A weekend on the Lège-Cap-Ferret peninsula

Fancy a weekend on the Lège-Cap-Ferret peninsula and want to know more about the sights and activities to do there? We'll reveal our ideas and favorite spots to help you discover this must-see destination in all its facets, according to your preferences.

The " Ferret," as it's nicknamed by the locals of Ferret-Cape and Arcachon, is the peninsula that closes off the Arcachon Basin. Its privileged location between the Atlantic Ocean and the " little sea of Buch " provides it with numerous tourist attractions: preserved natural areas, a maritime heritage, typical oyster-farming villages, water sports... You certainly won't be bored in the " Ferret "!

Day 1: Tour of Lège-Cap-Ferret

Take a boat trip in the Arcachon Basin

To kick off your weekend, we suggest a boat trip around the Arcachon Basin for a unique way to explore the area. It's a great way to scout out the sites you want to visit. You can simply take a shuttle boat to Arcachon with the Union des Bateliers Arcachonnais (Arcachon Boatmen's Union). They also organize excursions to Île aux Oiseaux (Bird Island), along the coastline, to visit oyster beds, and much more. You can embark at Cap-Ferret or the port of Canon. For a different type of boat, Catabas offers cruises or catamaran rentals.

Take a road trip to see the 10 villages of Lège-Cap-Ferret

To truly experience the atmosphere of Cap Ferret, the ideal way is a road trip with stops in its charming villages. You can, of course, travel by car. But if you're a cyclist, there are 50 km of cycle paths in the Lège-Cap-Ferret area, and cycling is the preferred mode of transport. During your tour, you'll pass from fishing villages to oyster ports. Here's a suggested route, with points of interest at each location:

• The town of Lège is home to a Le Corbusier workers' housing estate, but also a church with a fortified tower.
• The Claouey market, open every day between the end of June and the beginning of September, is renowned.
• The village of Les Jacquets has some lovely shops to discover.
• The village of Petit Piquey is appreciated for its "decor" street and its beautiful viewpoint at Pointe des Chevaux.
• The port and reservoirs of Piraillan.
• Le Canon is a charming oyster-farming village. The sea festival is held there every year on August 15th.
• L'Herbe is an authentic fishing village. It's the perfect place to enjoy oysters on a waterside terrace. Its chapel, the Villa Algérienne, is truly remarkable!
• La Vigne is a marina and residential area. You will see magnificent houses and beautiful boats there.
• Cap-Ferret is a very lively village during the summer. Its lighthouse and the Mimbeau, a sandbar opposite it, are perfect for taking photos. A superb panoramic view awaits you at the top of the lighthouse. Children will surely enjoy riding on the little tourist train.
• The point offers an exceptional view of the Dune du Pilat and the Banc d'Arguin. You will also be able to observe the ocean entering the bay.
  
  

Enjoy the oysters

It's impossible to visit the peninsula without stopping at one of its oyster huts. Whether for a lunch break or a delicious afternoon snack, enjoying oysters in a hut is a weekend must. The experience is always the same, and that's what makes it so charming: you sit at a wooden table, your feet practically in the water, with a platter of oysters fresh from the oyster beds, a slice of country bread, salted butter, and a glass of chilled white wine.

The villages of Le Canon and L'Herbe are home to most of these typical oyster huts, with their colorful facades and terraces overlooking the bay – an ideal setting to extend your oyster tasting until sunset. Some oyster farmers also offer direct sales, allowing you to take home a few dozen oysters to enjoy.

Day 2: Enjoy the nature activities of Lège-Cap-Ferret

The National Nature Reserve of the Salt Marshes

The National Nature Reserve of the Salt Marshes covers the largest salt marsh in Aquitaine. It's a unique ecosystem with its own specific flora and fauna. You can stroll along the coastal path, which leads from Lège to Arès. It lies on the migratory route of certain bird species and provides undisturbed nesting grounds for others, making it an excellent birdwatching spot. This protected environment is home to numerous animals, including the European pond turtle, the eel, and the otter. Remember to bring your binoculars for your walks.

The state forest of the peninsula

You can easily explore the peninsula by bike. A 26 km greenway crosses it. The environment is very well preserved, between its long ocean beach and its forest. The Lège et Garonne state forest covers nearly 7,500 hectares and encompasses a large part of the Lège-Cap Ferret peninsula. It is crisscrossed with paths and cycle tracks, promising beautiful hikes or bike rides. In the heart of the forest, you can enjoy family fun at the Four leisure park.

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