Summer Town, Winter Town

Welcome to the “City of Four Seasons!” Have you noticed that Arcachon’s districts are called the Summer Town, Winter Town, Spring Town, and Autumn Town? This uniquely French feature has its roots in a fascinating story. It all began in 1857, when Napoleon III officially created the commune of Arcachon. But the true visionaries behind the idea were the Pereire brothers, Émile and Isaac, brilliant financiers, close to the Emperor, and ahead of their time. They didn’t just see an ordinary seaside resort; they imagined a fully functioning spa town, designed to adapt to the different seasons and cater to the needs of their wealthy European clientele. Naturally, the Summer Town came first, lining the seafront and embracing the pleasures of bathing in the Arcachon Bay. Its three iconic piers, Pierre Lataillade, Thiers, and La Chapelle, set the rhythm for this promenade dedicated to seaside leisure. Then came their stroke of genius: the Winter Town. Built higher up, in the pine forest, it was designed to welcome wealthy patients during the colder months. Its winding streets sheltered visitors from the wind, while the pure, pine-scented air was believed to soothe and heal respiratory illnesses, essentially creating the first modern thalassotherapy centre. The Spring Town, covering the Abatilles and Pereire districts, was set in lush greenery and symbolised the seasonal renewal sought by spa-goers. Here, in 1923, the Sainte-Anne des Abatilles spring was discovered, its waters soon gaining a reputation for therapeutic benefits. Finally, the Autumn Town, made up of the Aiguillon and Saint-Ferdinand districts, with its fishermen’s cottages and harbour, evoked that quiet, authentic rhythm that returned once the summer crowds had gone. This seasonal naming reflected the Pereires’ philosophy: to design a city where each district met the specific needs of its time of year, creating a year-round art of living. It was a revolutionary concept that made Arcachon the world’s only true “City of Four Seasons.” Even today, each district retains its seasonal spirit: lively and beach-focused in summer, peaceful and restorative in winter, green and revitalising in spring, and warmly authentic in autumn. It’s a lasting tribute to the Pereire brothers’ vision, which transformed a humble fishing village into a European capital of seasonal well-being.