Holiday in Arcachon

What makes Arcachon special as a destination?

Arcachon is France's most elegant Atlantic seaside resort and home to one of Europe's most spectacular natural wonders – the Dune du Pilat, the highest moving dune on the continent. The seaside resort on the Bassin d'Arcachon, a vast tidal lagoon southwest of Bordeaux, combines Belle Époque architecture with the rugged beauty of the Atlantic coast and an oyster culture that is unmatched throughout France. For German tourists, Arcachon is the perfect destination to experience Atlantic beaches, spectacular nature, and French lifestyle in a compact space. The Dune du Pilat rises over 100 meters high on the southern edge of the basin and offers a breathtaking view over the Atlantic, the pine forests of Landes, and the sandbank Banc d'Arguin. The ascent via the stairs or directly through the sand is an experience in itself, and once at the top, one understands why the dune attracts over two million visitors each year. Especially at sunset, when the sand is bathed in golden light and paragliders glide through the thermals, the sight is magical. The Bassin d'Arcachon itself is a paradise for oyster lovers. The oyster beds of Gujan-Mestras and the Cabanes Tchanquées – the famous stilt huts in the middle of the lagoon – are landmarks of the region. In the oyster huts at the harbor, one can enjoy freshly opened oysters with bread, butter, and a glass of white wine right by the water – it doesn't get more French than that. The city of Arcachon consists of four districts named after the seasons. The Ville d'Hiver (Winter City) on the hill impresses with extravagant 19th-century villas in a labyrinth of shady alleys. Cap Ferret on the opposite side of the basin is accessible by ferry and offers a quieter, trendier counterpart with surf beaches and pine forests. From Bordeaux, Arcachon can be reached in just one hour by train.