Arcachon Bay, Things to see, Things to do

Undoubtedly one of the most famous seaside destinations in Gironde, the Arcachon Basin offers spectacular natural landscapes. It can be discovered on foot, by bike or on the water.

Shaped around fishing and oyster farming, the Arcachon Basin has managed to retain its authenticity through the winds and tides . Its microclimate is a delight for its inhabitants and visitors, who can fully enjoy its landscapes and its Gascon culture.

A fascinating world with multiple landscapes

Oyster ports, fine sandy beaches, pine forest, renowned peninsula and famous dune... In this enchanting setting, its 10 towns and villages: Arcachon, La Teste de Buch, Gujan-Mestras, Le Teich, Biganos, Audenge, Lanton, Andernos-les-Bains, Arès and Lège-Cap Ferret, welcome you less than an hour from Bordeaux.

The Basin to the rhythm of the seasons

In each season, our territory offers multiple activities: bike rides, bird watching, sports activities, oyster tasting. Oyster farmers, fishermen, traders, and community actors punctuate and animate the Arcachon Basin.

Beaches between ocean, lake and basin

Are you more of an ocean person? Unless you prefer the Lake or the Basin?
Here, the region has beaches to suit all tastes.

             Arcachon Bay in figures

• 76 kilometers of beaches: including 39.5 km of ocean beaches
• 785 km²: forest, including part of the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park
• A river 135 kilometers long: The Leyre
• 120 hectares: the surface area of the Teich Ornithological Reserve, recognized as being of international importance
• 56 km²: Lake Cazaux, the 2nd largest body of water in France
• 26 picturesque ports and villages surrounding the Arcachon Basin
• 109 meters high, 2,700 meters long, 500 meters wide, 60 million cubic meters of sand: the Dune of Pilat , the highest dune in Europe. A remarkable geo-morphological phenomenon, the Dune of Pilat is a true natural archive retracing 4,000 years of history.
• 232 meters: the Andernos jetty , the longest in France
• 258 steps to climb to the top of the Cap Ferret lighthouse
• 220 kilometers: of cycle paths that surround the Basin
• 3 Golf courses: Arcachon, Gujan-Mestras and Lanton

Discover the pool from the inside!

Along the water...

Let yourself be rocked by the tides...

• Tour of Bird Island - Tchanquées huts - Banc d'Arguin
• Crossing: Andernos/Arcachon/Cap-Ferret (visit to the lighthouse)
• Canoeing on the Leyre
• Catamaran ride
• Paddle rental

Nature / Culture moment...

Sites not to be missed…

• The Certes estate , part of which is located in the commune of Audenge.
• Summer cultural season (classical music concerts, operas, theaters, literary walks, cultural cafes, etc.)
• The Notre-Dame church dates from the 12th century. It is one of the oldest in the basin. It is located on the coastal route of the Way of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle.
• The Gardarem eco-museum , responsible for maintaining and promoting the traditions and customs of the Arcachon basin, and the Gascon heritage (former oyster farmers, gem collectors, etc.).
• The arts hut Port of Taussat, every week a new artist to discover.
• The ornithological park (Le Teich)
• The Dune of Pilat
• Coastal paths
• Walk in the forest
• Discovering oyster farming : Oyster park and picturesque ports
• Oyster Museum (Gujan-Mestras)
• Moulin de la Cassadotte caviar farm (Biganos)
• Baritone Cafe
• Lanton Media Library

Atelier Galerie le 49 , painting exhibition on the basin but not only…

Bordeaux:

• Place de la Bourse and the water mirror: The most photographed place in Bordeaux, opposite Place de la Bourse, between the Garonne and the 18th century façade, it is now part of contemporary world heritage.
• Historic Monument:The Pey-Berland Tower, St-André Cathedral, Porte Cailhau, the Grand Théâtre and the Place de la Bourse.
• Cité du Vin: is a unique cultural facility dedicated to wine as a cultural, universal and living heritage. It offers a spectacular journey around the world, through the ages, in all cultures.
• Mer Marine Museum: Located in the heart of the floating docks, the historic port of 19th century Bordeaux, the Mer Marine Museum is a place for exchange and promotion of world maritime heritage.
• Aquitaine Museum: Bordeaux has one of the largest provincial history museums. You can discover through the collections Prehistory, Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the 18th century, the city's golden age and all the periods that made up the region's rich past.

Not forgetting ""local markets with passionate producers who are proud to offer you quality products!

Hobbies...

Have fun, in sporty, relaxing or playful mode. Stay in shape while having a good time. So swim, cycle, sleep, walk, gallop…

• Swimming in the swimming pool (Lanton) or in the pool according to the tides
• Walking tour
• Bike rides (many cycle paths)
• Golf initiation course
• Tennis
• Sailing (nautical club, Taussat)
• Equestrian center
• Aero Club (Andernos)
• Sport fishing
• Etc…

Gastronomy...

For gourmands and gourmets...

• The oyster
• Caviar from the Cassadotte mill company located in Biganos
• The Médoc granary
• The prawns of Médoc
• Pauillac lamb
• Entrecote Bordelaise (Bazas Beef)
• The wood pigeon
• Porcini mushrooms
• The eel and the elver
• Shad
• Lamprey in Bordeaux style
• Macarons from St Emilion
• The Bordeaux Canelé
• The vines of the Médoc
   

Getaway to the Bordeaux vineyards...

Vineyards as far as the eye can see, an extraordinary wine route, discover the birth of world-renowned wines. You will leave conquered by your visits.

• Medoc
• Blaye Coast
• Bourg Coast
• Between two seas
• Saint Emilion
• Libourne
• Graves
• Sauternes
• Pomerol
• Pessac-Leognan

There is no shortage of visits, if you need a rest, there is slow tourism...