Top 10 things to do in the Bassin d'Arcachon

The Bassin d'Arcachon is an exceptional tourist area in Gironde. On the peninsula of Lège Cap-Ferret, you can stroll through natural sites of great beauty, between dunes and forest. The basin is dotted with small oyster ports, charming villages and beautiful seaside resorts, with traditional architecture. Let's go for a Top 10 of the best things to do in the Bassin d'Arcachon.

Opening photo: The Bassin d'Arcachon © Patrick Miramont Adobe Stock

1) Enter the Bassin d'Arcachon via the Dune du Pilat

The Dune du Pilat is the largest dune in Europe. It is a gateway to the Bassin d'Arcachon which will not fail to impress you. If you are athletic, try to climb the dune, with your feet in the sand! Otherwise, a staircase makes the ascent a little easier. But once at the top, what a dizzying sensation and what a view awaits you…

2) Visit the seaside resort of Arcachon

Arcachon is a very popular seaside resort for tourists, but it is also the favorite holiday town of Bordeaux residents. It has many assets because it is surrounded by natural spaces, while being very lively all year round. You'll find all sorts of fun activities, sports and outings here, whether you're a nature lover or a city dweller. During your visit, you'll enjoy:

• The beautiful houses on the seafront, typical of the first seaside resorts,
• Place Peynau, its old-fashioned carousel and Ferris wheel,
• The Eyrac jetty, to breathe in the spray,
• The city center, with its Les Halles market and its charming shops,
• The Basilica of Our Lady of Arcachon,
• Villa Teresa
• The Belvedere Sainte-Cécile

3) Discover the Gallo-Roman history of the Bassin d'Arcachon in Andernos-les-Bains

The Bassin d'Arcachon has been occupied for a very long time. Evidenced by the Gallo-Roman remains of Andernos-les-Bains. The tourist office offers a tour guide, which takes you through the history of the city, from Roman times to the beginning of the 20th century, with its sumptuous villas: "the beautiful Andernosiennes".

4) Take a boat trip around Bird Island

To discover the Bassin d'Arcachon, there is nothing like boarding a boat to go around the interior. In the center of the basin, the bird island is a natural area where you can stroll according to the evolution of the tide. It is an important nesting site. It is therefore advisable to be discreet, so as not to disturb the birds. Several possibilities are available to you, depending on your navigation skills and your desires.

5) Observe birds in the natural sites of the basin

The Bassin d'Arcachon is above all an extraordinary ecosystem. Many spaces have been classified for their protection. They therefore form a set of preserved territories and a favorite stopover for birds on the migratory route. Several ornithological observation sites are at your disposal, along the Arcachon coast:

• Piraillan Reservoirs,
• The Salt Meadows Nature Reserve,
• The Leyre Delta,
• The Estate of Certainly and Graveyron,
• The Ornithological Reserve of Teich.

6) Take a road trip on the peninsula of Lège Cap-Ferret

The peninsula of Lège Cap-Ferret is covered with a beautiful forest area, lined with eleven beaches, interspersed with small fishing ports. To see them all, there is nothing better than a road trip. You will be able to pass on the basin side and on the ocean side to discover all the facets of the peninsula. If you are with your family, board the Cap-Ferret little train. Kids love it!

7) See the 7 ports of Gujan-Mestras

Gujan-Mestras is an unusual town that brings together 7 ports! Each one has its atmosphere and its specificity. They are therefore all worth a visit. The ride is very pleasant to do by bike. Beforehand, we advise you to go to the oyster house.

8) Cycle around the Bassin d'Arcachon

If the stroll along the ports inspired you, you can continue by doing a complete tour of the Bassin d'Arcachon by bike. There are several cycle paths, which run along the coast or away from it, if you prefer a more forest atmosphere. The Vélodyssée also passes through the Bassin d'Arcachon. If you are a fan of road biking, this is an exceptional route.

9) Take a walk on the Sentier du Littoral

The Sentier du Littoral borders the entire Gironde coast. In the basin, it leads you from Lège to Arès and allows you to cross the National Natural Reserve of the Salted Pres. It is home to rare and protected fauna, such as the European Pond Turtle, eel and otter, as well as flora specific to salt marshes.

10) Taste oysters from the Bassin d'Arcachon

To finish this top 10, let's not forget to make you taste a seafood and an emblematic product of the Bassin d'Arcachon: the oyster. Oyster huts offer oysters in each port and each village in the basin. It is the ideal place to better understand oyster farming, the profession of oyster farming and the way of life of the inhabitants of the basin.

You are now ready to visit the Bassin d'Arcachon from top to bottom. We wish you great discoveries during your next Gironde holidays.

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