Cap Ferret is a chic and refined place, appreciated by many tourists for its calm and festive atmosphere. There are many pretty spots to discover, not just in the countryside, but also in the small villages with their rustic decor. There are holiday homes to dream about, pleasant little lanes to stroll along, magnificent beaches with soft sand, restaurants with the peninsula's unmissable specialities and small shops to bring back a few souvenirs. What more do you need?
Cap Ferret is the most visited place on a holiday in the Bay of Arcachon. It's also a favourite spot for French film and TV stars. And that's understandable, as it has everything to please: fine sandy beaches, sparkling water, a gigantic pine forest and much more! Le Phare is located on the peninsula and is a must-see. The area is full of fun things to do and the Cape specialities are to die for. For a little more excitement and water sports, there are 20 km of beaches on the ocean side and for a little quiet sunbathing, the basin side of the cape is ideal. Wandering through the small shopping streets is very pleasant, and you can browse the fashion and interior design boutiques and take home a few souvenirs. There are restaurants with terraces on every street, perfect for lunch in the sun or just a drink before or after a good afternoon on the beach. The region's treasure is its oysters, so head to the nearby oyster village for tastings. So put on your best pair of espadrille shoes and come and discover this little piece of paradise with us!
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Vue aérienne du phare du Cap Ferret dans le bassin d'Arcachon.
- © SpiritProd33 / ShutterstockWhy go there?
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Plage du Cap Ferret.
- © E. Cowez / ShutterstockCap Ferret lighthouse
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The Cap Ferret lighthouse is an emblematic monument, standing 53 metres high at the tip of the Bay of Arcachon to welcome new visitors from the ocean. During a day in Le Ferret, a visit to the lighthouse is a must. To do so, you'll have to climb the 258 steps of the tower. On arrival, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the entire Arcachon Basin, high above the pine trees. You'll be able to see places on the Cap and further afield: the Cabane du Mimbeau conch, the oyster beds, the Île aux Oiseaux, the passes and the Dune du Pilat. To make the most of the town, the best way to end the day is with a seafood lunch at Chez Hortense, overlooking the sea.
Practical info
Lighthouse opening times:
- High season (July-August): open daily from 10am to 7.30pm
- Mid-season (April to September): open daily from 10am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 6.30pm
- Off-season (October to March): open Wednesday to Sunday, 2pm to 5pm or 6pm
- Pricing information
✈️ Flights to Bordeaux
Easy access to Bordeaux from several cities in the UK and Europe.The beaches of Cap Ferret
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Plage du Cap Ferret.
- © sylv1rob1 / ShutterstockAt Cap Ferret, you can choose between enjoying the calm beaches on the Bassin side, or having fun in the slightly rougher waters on the Atlantic Ocean side. There are 20 km of beaches on both sides, and in all there are more than 20 available to ensure your peace and relaxation. However, there are a few precautions to be taken: the beaches on the Ocean side can be dangerous if you don't respect the bathing limits indicated, with lifeguards on duty all the time and lifeguards ready to intervene in the event of an accident. It's best to stay on the shore, even for professional swimmers, or risk being swept out to sea.
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Plage du Cap Ferret.
- © mehdi33300 / ShutterstockThe beaches are often crowded, especially in high season. Some are wilder than others, but there's something for everyone. Access to the beaches is via small passageways, many of them passing through the forest. Others have a few shops where you can eat or drink between swims. Plage de l'Herbe is undoubtedly the prettiest beach on the peninsula. Ideal for children to play peacefully in the water, it stretches the length of the village and the colourful huts are just behind it. A pleasant and peaceful setting.
L'Herbe, Cap Ferret village
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Village de L'Herbe in Cap Ferret.
- © E. Cowez / ShutterstockThe village of L'Herbe is regularly referred to as the most beautiful village in Cap Ferret. This fishing village is a picturesque place with many colourful huts, some of which are inhabited by fishermen and oyster farmers. There are also beachside restaurant huts where holidaymakers and locals alike can enjoy lunch and oysters, prawns and other seafood with an absolutely divine view. The Chapelle de l'Herbe is a lovely place to visit, not to be missed during a stay in Le Ferret.
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Beach in the village of L'Herbe, Cap Ferret.
- © L'oeil d'Elo / ShutterstockWho is it for?
Cap Ferret is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Aquitaine, and is not reserved for any particular category of holidaymaker. As a family, with friends or as a couple, the peninsula welcomes everyone. Surfing is the most popular activity at Le Ferret, with children and adults alike enjoying the thrill of riding the ocean waves. It's also a great place to get closer to nature, with the elderly enjoying the tranquillity and the younger visitors enjoying the forest walks.
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Le Cap Ferret.
- © E. Cowez / ShutterstockWhere to stay?
![Residence Ostrea](https://ims.ev.mu/large_Residence_Ostrea_Booking_da86062726/large_Residence_Ostrea_Booking_da86062726.jpg)
Residence Ostrea
Book your room nowMany holidaymakers own a second home in Le Ferret because they appreciate the natural environment and charm of the peninsula. However, there are all types of accommodation where you can stay in peace and quiet.
⭐ The Résidence Ostrea is located just a few metres from the horizon beaches and vineyards. Its rooms are perfectly equipped and have a garden with terrace.
Domaine du Ferret restaurant and spa is located on the Cap Ferret peninsula, equipped with an outdoor swimming pool, the establishment gives way to a bucolic setting. A wellness centre, treatments and massages are also available.
![Domaine du Ferret Restaurant & Spa](https://ims.ev.mu/large_471011134_3fe3ec5113/large_471011134_3fe3ec5113.jpg)
Domaine du Ferret Restaurant & Spa
Book your room nowPractical info
🚌 How do I get there?
Whether you arrive at Bordeaux Saint-Jean station or Bordeaux-Mérignac airport, you can hire a car and get to Cap Ferret in an hour. You can also get there by train from Arcachon.