Advice

Let’s take a quick detour to mention a few must-see places that aren’t part of this walking tour but are well worth exploring. First up, the Dune of Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe, rising over 100 metres high. From its summit, the panorama is breathtaking, you can see the entire bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and, just opposite, the Banc d’Arguin, a protected stretch of sand accessible only by boat. It’s a wild little paradise, perfect for birdwatching or a swim far from the crowds. A bit further north, in the heart of the bay, lies Île aux Oiseaux, famous for its two cabanes tchanquées, those wooden huts perched on stilts. You can only reach the island by boat, but simply spotting it at high or low tide already feels like a journey. Scattered around the Lège-Cap Ferret peninsula are countless oyster-farming villages, Le Canon, L’Herbe, Piraillan, each with its colourful huts and small harbours where you can savour fresh oysters with a view of the water. It’s a simple, authentic experience you shouldn’t miss. Cycling is the perfect way to discover them at your own pace, thanks to a well-developed network of bike paths, including the Vélodyssée, which takes you along the shoreline, through pine forests, and to the beaches and harbours in complete tranquillity. Just a few kilometres from Arcachon, the port of La Teste-de-Buch offers a more traditional atmosphere, with boatyards, oyster beds, and those charming wooden shacks where you can stop for a taste of the sea. If you’re a nature lover, head to the Domaine de Certes-Graveyron in Audenge, a protected area of over 500 hectares with marshes, walking trails, and fish ponds. You might spot herons, egrets, or even swans, all in absolute peace and quiet. Back in Arcachon, the Aquarium Museum near the Thiers Jetty is worth a visit for its curious collection of local fish, seashells from around the world, and even a whale skeleton, slightly retro, but fascinating. For a touch of spirituality, the Basilica of Notre-Dame overlooks the town and houses a much-venerated Black Madonna, while just next door you’ll find the Sainte-Anne spring, once believed to be miraculous. And if you still have time, take a boat across the bay to the tip of Cap Ferret. With its ocean beaches, lighthouse, pine forest, and chic wooden huts, it has a charm all its own. A change of scenery, guaranteed.