19 May 2025
City Break: Arcachon, with the Flow of the Tides
Between beaches and forests, dunes and distant stilt houses, the Atlantic coast’s most beloved basin reveals natural wonders, rich culture, and a deeply rooted way of life, a destination to discover in every season.
By Nadia Hamam; cover image: © shutterstock / Wirestock Creators
Each neighbourhood is named after a season, with its own identity and hidden gems, the essence of Arcachon’s charm.
FOUR TOWNS IN ONE
Best explored on foot or by bike, among heather and golden broom, the Ville d’Hiver (Winter Town) sits high on the hills and is perhaps the most residential, and most admired, district of Arcachon, where travellers happily lose themselves in its winding streets.
The local sport? Admiring the 215 19th-century villas scattered among the pine trees. Colonial, neoclassical, and neo-Gothic styles sit side by side with Swiss chalets and English cottages, a jubilant display of opulence and eclecticism, typical of the Belle Époque. The walk continues through Parc Mauresque and its former casino, then on to the Sainte-Cécile observatory, accessible via the Saint-Paul footbridge.
The metal structure, designed in collaboration with Gustave Eiffel, offers a magnificent view over the basin. Closer to the seafront lies the Ville d’Été (Summer Town), Arcachon’s oldest, and liveliest, district. Its main piers (Thiers, Eyrac, and others) are the departure points for boat trips across the basin. To the east, along the shoreline, the elegant Ville de Printemps (Spring Town) offers a glimpse into Arcachon’s early beginnings.
A story of monks, sailors caught in storms, and miracles, best told between the cross at the chapel jetty and the Basilica of Notre-Dame d’Arcachon. Don’t forget to take a detour through the Ville d’Automne (Autumn Town), home to the fishing ports and marinas. The comings and goings of pinasses, fishing boats, and old sailing ships on the basin offer a charming reminder of the sea’s eternal pull.
A STORY OF WATER AND SAND
The Arcachon basin benefits from a microclimate that gives it a summery feel all year round. From spring onwards, its shores are filled with the delicate scent of mimosas. The best way to experience this bay, where the fresh waters of the Leyre meet the power of the ocean, is by boat. Its beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it the perfect place to dream and truly unwind.
Pristine sands, Caribbean-blue waters, houses on stilts… A true ‘Tahiti in Bordeaux’ to explore by pinasse, kayak, or paddleboard, wind in your hair. Like a modern-day Robinson Crusoe, you can land on the ocean beaches or on the Île aux Oiseaux (Bird Island) to admire its two famous cabanes tchanquées, wooden houses built on stilts.
The perfect way to end this turquoise-hued journey is by heading to the banc d’Arguin sandbank, then visiting the listed oyster-farming villages of Lège-Cap-Ferret and their seasonal oyster huts, popular with locals and visitors alike.
Its beauty and laid-back charm conjure up a dreamlike setting where you can truly relax and unwind.
We arrive at the charming village of L’Herbe and settle in to share a small basket of seafood with a glass of Entre-deux-Mers. Another of France’s iconic natural monuments awaits: the Dune du Pilat. At 110 metres, it’s the highest sand dune in Europe. We reach this Saharan-like landscape by bike, then climb to the top to take in one of the region’s most breathtaking panoramas. The bay unfolds in a 180° sweep: the Banc d’Arguin, the Cap Ferret lighthouse, and forests of cork oaks and maritime pines. The silence shimmers in turquoise, emerald, and gold.
A CELEBRATION OF TASTE
Arcachon isn’t just about oysters. Dozens of ocean-inspired artisans offer their own take on seafood. Leading the way are the smoked fish from La Fumette and the hot-smoked sturgeon from Kalalahti, prepared using a traditional method inspired by the Nordic countries.
Be sure to pack some local caviar, a tradition dating back over a century. The ancestral recipes of Caspian Sea experts are enhanced by a few local secrets. Discover them at Caviar de France or Caviar Perlita. Sweet-toothed visitors will love Pierre Mirgalet’s chocolate oysters and the pine nut cannelés and petit fours from Guignard patisserie.
The Dunes Blanches, created by Pascal Lucas in the village of Moulleau, are perfect for snacking on throughout the day. In his single-product shop, the pastry chef offers several flavours of these cream-filled chouquettes, named after the famous Dune du Pilat. Another dune-inspired creation is the Dunette by Alban Marquet, a cigarette-shaped cone filled with almond paste, flavoured with Fine Bordeaux, pine nuts, and milk chocolate.
OUR ADDRESSES
Proof that the soul of a place is shaped by its history, this peaceful haven in the heart of Moulleau reflects the art de vivre embodied by the original Arcachonnais style. Completely renovated in 2020, this family-friendly retreat invites you to relax in absolute tranquillity, between a charming garden, an honesty bar, and the nearby beach.
33120 ARCACHON
TEL : 05 25 02 00 00
My first dish boasts a Michelin star and three Gault&Millau toques. My second is a playful encounter between the catch of the day and the finest duck. My third adds an exotic twist. Together, they form the vision of chef-owner Thierry Renou: a masterful reinterpretation of the regional terroir, served on beautifully set tables.
33120 ARCACHON
TEL : 05 56 83 02 72
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