Pilat Dune

The Dune of Pilat, near Arcachon

The Dune of Pilat is the tallest sand dune of Europe, a spectacular natural site near Arcachon. The Arcachon audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this giant of sand between forest and ocean, one of the most impressive landscapes of the Bassin.

The giant of sand between forest and ocean

The Dune of Pilat is the tallest sand dune of Europe and one of the most spectacular natural sites of the Atlantic coast, located at the entrance of the Bassin d'Arcachon. This giant of sand, which culminates at more than a hundred metres of height and stretches over nearly three kilometres, is a moving mountain of sand, shaped by the winds and the tides, which advances slowly towards the interior of the lands, gradually nibbling the pine forest at its foot. The contrast is striking between the golden immensity of the sand, the blue of the ocean and the pass of the Bassin on one side, and the deep green of the forest of the Landes on the other. To climb the dune, by a staircase in summer or directly in the sand, is a small ascent rewarded by an exceptional three-hundred-and-sixty-degree panorama over the Bassin, the Arguin sandbank, the Cap-Ferret peninsula, the ocean and the forest as far as the eye can see. It is a place of promenade, contemplation and sometimes paragliding. A natural wonder and a giant of sand, the Dune of Pilat is a must-see stop of the discovery of the region of Arcachon.

What to see

Here you climb the tallest sand dune of Europe, a giant culminating at more than a hundred metres and nearly three kilometres long, a moving mountain shaped by the winds that nibbles the pine forest, from which you enjoy an exceptional three-hundred-and-sixty-degree panorama over the Bassin, the Arguin sandbank, the Cap-Ferret, the ocean and the forest of the Landes. The Dune of Pilat is a natural wonder near Arcachon. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Dune of Pilat lies at the entrance of the Bassin d'Arcachon, to the south of the town, reachable by car or by public transport. Access to the site is generally free; a staircase facilitates the climb in summer, and parking and some services may be paid or seasonal. Good shoes and water are recommended. It is best to check the arrangements before coming.

What is the Dune of Pilat near Arcachon?

The tallest sand dune of Europe, located at the entrance of the Bassin d'Arcachon: this giant culminating at more than a hundred metres and nearly three kilometres long is a moving mountain of sand shaped by the winds, which offers from its summit an exceptional panorama over the Bassin, the Cap-Ferret, the ocean and the forest of the Landes.

Where is the Dune of Pilat?

At the entrance of the Bassin d'Arcachon, to the south of the town, in France.