnic. Then climb to the top of the Sainte-Cécile Observatory. You can admire a beautiful view of the City of Winter and the Basin below.

7. The dune of Pilat

An emblematic natural monument in the Landes region, this huge sand dune stretches over nearly 3 kilometers long. Like other travellers who came to visit Arcachon, climb the dune by the staircase or directly by the sand. Admire the 360-degree view of the countryside and the ocean. Commented walks, an interpretation path, a permanent exhibition telling the story of the dune or a track game are all animations to spend an unforgettable day alone or with family.

For an exceptional moment that will remain engraved in memory, watch the sunset from the top of the dune. Let yourself be fooled by the sound of the wind in the sand, looking at the colors change, while the astre dives behind the horizon.

8. The bench of Arguin

When visiting Arcachon, it is possible to offer an exceptional trip to the Caribbean colours. The Arguin bench is a white sandy tongue surrounded by translucent water, whose shape changes through the winds. At low tide, this territory with deserted islands is about 4 kilometres long.

Many day trips are thus offered to this little corner of paradise. You can swim in clear waters, sunbathe or observe birds. Indeed, the site classified as Nature Reserve is home to many migratory species. Try to see the Sterne Caugek or the Hydraulic, who come to nest during the spring and summer months.

9. Cape Ferret

If you're looking for what to do in Arcachon for a busy day, put the veils on the Cap Ferret! This language of earth in front of Arcachon separates the basin from the ocean. Easily accessible by boat , Cap Ferret is full of activities of all kinds. Several beaches line up its tip, and you can swim with views of the Pilat dune. Or simply walk along the coast and discover the typical villages like Le Canon, Piraillan or L’Herbe. Walk through the flowery alleys and let the fishermen invite you to a tasting of freshly collected oysters.

To conclude your escapade, climb the 258 steps leading to the top of the Cap Ferret Lighthouse. You will be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama over the whole Arcachon basin. Under your eyes are the Île aux Oiseaux, the bench of Arguin, the dune of Pilat and the oyster parks.

10. To see and do also in Arcachon

• Spread on the port of Arcachon.
• Pack for a day by boat.
• Observe the birds with an ornithological reserve of the Teich.
• Ride on foot the salty Arès-Lège meadows.
• Walking on the beach Pereire with low tide.
• Discover the domains of Certain-Graveyron.

How to get to Arcachon?

By train

From Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station, the TER line connects the Arcachon train station in 50 minutes. From Paris you will reach Arcachon in 4h20. The TGV serves Biganos Facture, you only have to go to the TER for 20 minutes.

By plane

Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport is connected to more than 110 destinations in France and Europe. To find the best prices from major French or European cities, use the flight comparison Ulysses . From Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, shuttles connect to Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station in 30 minutes.

By boat

The shuttles

Cross the basin and join Cap Ferret in 30 minutes from the Thiers Pier in Arcachon. Departures take place every hour or every two hours depending on the period of the year. The night crossing to visit Arcachon is also possible.

You can also reach Le Canon in 40 minutes and the city of Andernos-les-Bains in an hour. A marine shuttle service also connects Cap Ferret to the Pilat Sun in 40 minutes. The reverse route lasts 15 minutes.

Boats-taxis

Many taxi-boat companies offer their services during the day or journey. This option allows you to visit Arcachon with your wishes.

The sea bus

In summer, the bus boat operates connections for a euro only! All stops are not served. So you can only go down to the small port of Arcachon, to the Thiers Pier and the Moulleau.

By bus

The Arcachon Basin is crossed daily by the TransGironde bus lines. Line 601 serves the Gare de Bordeaux Lanton, Andernos and Lège-Cap Ferret. Line 610 passes by Belin-Beliet Mios, Biganos, Audenge, Lanton and Andernos. In July-August, line 611 connects Lacanau Océan to Lège-Cap Ferret.

By car

• Paris – Bordeaux in 5:30 by the A10;
• Toulouse - Bordeaux in 2h30 by the A62;
• Lyon - Bordeaux in 5:15 by the A89;
• From BordeauxIn 1 hour. Take the A63 and the A660 towards Arcachon;
• From BiarritzIn 2:10. Follow the A63 in the direction of Bordeaux and then fork on the A660 towards Arcachon.

Where to stay in Arcachon?

You will have no trouble finding the ideal accommodation to visit Arcachon. You can stay in the city, around the basin or in the surrounding communes. Use one Compare hotels and indicate the criteria that make you dream. Luxury hotel by the sea in Cap Ferret? Small charming pension with views of the Pilat dune at the Teste-de-Buch? Make your choice!