The best itinerary for a lively weekend in Arcachon

🏖️ The beaches and oyster-farming villages of Cap Ferret

To start your first day in Arcachon, head for the oyster-farming villages of Cap Ferret. Although there are several in the area, the most famous and prettiest is L'Herbe, a quiet, peaceful spot. Walk down the little flower-lined passageway that gives direct access to the heart of the village. Stroll around by bike or on foot and let yourself be charmed by the scenery that the peninsula has to offer. There's nothing more pleasant than cycling in the gentle breeze that grazes your face. While still in picturesque surroundings, enjoy local oysters and other seafood accompanied by a glass of wine and a breathtaking view of the basin in one of the oyster huts. It's best to eat early to avoid the crowds. Once you've finished eating, continue your stroll along the beach with your feet in the water before heading to the centre of Le Ferret.

🍴 The restaurant Emile et une huître is our favourite: a flea market atmosphere, fresh local produce and a view over the basin, it's hard to beat.

👛 The lunchtime menu is very affordable. It costs €12 and includes 6 oysters, a glass of white wine and a small pot of pâté.

⏰ La Cabane is only open at weekends, from Friday to Sunday, from 11.30am to 9.30pm. Go for it!

📍 Village de L'Herbe, 76 Avenue de l'Herbe, 33950 Lège-Cap Ferret.

☎️ 06 74 44 10 86

🌴 Relaxing on Horizon beach

Let's continue our visit to Horizon beach. On the ocean side, it's a pleasure to have fun in the waves. However, the ocean can be dangerous, so look out for the danger zones marked with red flags. A first-aid post is also in place and lifeguards keep a constant watch on bathers.

Once the afternoon is over, head for the centre of Le Ferret, where you can browse through some of the low-priced boutiques and stroll along the pedestrianised shopping streets. Take a seat on one of the centre's terraces, where crepes and cocktails are served with friendly service.

🌊 Visit the famous Cap Ferret lighthouse

To round off the day in style, turn your attention to the Cap Ferret lighthouse, one of the town's must-sees. To reach the top, you'll have to climb a 258-step staircase. Once you've reached the top, you'll be treated to a 360-degree view of breathtaking scenery: the Île aux oiseaux, the Dune du Pilat, the Banc d'Arguin...

🍴 In the evening, the Sail Fish restaurant offers French cuisine with seafood and fish to be enjoyed in a bohemian chic style and refined decor.

⏰ The restaurant is open on Friday, Saturday and Monday from 8pm to 2am.

📍 Rue des Bernaches, 33970 Lège-Cap-Ferret

☎️ 05 56 60 44 84

A morning at the top of Europe's highest dune

For the second day on the Arcachon basin, the famous Dune du Pilat opens its doors to you. Have a (not too hearty) breakfast before climbing. There are food trucks at the entrance to the path leading up to the dune.

The dune can be climbed barefoot or in shoes if you decide to take the stairs. Despite the strenuous effort required to reach the highest point, it's well worth it: you'll come face to face with a landscape of exceptional beauty. The panoramic view over the Arcachon Basin and the surrounding area will leave you speechless. As you make your way back down to the beach, relax by the sea and enjoy the idyllic setting before you.

👉 Finally, you should know that wooden steps have been installed to make it easier to climb the dune. However, to prevent them silting up in winter, the steps are removed after the All Saints' holiday and then reinstalled during the spring holidays.

🚤 Boat trip on the Arcachon basin

🍴 Take the road leading to Arcachon and in 20 minutes by car you'll arrive at the 1900 restaurant. The menu offers seafood and fish to enjoy on the terrace facing the sea or indoors in a unique setting.

⏰ The restaurant is open every day except public holidays from midday to 3pm and from 7pm to 11pm.

📍 22 Bd Prom. Veyrier Montagnères, 33120 Arcachon

☎️ 05 56 83 78 81

Just a few metres away, boats are waiting to take you on a tour of the basin. Various excursions are on the programme: a tour of bird island and the cabanes tchanquées, the little boatmen's tour or shuttles from Arcachon to Cap Ferret.

👛 Wooden huts are located just behind where you can buy your tickets. Tickets range from €15 for the 1-hour "petit tour des bateliers" to €69 for the 2h30 lunch cruise.

Climb aboard a ship accompanied by a group of tourists and a tour guide who will share with you all his knowledge, wonders and secrets of the basin. A leisurely afternoon to relax on your last day and unwind from the intensive morning spent in Pilat.

At the end of the day, sit on a terrace or enjoy a crêpe along Arcachon harbour as you take a stroll with friends or family. Enjoy the sea air and stroll along the marina. If you've still got the courage for one last activity, a jetski hire service is located just across the road, offering you a sea outing around the entire basin: visit the Ile aux oiseaux and the cabanes tchanquées, and enjoy the view of the Dune du Pilat and the Cap Ferret lighthouse. Experience thrills in an idyllic setting.

👛 Several packages are available, for a 45-minute ride it will cost 99 euros. We advise you to take a waterproof bag so you can film your adventure without damaging your phone!

🍴 Afterwards, come and enjoy a meal at the restaurant les terrasses du port d'Arcachon, which offers a menu featuring seasonal produce. Facing the sea, enjoy a varied cuisine with risotto, burgers, raclette, fish and lots of other dishes with refined tastes on the menu.

⏰ The restaurant is open every day except Tuesdays and public holidays from 10am to 2am.

📍 1st floor Pôle Nautisme, Quai Goslar, 33120 Arcachon

☎️ 05 56 83 08 41