Thiers Square

Overlooking the Arcachon Bay, Place Thiers is one of those spots you simply can’t miss. Whether you’re arriving, meeting friends, or just strolling by, it marks the point where the town meets the ocean, where the lively buzz of café terraces gives way to the calm sweep of the horizon. Everything here speaks of Arcachon’s seaside heritage. The square is named after Adolphe Thiers, a former French president who stayed here in 1875, long after leaving office, a discreet tribute to yet another figure charmed by the gentle Atlantic coast. In the late 19th century, the railway tracks ended just nearby, making this a key arrival point for visitors from Bordeaux. The trains are gone now, but the welcoming spirit remains. Framed by hotel façades, café umbrellas, and the occasional street performer, the square still feels vibrant and open. Just below, a grand staircase leads to the Thiers Jetty, one of the bay’s most iconic landmarks. Originally built in the early 20th century, it was destroyed by German forces in 1944, then rebuilt and given a modern touch in 2004. Part pier, part promenade, part viewing deck, it offers a breathtaking panorama: the Île aux Oiseaux, the stilted cabanes tchanquées, traditional pinasse boats gliding across the water, and, in the distance, the silhouette of Cap Ferret. Here, time seems to slow, caught between the rhythm of the tides.