Top 10 things to do in Arcachon Bay

Arcachon Bay is an exceptional tourist area in Gironde. On the Lège Cap-Ferret peninsula, you can stroll through stunning natural sites, nestled between dunes and forest. The bay is dotted with small oyster ports, charming villages, and beautiful seaside resorts boasting traditional architecture. Here's a look at the Top 10 best things to do in Arcachon Bay.

Opening photo: Arcachon Bay © Patrick Miramont Adobe Stock

1) Enter the Arcachon Basin via the Dune of Pilat

The Dune of Pilat is the largest dune in Europe. It's a gateway to the Arcachon Bay that's sure to impress. If you're athletic, try climbing the dune with your feet in the sand! Otherwise, a staircase makes the climb a little easier. But once you reach the top, what a dizzying sensation and what a view await you...

2) Visit the seaside resort of Arcachon

Arcachon is a popular seaside resort for tourists, but it's also a favorite vacation spot for the people of Bordeaux. It boasts many attractions, as it's surrounded by natural spaces and is also very lively year-round. You'll find all sorts of activities, sports, and fun 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;
• Peynau Square, its old-fashioned carousel and its big wheel;
• The Eyrac jetty, to breathe in the sea spray;
• The city center, with its Halles market and charming boutiques;
• The Basilica of Our Lady of Arcachon;
• Villa Teresa;
• The Sainte-Cécile Belvedere...

3) Discover the Gallo-Roman history of the Arcachon Basin in Andernos-les-Bains

Arcachon Bay has been inhabited for a very long time. The Gallo-Roman remains of Andernos-les-Bains bear witness to this. The tourist office offers a visitor guide that takes you through the town's history, from Roman times to the early 20th century, with its sumptuous villas: " the beautiful Andernosiennes."

4) Take a boat trip around Bird Island

To explore Arcachon Bay, there's nothing like boarding a boat and touring its interior. In the center of the bay, Bird Island is a natural area where you can stroll depending on the tide. It's an important nesting site, so be discreet to avoid disturbing the birds. Several options are available, depending on your sailing skills and your desires.

5) Observe birds in the natural sites of the basin

The Arcachon Bay is, above all, an extraordinary ecosystem. Many areas have been classified for their protection. They therefore form a group of preserved territories and a favorite stopover for birds on their migratory route. Several birdwatching sites are available along the Arcachon coast:

• The Piraillan Reservoirs,
• The Salt Meadows Nature Reserve,
• The Leyre Delta,
• The Domaine de Certes and Graveyron,
• The Teich Bird Reserve.

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

The Lège Cap-Ferret peninsula is covered in a beautiful forest, bordered by eleven beaches, interspersed with small fishing ports. To see them all, there's nothing better than a road trip. You can travel from the bay side to the ocean side to discover all the facets of the peninsula. If you're traveling with your family, take the Cap-Ferret train. Kids love it!

7) See the 7 ports of Gujan-Mestras

Gujan-Mestras is a unique town with seven ports! Each has its own unique atmosphere and character. They're all well worth a visit. The ride is a very pleasant one to do by bike. We recommend a visit to the Oyster House beforehand.

8) Cycle around the Arcachon Bay

If the stroll through the ports has inspired you, you can continue with a complete tour of the Arcachon Bay by bike. There are several cycle paths, which run along the coastline or away from it, if you prefer a more forested atmosphere. The Vélodyssée also passes through the Arcachon Bay. If you're a road bike enthusiast, this is an exceptional route.

9) Walk along the Coastal Path

The Coastal Path runs along the entire Gironde coast. In the basin, it leads from Lège to Arès and allows you to cross the Salt Marshes National Nature Reserve. It is home to rare and protected wildlife, such as the European pond turtle, eel, and otter, as well as flora specific to salt marshes.

10) Taste the oysters of the Arcachon Basin

To round off this top 10, let's not forget to offer you a taste of seafood and an emblematic product of the Arcachon Bay: the oyster. Oyster shacks offer them in every port and village of the bay. It's the ideal place to better understand oyster culture, the oyster farming profession, and the lifestyle of the bay's inhabitants.

You're now ready to explore the Arcachon Bay from top to bottom. We hope you enjoy your next Gironde vacation.

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