While the beach takes center stage, Arcachon offers no shortage of activities and attractions to enjoy. During your camping holiday in the Arcachon Bay, you can explore charming villages, visit Arcachon and its iconic sites, and discover the surrounding nature. Here is our top 5 must-see visits in the Arcachon Bay.
The Cap Ferret Lighthouse
An iconic site in the Arcachon Bay, the current Cap Ferret Lighthouse dates back to 1947. Standing 57 meters tall, it warns sailors of the Arcachon Bay entrance. Inside, the exhibition is divided into six sections, offering insights into the lighthouse's history and maritime navigation. The view from the lighthouse alone makes the visit worthwhile: the Arcachon Bay with the Île aux Oiseaux at its center, the Pilat Dune, and the Atlantic Ocean stretching to the horizon. Stunning!
The Dune of Pilat
The Dune of Pilat, a massive sand mountain in La Teste-de-Buch, is arguably the most famous site in the region. Its exceptional dimensions (2.9 kilometers long, 616 meters wide, and 102.5 meters high) make it the tallest sand dune in Europe. More than just a pile of sand, it’s an ancient ecosystem that unveils itself—a must-see when visiting Arcachon. You can climb the dune from Corniche Beach or use the staircase on the east side near the parking lot. The reward for the effort is a stunning view: Cap Ferret, the Arcachon Basin, and opposite the dune, seemingly mocking it, the barren Banc d’Arguin sandbank. Take the many cycling paths under the pine trees to explore the Dune of Pilat. Between the waterfront and pine forests, the landscapes are breathtaking.
The Teich Bird Reserve
Have you heard about the Teich Bird Reserve on the Arcachon Basin? A paradise for birdwatchers, the Teich Ornithological Reserve is a tribute to nature. Spread over 110 hectares of wild and varied landscapes, you can observe up to 323 species or subspecies of birds year-round as you stroll through the reserve’s surprising trails. The site is ideal for wildlife observation and photography. Plan for a half-day to explore the reserve. Nature lovers will also enjoy the Arès-Lège Salt Marshes National Nature Reserve located in the northern part of the Arcachon Basin.
The Bird Island
Located in the middle of Arcachon Bay, the Bird Island is a wild and enchanting place. Its size varies greatly depending on the tides: the island is ten times larger at low tide! During your shuttle boat tour, circle the Bay and stop to admire Bird Island, located not far from Pyla, Andernos, or Lège-Cap-Ferret. Oyster farming is an integral part of the lifestyle of the Bay’s inhabitants. You will discover numerous oyster huts around Bird Island. Regardless of the season, birds such as egrets, sandpipers, and water hens stop by to feed here. They share the space with small oyster farms. On these flooded lands stand the famous "cabanes tchanquées," stilt houses once used to oversee oyster parks. The best way to explore Bird Island is by canoe or kayak at low tide during your visit to Arcachon. You can rent one around the Bay, in Arcachon, or Grand Piquey, for example. Several local companies also offer guided tours of Bird Island.
The Winter Town
The Winter Town is the name of a district in Arcachon composed of picturesque villas. Located on the heights of the town, the district dates back to 1860 and was originally built to house patients in sanatoriums during winter. Today, it is a lovely area to explore if you want to visit Arcachon and discover the 19th-century seaside architecture. Many extravagant villas are worth seeing, such as Toledo, Trocadéro, Brémontier, Bayard, Alexandre Dumas, and Athena. There are over 300 in total! Don’t miss the Sainte-Cécile observatory, designed by Gustave Eiffel, which offers a beautiful panorama of Arcachon, and the pleasant Moorish park, where an elevator connects the Summer Town to the Winter Town.
- Visit Arcachon
- Explore Arcachon Bay
- What to visit in Arcachon