The 11 things to do in Cap Ferret

Prepare your visit to the famous Girondine peninsula by discovering the must-sees to do and see in Cap Ferret!

Located in Gironde, between the Arcachon basin and the Atlantic Ocean, the Cap Ferret peninsula is a destination with exceptional charm. There, only 1 hour Bordeaux , this famous seaside resort offers a dream setting where small picturesque villages are surrounded by breathtaking wild landscapes. Verdant and authentic, it plunges visitors into a unique atmosphere that smells good holiday.

From its sandy beaches to its pine forest, to its numerous animations and iconic locations, Cap Ferret has a multitude of assets that have made its reputation. Ideal to evade the time of a weekend, it is the guarantee of enchanting moments. Are you planning to stop there soon? Here are the essentials to do and to see in Cap Ferret!

1. Discover the oyster villages

During your visit to the famous peninsula of the basin Arcachon , impossible to make the impasse on its typical villages. If they can all boast of being welcoming, charming and filled with authenticity, each of them has a unique atmosphere and a unique history. Discover their particularities by stopping there for a few hours and taking the time to meet the premises.

Walk between the colourful huts, walk by the water, hum the salt air and do not hesitate to visit the oysters for a simple gourmet moment. You will see, you will not be disappointed with the journey!

Among these villages, two of them still stand out: L’Herbe and The Canon . Considered as the most beautiful of Cap Ferret, they are the guarantee of memorable and quality moments. After a morning strolling between the houses or an afternoon spent on one of their beautiful beaches, you will only have one desire to come back as soon as possible.

You decided to find them one by one? Here are the other villages to visit in Cap Ferret:

• Lège ;
• Claoue;
• The Four;
• The Jacquets;
• Little Piquey;
• Grand Piquey;
• Piraillan;
• The Vigne;
• Cap Ferret.

2. Degustations of oysters facing the basin

It is impossible to talk about the oyster villages without zooming in on tastings of the region's tasty star mollusc. At lunchtime, when hunger is felt, delight your taste buds by capturing one of the many oyster huts that are full of fishermen’s hamlets.

Once installed at the table, you can taste oysters of course, but also plates of shrimp or bulots accompanied by a good bottle of white wine. All facing a breathtaking view of the basin. Verily an experience not to be missed during your visit to Cap Ferret!

3. Visit the Cap Ferret Market

The sun shines, the birds sing and the Cap Ferret market animates for the greatest pleasure of visitors. On the weekend or in the summer, armed with a cabas or a basket, immerse yourself in its soft effervescence and bake its various stalls. On the programme: products of the sea, of course, but not just! Between fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy products and catering, the covered market will delight everyone.

On the outside you will find several stands offering clothes, accessories, decorations and much more. The opportunity for you to discover small gifts to offer to your loved ones.

4. Admire the Cap Ferret lighthouse

Are you looking for a family activity at Cap Ferret? Opt for a bucolic walk and stop at the lighthouse. Built in 1840 and rebuilt after the war, this monument — high 53 metres — the Arcachon Basin has been dominant throughout this time. When you get to its highest point, you are guaranteed to have full eyes. But his panoramic view deserves and you will have to climb no less 258 steps to be entitled.

It’s at the end of breath perhaps but full of satisfaction that you will reach its summit. Between the Pilat Dune, the oyster parks, the Oiseaux Island and the ocean standing in front of you, you will be marvelled.

After the ascent, the descent. On the ground floor, learn more about the lighthouse by discovering an exhibition retracing its history. At the end of your visit, don’t hesitate to stop at the small shop where you can bring some nice memories.

5. Enjoy the beaches

The beautiful days come and you have only one idea in mind: long days to stay on the beaches. And it falls well, that’s not what’s missing on the peninsula. With 20 km of coast on the Atlantic Ocean and just as much on the Arcachon basin, the seaside resort has no less 20 beaches all as different from each other.

Whether you'd like to spend a good time with your family on a tourist beach or you'd rather extend your towels on a little more confidential wilderness sand, no doubt you'll find your happiness. Ocean beaches — renowned for the practice of sliding sports — or beaches of the basin appreciated for a quiet swim? It's up to you to choose according to your desires.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of beaches to visit in Cap Ferret:

• The Pointe aux Chevaux ;
• The Herb;
• The Green Truc;
• La Plage du Centre;
• The Americans.

6. Introducing to surf

Sand areas with loss of sight and blue water disturbed by the waves. The ocean beaches might scare the simple swimmers but make the joy of surfers!

During your getaway, let yourself be tempted by an introduction to this slip sport by bringing you closer to professionals and schools teaching discipline. Put on a combination, walk under the arm and throw yourself in the water to make the full of strong sensations.

7. Go to the Pointe du Cap-Ferret

Bathed both by the Atlantic Ocean and the waters of the Arcachon basin, the Pointe du Cap Ferret is a small natural gem that leaves no one indifferent. With its end-of-the-world air, it offers a breathtaking show that you are not ready to forget. Open your eyes, get out your cameras and immortalize this incredible place shaped by the elements. On the horizon you can see the majestic Dune of Pilat and the Banc d’Arguin.

Note : in the summer, the victim of his success, the place is stormed... Which can quickly make the visit a little less peaceful.

8. Make a walk in pineapple

Discover the Cap Ferret in an unusual way by embarking on a traditional boat of the Arcachon basin: the pinasse. This small flat-bottomed boat, originally intended for fishermen and oysters, is an excellent way to see the region with a new eye.

Accompanied by a sailor or opting for renting a pinasse alone , and from anywhere on the peninsula, go to the most beautiful sites in the basin. Only, two or in a group, for a fun cruise or a romantic moment, a boat ride is always a good thing to do in Cap Ferret.

9. Discover the island in the Oiseaux

Possed in the middle of the Arcachon basin, the island of Oiseaux is a small treasure changing face over the tides. Accessible by boat or even by canoe from the peninsula, it welcomes you in an idyllic setting where the iconic Cabanes Tchanques sit. If you decide to go there, or if you would like to see more closely its houses on pilots, note that this is only possible in kayaking.

As the island is a protected area where one can observe a hundred species of birds throughout the year, you will have to explore it with all the necessary precautions. For this, do not hesitate to contact the guardian. For moments filled with magic, choose to make this trip at sunset.

Note : Consider checking the tides calendar before your departure.

10. To land at the Banc d’Arguin

Have you made a tour of the beaches of Cap Ferret and are looking for an exceptional place to take a bath or sunbath? The Banc d’Arguin will certainly delight you. Designed and redesigned by winds and sea currents, this nature reserve is a small corner of paradise perfect for beautiful summer days.

Put on your swimsuits, prepare your towels and board a boat to reach — in about 20 minutes — this sand tongue facing the Pointe du Cap Ferret. Slight in the sun, share convivial moments and plunge into its translucent waters reminiscent of the Caribbean.

In July and August, every Wednesday afternoon, you can learn more about the bench by participating in free visits. You can also watch birds in the long-view.

Note : the Banc d’Arguin is also a protected area for several migratory birds. Camping and bivouac are prohibited.

11. Going to the Pilat Dune

Meet where the sand reaches the tops, where time seems to have been suspended: the famous Pilat Dune. Circulated by the forest and turning fabulously into the blue waters of the Arcachon basin, this great lady of 106 metres high and 2.7 km long attracts and impresses. Regardless of the season, climb up to its summit and let yourself be dazzled by the splendid panorama it offers on the basin, the Banc d’Arguin, the forest and the peninsula of Cap Ferret.

But more than an incredible landscape, the highest in Europe is also centuries of history and a myriad of secrets that can be unveiled to you thanks to the various animations organized by the Grand Site of the Pilat Dune. The time of a picnic or simply for the pleasure of ascension, you will see, it really worth the detour.

How do I go to Cap Ferret?

How to get to Cap Ferret?

By plane

Would you like to come to Cap Ferret by plane? You will find flights from entire France to Merignac airport . To be sure to find tickets at the best price, we recommend using a flight comparison such as Ulysses .

Once on site, you can choose several options to reach your final destination:

• Car rental: count about 1 hour by taking the D106 towards Cap Ferret;
• Taxi: plan a race of about 105 € ;
• The Bus: count a trip 1:30 for 2,70 €.

By train

To visit Cap Ferret, you can also take the train to the destination of Bordeaux Saint Jean station .

Once on site, to reach the peninsula, these are the same options as those of the airport that offer to you.

By car

Did you choose to drive to Cap Ferret? Here is the way to follow:

• Borrow one of the highways leading to Bordeaux;
• Join the rocade then take it Output 10 direction Lège-Cap Ferret;
• Follow the D213 about 20 km then D106 on 25km to the peninsula of Cap Ferret.

How to move to Cap Ferret?

Once you arrive at a good port, you will surely look for the best way to get around. Here too, several options are available to you:

Buses and shuttles

Perfect to move at small prices, buses and shuttles will allow you to access almost all of the peninsula. Cap Ferret with a very good bus network, you will have no trouble finding it.

The bike

Ecological alternative, the bike is a good way to sneak around the Cap Ferret while enjoying the beauty of the landscapes. Smaller : the peninsula is full of cycle paths.

The boat

At the start of the Arcachon basin, you will find several types of boats to move in peace: the Trans Bassin shuttles, the buses and sea taxis.

The car

Finally, you can choose the most classic option by taking the car. Whether you've come with yours or you've opted for rental.

Where to stay in Cap Ferret?

If you wish to stay in Cap Ferret, you will realize that it is not the villages or accommodations that are missing for this. From the houses on piloted to the holiday villas, to the wooden huts, you will necessarily find the small pepit that suits your tastes and desires.

In order to find the offer that corresponds completely to you during your visit to Cap Ferret, do not hesitate to use a Compare hotels . To stay as a local and live the experience thoroughly, you can also throw your devotee on the various Airbnb scattered on the peninsula.