Discover Arcachon's Charm & Pilat Dune: Private Bordeaux Shore Trip

Embark on a vibrant Shore Excursion from Bordeaux Port of Call to beautiful Sea side resort of Arcachon 

Arcachon is a popular bathing location on the Atlantic coast 55 kilometers (34 miles) Southwest of Bordeaux and makes for a perfect day trip as a private custom tour. It has fine sandy beaches and a mild climate said to be favorable for invalids suffering from pulmonary complaints.

The town of Arcachon is only 150 years old. Not long before 2 May 1857, when Emperor Napoleon III signed its official “birth certificate”, it was just a forest of pine trees, 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 the largest sand dune in Europe, the Dune de Pyla (or Dune du Pilat), nearly 3 kilometres long, 500 metres wide, reaching 107 metres in height, and moving inland at rate of 5 metres a year.

Begin your private small group day trip from Bordeaux to Arcachon

Today leave the bustle of Bordeaux on this astonishing day tour and head towards this land locked sea known as “The Arcachon bay” where fresh oysters and the Dune of Pilat will be on your program. In the morning, we will come and pick you up directly at your Cruise ship in Bordeaux. Meet your English-speaking driver/ tour guide who will go over the itinerary and program of the day.

Travel in a spacious, premium minivan

Your private Bordeaux Shore Excursion to Arcachon will take place in one of our very spacious Mercedes Minivans. This vehicle can take up to 8 persons. All our vehicles are equipped with an on board P/A system that allows you to hear the commentary of your driver/guide no matter where you are seated. Also, there is free Wi-Fi access on all tour vehicles. Bottled water is also available in all our vehicles.

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 we will organize an oyster tasting session. To taste fresh Arguin Banc oysters surrounded by the bay on one side and the pine forest on the other is quite an experience.

Typically, the oysters are accompanied with fresh baguette, lightly salted butter and a glass of white wine. For those who do not appreciate oysters or seafood there is always an opportunity to taste other local dishes including cold meats or grilled sausages. Wine tasting is always available in any case as you are close to one of the most famous wine regions of the world. 

For lunch, your guide will certainly suggest one of the many high-quality sea food restaurants located along the shore. Of course, it will be time to pair your food with local Bordeaux wines.

In the afternoon a number of options are possible:

Option 1 - Head to Pilat and climb Europe's largest sand 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, the sand beaches and the pine forest in the back.

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

Book a 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.

Option 3 - Enjoy some free time in Arcachon and shop for local arts & crafts that make for great souvenirs

Any of these options can be chosen during the booking process. Tour returns to your Cruise Ship at the end of our services.