The 7 ports of Gujan-Mestras, a family discovery walk

Yes, there are indeed 7 ports in Gujan-Mestras ! Charming little oyster ports, redolent of iodine, that immerse you in the atmosphere of the oyster farmers' work. Strolling from port to port is a wonderful way to spend a lovely day with the family, while enjoying oysters fresh from the oyster beds like royalty. It's a feast for the eyes and offers the opportunity to walk along the coastal path. The landscape changes with the tides throughout the day, and the highlight is the sunset, whether at Port Larros for a convivial atmosphere or at one of the other ports for a more intimate setting. Don't forget to visit the Oyster Museum ! Shall we go?

Cover photo: The Port of Gujan.

Exploring the 7 ports of Gujan-Mestras in Gironde

Why are there 7 ports in Gujan-Mestras?

Gujan-Mestras is the oyster capital of the Arcachon Basin, a fact made all the more evident by its history, intimately linked to sea bathing. The Arcachon Basin is ideal for oyster farming, as its 155 km² (at high tide) is subject to the constant ebb and flow of the tide, giving this water reserve unparalleled nutritional richness. The daily renewal of its waters (the submerged area drops to 40 km² at low tide!) allows for the production of 7,000 tons of oysters annually.

Gujan-Mestras is a well-located town, easily accessible from the Bordeaux region. It enjoys a pleasant setting with a nearby forest and lovely beaches. The numerous harbors that have sprung up here are a testament to the town's former seaside character in the Arcachon Basin. People used to come here to bathe in the sea, and two establishments were particularly popular for this purpose, though they have since disappeared. However, the adjacent harbors, with their walkways, breakwaters, and jetties, remain. The small harbors of Gujan-Mestras are supported by the Gironde General Council, which oversees their beautification, maintenance, and the issuance of permits. All of this is highly regulated, as you will see when you explore the area. Remember to respect the work and movement of the fishermen and oyster farmers, who ultimately make their daily workplace available to tourists and vacationers.

The Port of La Hume

You can do the tour in either direction; the ports are arranged linearly, so it's not a loop. We visited from west to east.

The Port of La Hume is a very pleasant tourist spot. In the summer, at the end of the day, it's a delight to stroll along its waterfront. It's the only marina among the seven ports of Gujan-Mestras. It caters to tourism, and nearby is the lovely, supervised beach of La Hume. Its orientation makes it ideal for kite flying and kitesurfing. It's a beautiful sight on windy days. Come and discover this charming spot, popular with families.

The Port of Meyran

The Port of Meyran is a former tidal harbor, meaning that due to its slope and the geometry of its seabed, at low tide there is no water and the boats rest on the sand. This allows them to be careened (cleaned and their watertightness checked). The terminus of a railway line was located here. At the beginning of the ^20th century, trains transported timber from the Landes and Gironde forests to northern France and England. It is a major oyster port, the most important in the commune of Gujan-Mestras, and is divided into two parts: west and east. There are two oyster huts where you can enjoy tastings. If you are lucky, you will arrive during the ballet of the " plates," the oyster farmers' boats, as they come and go to harvest oysters from their beds.

The Port of Gujan

The defining feature of Gujan's harbor is its 450-meter-long footbridge. It was once an access path to a bathing establishment located there, the Bains Gujanais, which opened in 1843. While there aren't any dedicated oyster huts for tasting, you can find direct sales at competitive prices. You might also see piles of whitewashed (lime-coated) cups or tiles. These are devices used by oyster farmers to collect spat, the baby oysters. They settle on the cups or tiles, and the lime coating makes it easy to remove them, allowing them to be raised in the oyster beds. A bit like adding butter to a cake!

The Port of Larros

The Port of Larros is the most well-known because it's completely authentic, with a very friendly atmosphere, restaurants, oyster bars, and the Maison de l'Huître (Oyster House ). This charming port dates back to 1883; it was formerly a sardine fishing port, catching another delicious specialty of the sea and the region. Take a stroll to the end of the jetty ; depending on the tide, a beach is revealed, and at the very end stands the Croix des Marins (Sailors' Cross), which dates from 1891. The port also boasts a thriving shipyard industry, with renowned companies. Come visit the Maison de l'Huître, a museum about oyster farming in general, and more specifically here in the Arcachon Basin. The museum's exhibits are interesting and engaging, and there's also an outdoor trail. In the summer, the esplanade of the Port of Larros comes alive every Thursday evening with concerts, shows …

The Canal Port

The Canal Port is also linked to a former bathing establishment, the Mestras Baths. A causeway once connected the two ( this causeway was created by digging a canal, giving the port its name). Today, it's a very active oyster farming port. You can stroll along the docks, the oyster farmers' working basins.

Some verses found in an archive, about the baths in the region:

"In Gujan, the air is clean. Nothing could be less debatable;

There are cold baths and hot baths on the sand;

On one side the forest, on the other the Basin.

Although he was well-known, he is a terrible doctor.

Who made almost all his patients stay there.

The Port of La Barbotière

The Port of La Barbotière, one of the seven oyster ports of Gujan-Mestras, is distinguished by its maritime activity and its central educational role thanks to the presence of the Lycée de la Mer ( Maritime High School). While retaining the picturesque charm of its wooden huts and the rhythm of the tides dictated by the departures of the oyster barges, it also houses modern infrastructure dedicated to oyster farming. It is also an essential stop along the coastal path, ideal for observing the professionals at work, enjoying an unobstructed view of the Arcachon Basin, or taking a tasting break in one of its huts.

The Port of La Mole

And here is the smallest of the seven ports of Gujan-Mestras, the Port de la Mole. It offers wild landscapes; in truth, it's no longer a port, as its enclosed geography makes oyster farming difficult. It's no longer possible to move around, and surrounding it are salt marshes and a fishpond. The atmosphere is very natural, perfect for observing local wildlife and birds.

Did you enjoy our article? Find more in our Top Experiences section. 

Follow us on the Bordeaux Gironde Guide Facebook page and on Instagram @guidebordeauxgironde