Discovering the Blockhouses of the Bay of Arcachon
Unchanging witnesses to the Second World War, the Blockhouses that make up what has become known as the Atlantic Wall have become places to visit and discover with family and friends.
Take advantage of a day or weekend vacation on the Bay of Arcachon to discover the Atlantic coast and the remains of the Wall with its blockhouses, these giants of concrete and steel, now covered in many colors.
Discover the Blockhaus on the Bassin d’Arcachon coast
The many blockhouses along the Atlantic coast and the Bassin d’Arcachon are waiting to be discovered all year round, as you stroll along the seafront. They are mainly located to the south of the Dune du Pilat and the tip of Cap-Ferret. Now buried in the sand, or even underwater, these blockhouses are an integral part of the coastal landscape of the Bay of Arcachon. Tours are organized by the GRAMASA association (Groupe de Recherches Archéologiques sur le Mur de l’Atlantique Secteur Arcachon). Take a walk with family or friends along the Atlantic coast to discover the remains of the Atlantic Wall. These lines of blockhouses are mainly visible on the beaches, while others can be seen underwater during low tide.
If the opportunity arises, a visit to the Lège Cap-Ferret lighthouse can include a visit to the lighthouse blockhouse. Overlooked and gradually forgotten, it was fully restored in 2010, making it easy to visit. A reconstruction of the living quarters and a wealth of explanations await you on your next visit.
Discover the Blockhaus in Arcachon
Did you know that a blockhouse lies beneath the town of Arcachon? Rumors had it that during the war, a blockhouse existed beneath the town. No one found it, but the GRAMASA association identified its location decades later, thanks to archives and research. A historic relic of the Second World War, Bunker 502 was long forgotten by the people of Arcachon. But in 2015, thanks to the mobilization of the GRAMASA association, excavations were undertaken and the bunker was found. After a few years of rehabilitation, Bunker 502 has been transformed into a museum, welcoming numerous visitors curious to discover the interior of the bunker, or blockhouse in German. The experience is a self-guided tour, during which you can wander around the interior of the bunker at your leisure. A scenography allows visitors to learn more about life in the bunker, making the discovery both fun and educational.
Bunker 502 is open to visitors from October to March, Monday to Friday, 9am to 12:15pm and 1pm to 5:15pm, and Saturday, 9am to 12:15pm and 1pm to 4:15pm; and from April, May and June, Monday to Saturday, 9am to 12:15pm and 1pm to 5:15pm, and Sunday, 9am to 12:15pm and 1pm to 4:15pm. Admission is €2 per person and free for children under 10. The first part of the scenography is accessible to people with reduced mobility (PRM). Reservations and further information: contact the Arcachon Tourist Office on 05 57 52 97 97. Visits are limited to 20 people, and masks must be worn at all times.
The Atlantic Wall and the presence of blockhouses
With the division of France in 1940, the Arcachon Basin, because of its proximity to Bordeaux, became a sensitive area. In 1942, the Germans set up the so-called ” Atlantic Wall” to prevent potential landings. This wall, running along the entire Atlantic coast, formed an armed rampart, and hundreds of concrete and steel blockhouses were erected for both offensive and defensive purposes.
Although the best-known are on the coast, many blockhouses can be found in the surrounding forests. Why not venture off the beaten track to discover the hidden blockhouses? Prefer the beach? Camping Les Écureuils invites you to discover the blockhouses of the Bassin d’Arcachon at sunset. A magical moment guaranteed!
