What to see and do on holiday in Arcachon
World famous for its oysters, Arcachon is one of the largest seaside resorts on the Atlantic coast. Built on the edge of the Arcachon basin, it has both a glamorous and wild side. Its glamour is due to its reputation as a posh resort since its creation in the middle of the 19th century at the instigation of Napoleon III, its wild touch to the virgin landscapes which surround it, dominated by the ocean and the Landes forest.
The geographical location of our campsite La Forge near Arcachon will make your holiday in Gironde easier, so don’t wait any longer!
The town is home to several interesting monuments such as the Basilica of Notre-Dame, the Church of Notre-Dame des Passes au Moulleau, the Church of Saint-Ferdinand, the Chapel of the Sailors and the War Memorial. The Sainte-Cécile belvedere, which dominates the town, offers a beautiful view of the Arcachon basin.
Arcachon has the second largest French marina on the Atlantic coast. Its beach, the Pereire beach, is very quiet and well equipped. Cyclists can cycle along it in complete safety (cycle track). Walkers can stroll along the seafront and the Thiers pier, which juts out into the sea. During your walk, you will see a superb neo-Renaissance building: the Château Deganne, which today houses the casino and the Palais des Congrès. Make the most of your stay by taking a boat trip.
Take advantage of your stay at a campsite near Arcachon to :
- Cycling around the Arcachon basin
- Take a boat trip around Bird Island
- Paragliding on the Dune du Pilat
- Taste the oysters of the basin
- Stroll through the town and along the seafront to see the creations of Arcachon sculptor Claude Bouscau
- Visit the zoo and the aquarium museum.
- Ideas for walks
Activities in Arcachon ?
Would you like to make the most of your stay with family, friends or as a couple at Domaine de La Forge in Gironde to visit Arcachon?
Start by consulting our map of Arcachon to find the activities of your choice. After your hearty breakfast, hop on your bike rental and take the cycle path to Arcachon.
Discover its monuments and districts and take time to observe the superb villas, notably those of the Ville d’Hiver.
Take a walk near the port and on the Thiers pier, on the Pointe de l’Aiguillon (former fishermen’s quarter) and then take a boat trip around the Ile aux Oiseaux. Several companies offer trips with or without a stopover from Arcachon.
You will have the opportunity to get close to the oyster beds and see the work of the oyster farmers up close. If you are travelling with children, dedicate your afternoon to a family visit to the Arcachon Basin Zoo or the Aquarium Museum. The icing on the cake: watch the sunset from the Sainte-Cécile belvedere.
If you’re an early riser, start your second day at the Arcachon market. It’s right in the centre of town, in the Baltard hall, and opens every day at 7.30am during the high season.
You will find your oysters, your cheese from the Pyrenees, your sole from the fish market. You can also go shopping, buy Gascon specialities and your surfboard to surf in Arcachon. Rejuvenate in the Mauresque park, a 4 hectare oasis of greenery, before moving up a gear with a nautical activity: kitesurfing, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, stand up paddle, diving… If you are a golf fan, Arcachon has a very nice 18 hole course.
