A picturesque stroll around the Port of Arcachon

A seaside resort with a unique environment, you can visit the Bay of Arcachon on foot, by bike, by boat or by car. Between the traditional festivals, sporting events, shows, concerts and fireworks, everything is there to make your holiday a dream come true. The port is one of the town's economic and tourist highlights. It lies between the Landes forest, the Bordeaux hillsides and the ocean. It is also renowned for its oysters. Squid, sea bass and sole, one of the tastiest fish, are often found in this fishing area. This marina is ranked second on France's West Coast.

Vue aérienne du port d'Arcachon.

- © FreeProd33 / Shutterstock

Why go there?

There's nothing better than a stroll around Arcachon harbour to enjoy the sea air. It is home to the fishing port and the Aiguillon oyster-farming district. It can accommodate more than 2,000 boats on the pontoon. With a surface area of 21 hectares, 2,600 moorings and more than 750 moorings (concrete slabs used to moor boats), it is the second largest marina on the Atlantic coast. It is also the first European port to be awarded Q.S.E (Quality, Safety, Environment) certification.

Port d'Arcachon.

- © JeanLucIchard / Shutterstock

Fishing is the most attractive activity in the port, and is a competitive market that continues to develop. After tourism, it is the second most important economic activity in Arcachon. Every year, 2,000 tonnes of fish are received and sold, thanks to the quality and variety of the products. Oyster farming plays an important role in the life of the port.

Port d'Arcachon.

- © E. Cowez / Shutterstock

The boating industry has developed strongly in recent years, with new-generation boat hire services offering trips around the basin with or without a licence. Professionals at the port's nautical centre can hire or even sell boats.

Port d'Arcachon.

- © JeanLucIchard / Shutterstock

Arcajetmarine is a no-licence jet ski rental and touring service. If you're looking for a thrilling tour of the Arcachon basin, now's the time. As part of a tour, accompanied by an instructor and a group, you can pilot your jet ski at your leisure. When you leave the marina, the speed limit is 5 knots; on the dock you can't exceed 20 knots, in other words 38 km/h, but that's more than enough!

Set off on an excursion to discover the secrets hidden in the lagoon. During your breaks, you'll have the chance to gaze at the Dune du Pilat in the distance and Cap Ferret on the other side, where you'll see its emblematic lighthouse. The Île aux oiseaux and the cabanes tchanquées can also be admired from afar, it is not possible to get there, however the instructor will be happy to share his knowledge of what the Arcachon basin is all about.

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

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Where to stay?

Les Suites du Port Arcachon
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Les Suites du Port

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⭐ Les Suites du Port d'Arcachon offers a comfortable stay close to the port of Arcachon. Located ten minutes' walk from the centre, ten flats are available within the establishment with a view of the port. All the necessary equipment is available to ensure your well-being.

⭐ Enjoy a good buffet breakfast at Hotel le Nautic, in front of the breathtaking view of the port, which is 0.48 km away. 44 rooms are available to offer you relaxing nights in quality bedding.

Hotel Le Nautic Arcachon
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Hotel Le Nautic

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How do I get there?

🚈 A train will take you from Bordeaux Saint-Jean station to Arcachon station in 55 minutes.

🚗 You can also hire a car at the airport and get there in 1 hour.

Port d'Arcachon.

- © JeanLucIchard / Shutterstock

Where to eat?

🍴 Let yourself be seduced by the diversity of choices offered on the menu of the Saint Ferdinand restaurant, seafood and lots of other specialities from the basin. With its harbour-side terrace, enjoy its fine cuisine with a view of the sea.

⏰ The restaurant is open every day except Monday. From Tuesday to Friday, it is open from midday to 2.30pm and from 7pm to 9.30pm. From Saturday to Sunday it is open from midday to 10pm.

🍴 Les Terrasses du port d'Arcachon is a restaurant and cocktail bar located on the rooftop of the Pôle Nautisme. Its panoramic view over the Île aux oiseaux and the cabanes tchanquées provides a warm atmosphere in which to savour seasonal produce.

⏰ Les Terrasses du port is open every day except Tuesday from 10am to 2am.

Practical information

🌤️Pour When you go out to sea, it's essential to check the tide times and the weather.

by Faustine PEREZ
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