Discover the Bay of Arcachon on vacation
The Arcachon Basin is a must-see vacation destination for sea and nature lovers. Located on the Atlantic coast, about an hour’s drive from Bordeaux, it offers a multitude of activities for all tastes and ages. Whether you’re intowater sports, hiking, gastronomy or culture, you’re bound to find something to entertain you in this region of a thousand and one facets.
The beaches of the Bay of Arcachon
One of the major attractions of the Bassin d’Arcachon is without doubt its beaches. From Plage de la Hume to Plage du Petit Nice and Plage de la Salie, there’s something for everyone.
Swimmers can cool off in the clear, shallow waters of the Bassin, while surfers can indulge their passion on the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, just a few kilometers away.
The beaches are also ideal for relaxing and strolling, with their many restaurants, bars and stores, particularly in Arcachon, Le Teich, Andernos, Gujan Mestras, Lanton, Audenge etc. .
Activity on the Bay of Arcachon
There’s much more to the Bay of Arcachon than its beaches between Arcachon and Cap Ferret. Nature lovers will be delighted by the many walks around the Bassin.
The Arès-Lège salt meadows nature reserve, for example, offers a unique landscape in which to discover the flora and fauna as the seasons change. A guided tour is offered by the Arès tourist office.
Sports enthusiasts can also try their hand at paddling, kayaking or sailing, in complete safety thanks to the many water sports schools on the Bay of Arcachon. Are you more of a river person? Kayak down the Leyre with the Landes de Gascogne nature park.
Landes gastronomy
Gastronomy is another major asset of the Bassin d’Arcachon. Seafood, of course, has pride of place, with specialties such as oysters, mussels and shrimps. Stroll along the basin and discover the oyster huts, to be enjoyed with a local white wine (in moderation).
The region also offers a multitude of local products, such as Bordeaux wine, foie gras and cannelés, those little cakes that are both crunchy and soft.
Basin heritage
The Arcachon Basin is rich in cultural and historical heritage. The town of Arcachon itself is a jewel of 19th-century architecture, with its opulent villas and exotic gardens.
History buffs can visit the Dune du Pilat, the highest dune in Europe, or the Cap Ferret lighthouse, which offers a breathtaking view of the Bassin and the ocean.