Sainte-Cécile Belvedere

The Sainte-Cécile Belvedere, in Arcachon

The Sainte-Cécile Belvedere is a hidden metal observatory of the Ville d'Hiver of Arcachon, offering a panoramic view over the town and the Bassin. The Arcachon audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this nineteenth-century treasure, perched above the villas and the pines.

The metal observatory of the Ville d'Hiver

Advancing in the streets of the Ville d'Hiver, you discover one of the hidden treasures of the district: the Sainte-Cécile Belvedere, also called the Sainte-Cécile Observatory. This elegant metal structure of the nineteenth century, in the form of a footbridge and a tower, stands at the culminating point of the Ville d'Hiver, above the roofs of the villas and the top of the pines. Designed at the time when Arcachon was experiencing its seaside rise, it is associated with the know-how of the great iron engineers of this period, whose art of metal frameworks revolutionised architecture. Climbing its steps, you reach a platform from which you enjoy an exceptional panorama: the gaze takes in the sumptuous villas of the Ville d'Hiver nestled in the greenery, the roofs of the town, the Bassin d'Arcachon sparkling in the distance and the immensity of the pine forest. This belvedere offers one of the finest views of the town and testifies to the boldness and the elegance of the golden age of Arcachon. A hidden treasure and an exceptional belvedere, the Sainte-Cécile Belvedere is a fine stop of the discovery of the town.

What to see

Here you climb the elegant metal observatory of the nineteenth century, hidden treasure perched at the culminating point of the Ville d'Hiver, associated with the know-how of the great iron engineers, whose platform offers an exceptional panorama over the sumptuous villas nestled in the greenery, the roofs of the town, the Bassin and the pine forest. The Sainte-Cécile Belvedere offers one of the finest views of Arcachon. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Sainte-Cécile Belvedere lies at the culminating point of the Ville d'Hiver of Arcachon, reachable on foot by the streets of the district. It is an open-air viewpoint, generally freely accessible; the climb is done by steps. The panorama is particularly beautiful on a clear day.

What is the Sainte-Cécile Belvedere in Arcachon?

An elegant metal observatory of the nineteenth century, hidden treasure perched at the culminating point of the Ville d'Hiver, associated with the know-how of the great iron engineers; its platform offers an exceptional panorama over the villas nestled in the greenery, the roofs of the town, the Bassin and the pine forest.

Where is the Sainte-Cécile Belvedere in Arcachon?

At the culminating point of the Ville d'Hiver of Arcachon, in France.