Bordeaux Escape: Explore Arcachon Bay & Pilat Dune Privately

Drive from Bordeaux to Arcachon

Arcachon is a popular bathing location on the Atlantic coast 55 kilometers (34 miles) southwest of Bordeaux. It has fine sandy beaches, a mild climate and the town itself is dotted with belle époque architecture making it a popular destination far from the bustle of Bordeaux.

The town of Arcachon is only 150 years old. Not long before May 2nd 1857, when Emperor Napoleon III signed its official “birth certificate”, it was just a pine forest, oaks and strawberry trees (arbutus), with no road links, and home – mostly when the weather was expected to be warm, and more in wood huts than in real houses – to fewer than 400 people, mostly fishermen and peasants. In earlier years, when some hygienists began to recommend sea bathing, three sea establishments were laid out by some entrepreneurs especially for the Bordeaux bourgeoisie.

At its southern entrance from the Atlantic Ocean, Arcachon Bay is crowned by Europe’s largest sand dune, the Dune de Pilat (or du Pyla), nearly 3 kilometres long, 500 metres wide, reaching 107 metres in height, and moving inland at a rate of 5 metres a year.

Reach the Bay of Arcachon

Today depart from Bordeaux and head towards this land locked sea known as “The Bay of Arcachon”. Upon arrival, discover the oyster sheds that are laid in rows one next to each other and that belong to the local oyster farmers that make this destination so well known to all French oyster aficionados. Here you will have the opportunity to taste fresh Arguin Banc accompanied with fresh baguette, lightly salted butter and a glass of white wine of course.

For lunch, your guide will certainly suggest one of the many high quality sea food restaurants located along the shore. There are also fantastic restaurants facing the sand beaches that can be booked by your guide in the morning and that really bring out the natural beauty of Arcachon Bay.

In the afternoon a number of options are possible:

Option 1 - Head to Pilat and climb the dune.

After a short drive from Arcachon town, reach the highest sand dune of Europe located in the small town of Pilat sur Mer. During the summer season, a staircase is put in place so that it is easier to climb the Dune without damaging the area. This means you will have to make some effort to reach the top as there are 170 stairs to climb. Once at the top, discover the natural beauty of the landscape and admire one of the most stunning views of the Bay and the pine forest in the back.

Option 2 - A traditional Private Pinasse Boat Tour on the Bay

Book an optional unique boat ride on board a local “Pinasse”, the traditional boats of the Bay of Arcachon. All built out of wood, mention of the boats date back to the 1500’s at a time when they were used only for fishing. This pleasant ride will have you see the numerous oyster farms and admire ‘Birds Island’ with its “Tchanqués” huts built on wooden piles. You can also include some oyster tasting, picnic & wine to enhance your experience.

Any of these options can be chosen during the booking process. Tour returns to the Bordeaux area at the end of our services.