Gourmet delights and extraordinary landscapes await you on the Bay of Arcachon! Let us guide you through a memorable day.
Arcachon Bay
The Arcachon Bay has been shaped by fishing and oyster farming and has retained its authenticity thanks to the winds and tides. Its microclimate makes its inhabitants and visitors happy to enjoy the landscape and culture of Gascony to the full.
The Bay of Arcachon, a fascinating world of landscapes
Situated near Bordeaux and the Landes region, the Bay of Arcachon is a true gem of France's natural and cultural heritage. This captivating territory is distinguished by its multiple landscapes: oyster ports, sandy beaches, pine forests, the famous peninsula and its famous dune... The 10 towns and villages that make it up - Arcachon, La Teste-de-Buch, Gujan-Mestras, Le Teich, Biganos, Audenge, Lanton, Andernos-les-Bains, Arès and Lège-Cap Ferret - offer a diversity of experiences to discover less than an hour from Bordeaux.
Whether you're a fan of the ocean, the lake or the Bassin, or want to relax, practice water sports or explore the region's natural riches, here you'll find beaches to satisfy all your desires.
Discover the pleasant way of life in the Bay of Arcachon
The Bay, in tune with the seasons
The many things to do on the Bassin d'Arcachon change with the seasons. At every time of year, this region offers a variety of experiences: cycling along the 220 km of cycle paths that encircle the Basin, birdwatching, sporting activities and oyster tasting. Oyster farmers, fishermen, shopkeepers and community groups all contribute to the rhythm and liveliness of life on the Arcachon Bay.
CYCLING ON THE Arcachon Bay
A website dedicated to cycling in the Bay of Arcachon, available on all smartphones and offering :
- 15 circuits and loops of varying length, distance and difficulty; geolocated on Google Maps
- Bicycle activities offered by the 10 tourist offices in the Basin
- An interactive map of the Arcachon Bay...
NATURE DISCOVERIES
The "Ideas for 1 week by the bay" booklet presents lots of ideas to discover the 16 sites and activities involved in ecotourism on the Bay of Arcachon:
- To preserve our heritage and biodiversity
- For an educational approach and a quality welcome for the public...
TIDAL EXCURSIONS WITH OYSTER FARMERS AND FISHERMEN
Outings at the tide with fishermen and oyster farmers are also possible, providing an opportunity to share an authentic moment with those who live and make up the Bay.
The Arcachon Basin in figures
With its 76 km of beaches, including 39.5 km of ocean coastline, it's ideal for lovers of sun and fine sand. Inland, its vast forests cover 785 km², including part of the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park. The Leyre river flows through the region, stretching 135 km and enriching the local ecosystem. The Le Teich Ornithological Reserve, covering 120 hectares, is an essential sanctuary for birds of international importance. The Basin is also home to Lac de Cazaux, France's second-largest lake at 56 km². Its 26 picturesque ports and villages add to the region's authentic charm.
The Dune du Pilat, the region's highest point, rises to 109 meters, stretching 2,700 meters in length, with 60 million cubic meters of sand, offering a fascinating geological record of 4,000 years of history. In Andernos, the jetty stretches 232 metres, the longest in France, while opposite, the Cap Ferret lighthouse, with its 258 steps, offers a spectacular panoramic view.
