Visit Andernos-les-Bains and its oyster ports

Andernos-les-Bains is a small town, nestled in the heart of the Bassin d'Arcachon. Opposite Arcachon, it is a much quieter seaside resort, but lively and friendly. Between land and sea, there is no shortage of activities and there is something for all tastes and desires. We take you to visit Andernos-les-Bains and its oyster ports, to give you holiday ideas in the Arcachon Bay.

Photos of the article © Guide Bordeaux Gironde

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Visit the city and its Gallo-Roman heritage

Andernos has been occupied since prehistoric times. Prehistoric tools have been discovered on the banks of Ruisseau le Bétey. Near the Saint-Éloi Church, you will admire the Gallo-Roman remains of the city. Beautiful pieces from this period have also passed down the ages to us. You can see them and consult the history of the city at Maison Louis David. The Saint-Éloi Church is also worth a visit. It is dated XI ^century and reflects the medieval past of Andernos. Andernos is also famous for its charming colorful villas.

So as not to miss any of this beautiful heritage, the tourist office offers a "tour of the villas ".

Stroll along the water

To discover the coast of Andernos-les-Bains, start your walk from Mauret beach, towards the oyster port, at the other end of the town. You will have a beautiful view of the Bassin d'Arcachon. After the municipal swimming pool, families will appreciate the play area at Bétey beach.

You can also walk along the marina. The Bétey stream flows into it. It crosses the city and forms a green flow, between the forest domain of Matoucat and the port of Bétey.

At the end of the Pier beach, the David Gambetta square is a leisure area. Here you will find restaurants, a merry-go-round and shops. A walk on the Andernos Pier is one of the essentials. It offers you an incredible view of the city, the basin and the surroundings. For a lively evening, do not miss the Andernos Jazz Festival in July.

On the other side of the pier, the Saint-Éloi Church is at the end of the beach. At its feet, you will see the ruins of an old Gallo-Roman villa. The Aurélien de Sarrau park which surrounds them provides them with a very pleasant and shaded setting.

In the oyster port, you will find many oyster huts , but also a small oyster museum. It is the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of Andernos, taste shellfish, and even board a catamaran for a sea trip!

South of Andernos, in the town of Lanton, the ports of Fontaineville, Taussat and Cassy are also very pleasant. At low tide, the beaches of Cassy and Taussat are famous spots for shore fishing. Swimming is then possible in the Lanton basin.

Enjoy the natural spaces near Andernos

On the outskirts of the city, at the exit of the oyster port, the Saint-Brice les Quinconces le Coulin Nature Reserve is a very pleasant natural space. The first part, at Pointe des Quinconces, is a wetland made up of a marsh, a pond and the Comte stream. It is extended by a wood, which overlooks the Conche Saint-Brice. It is crisscrossed with walking trails. The Cirès stream forms a large body of water before flowing into the ocean. You will see many birds there. A swimming lake has been set up right next to it.

The Pres Salés National Nature Reserve protects the largest salt marshes in Aquitaine, located between Lège-Cap-Ferret and Arès. The coastal path runs along it and allows you to observe the migratory and nesting birds of the reserve. If you are discreet, you may be able to surprise the European Pond Turtle or a European Otter.

To discover the Arcachon Bay and its natural spaces in a different way, the ideal is to board a boat and take a trip at sea! Departure from the port of Andernos to the bird island with the Union des Bateliers Arcachonnais (fr).

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Play sport in Andernos

Along the beaches of Andernos, you can practice all kinds of water sports: surfing, kite surfing, sea kayak rental… The Andade surf school allows you to learn or improve your skills in this sport.

The Escalade Parc d'Andernos (fr) is a tree climbing park in a pine forest. Routes are suitable for all ages and the whole family can have fun. You can also try Disc Golf, an original game!

Whether in the forest or along the beaches, there are many trails available for hiking. Some are fitted out as cycle paths, for cycling enthusiasts. The Coastal Path is the most emblematic walk in the basin. It allows you to go around it and walk along the nature reserves.

Cycle around the Arcachon Bay.

Taste oysters from the basin

We cannot close this article without telling you about the gastronomy of Andernos-les-Bains. Impossible to miss, the oyster is queen in Andernos! To taste them, many restaurants are at your disposal, especially near the pier. But if not, what could be better than tasting the tasty oysters from the Arcachon Bay, in an oyster hut, right out of the water… Meet in the oyster port of Andernos, you will find what you are looking for.