A tourist getaway in the Arcachon basin
© Stanislav Simonyan / Shutterstock
Arcachon
Arcachon in short
Arcachon is a seaside resort on the edge of the ocean, an ideal and unique place where you'll never get bored. The ideal time to go is between August and September, with its average temperature of 26°C, so swimming is highly recommended! If you want to avoid the high season and its army of tourists, the months of June to October are also extremely pleasant. Strolls along the harbour are much more pleasant in the sunshine, and the many tasty restaurants along the coast are sure to tantalise your taste buds. The town comes in many shapes and sizes, from shopping to beaches and must-see places like the famous Dune du Pilat (the highest in Europe), Arcachon is the place to discover new horizons. An enchanting setting with over 600 shops of all kinds, where you can browse through the souvenir boutiques. Small cafés with terraces line the seafront. Tourists and locals alike appreciate the chilled-out, relaxed atmosphere. Arcachon is also a lively cultural town all year round.
Arcachon: what to do?
© trabantos / Shutterstock
The Arcachon basin offers a wide range of water sports: sailing, sea kayaking, rowing, windsurfing, jetskiing, sailboat hire and motorboat hire. Take your pick! If you want to fish, you can take a top-of-the-range boat and a guide will be delighted to share his knowledge and passion with you. Ile aux Oiseaux (Bird Island) and its "cabanes tchanquées" (houses on stilts) is one of the sites in the basin not to be missed. It is the town's emblem, where you can admire many species of birds that have come to rest. You can walk or cycle along the Plage Pereire, which is laid out with maritime gardens and lawns.
The Chapelle des marins (Sailors' Chapel) is a very special and surprising place where "ex-voto" gifts are kept, donations from sailors who have survived a storm. The Arcachon aquarium museum is home to a multitude of marine species that you can discover in a setting of retro charm.
⏰ The aquarium museum is open every day from the end of March to the end of October, from 9.45am to 12.15pm and 1.45pm to 6.30pm (7pm in July/August).
👛 Rates: Adults 4.90Є - Students 3.30Є - Children (aged 4 to 10) 3.15Є.
To admire the whole of Arcachon and the surrounding area, head to the Sainte-Cécile Observatory, a 32-metre metal tower offering breathtaking panoramic views. The Parc Mauresque, ideal for walks in the shade of the trees, built on the heights, makes the transition between the summer and winter towns. Access is by lift or stairs. The Abatilles spring can be visited all year round every Thursday from 10am to 12pm. The programme includes a visit to the "Petit Musée de la Source", then a tour of the bottling plant before finishing with a tasting session at the spring.
© E. Cowez / Shutterstock
Who is the destination aimed at?
Arcachon caters for all types of visitor and, above all, all ages. Whether you're with your friends, your partner or your family, this holiday is ideal for fun, culture and relaxation. Get ready for a cultural and sporting trip to sites such as Ile aux Oiseaux, the cabanes tchanquées and the Dune du Pilat.
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The must-sees
All the must-sees
How to get there?
To get to Arcachon, you can either fly from Paris to Bordeaux/Mérignac airport or take the train to Bordeaux Saint-Jean station. Then you'll need to board a second train to Arcachon, which will take you 1 hour by plane and 2 hours by train, while the train from Bordeaux to Arcachon will take 1 hour.
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Where to stay?
Here's our article on the best hotels in the region! Put on your most comfortable sandals and relax. The Bay of Arcachon is full of sublime hotels.
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Practical information
⏰ When to go?
To avoid rainy days, go during the summer period or from April onwards, when the fine weather makes a comeback. The small second-hand shops in Arcachon are mostly found by the beach. They are only open in high season, to save money as the town's population drops drastically in winter. And it's not just the shops, either; activities are also very difficult to access in the low season. What's more, the temperature of the sea is cold, and except for the most adventurous or the least frigid, you won't be able to set foot in it. You'll need to check the tide times if you want to be able to access the beach.
👛 Shopping budget
Most of the shops in Arcachon are fairly expensive, given that they are closed for half the year. When you visit Arcachon, you'll need to make a stop at the Bassin! There are other must-see places to discover, as well as its beaches, so if you're willing to put in the budget, hiring a small boat is ideal for making the most of the panoramic views. During the summer months, access to the town is often difficult due to overcrowded traffic. If you're coming by car, you'll need to park well away from the beach and the town centre to find a space more easily and avoid traffic jams. So don't hesitate to ask if your accommodation has a garage.
📣 Things to avoid
Some restaurants and hotels are really overpriced. Don't forget to plan your budget, as spending in Arcachon is substantial. You can also take the car and visit the small villages nearby, or pack a little picnic for the beach! Traffic during the July/August period is almost impossible due to the influx of tourists. If you want to get around town, opt for a bike rather than a car.
🧳 What to bring back?
If you get the blues every time you come back from holiday, don't forget to pick up some cannelés from the delicatessen"Au Comptoir Arcachonnais". And if you're intoxicated by the scents of the region, bring back some of the local soaps, with their pine and seaweed scents.
lightbulb_outline Editor's tip
When you go to the beaches of Cap Ferret or the Dune du Pilat, both located at the end of each other, you can swim on the dock side or on the ocean side. If you go ocean-side, you'll need to pay close attention to the sea currents - accidents happen every year.
Arcachon tourism website
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