What to do in bad weather on the Arcachon Basin?

 

Your vacation’s already booked, you’ve arrived, but unfortunately the bad weather and the rain are getting in the way. Don’t panic, and don’t put the brakes on your desire for tourism and discovery on the Bassin d’Arcachon! The 3-star Les Écureuils campsite in Arès has a number of activities you can enjoy on the Bassin d’Arcachon despite the bad weather. Just follow the guide!

Cultural activities inside

The Gujan-Mestras oyster museum

A visit to the museum is divided into three stages: an introduction to the world of oyster farming through a film shown in the museum, a guided tour of the various rooms, and a self-guided discovery of the outdoor trail. The visit lasts around 1 hour, a good compromise for young and old!

The Gardarem eco-museum

A fitting name for this museum, since Gardarem means “we will keep” in Gascon. The Taussat Ecomuseum houses a collection of over 600 tools used in oyster farming. With explanations, history and anecdotes, the tour lasts around 1? hours and provides an insight into the trades and skills still practiced today by the workers of the land and sea. Do you know what gemmage is? It’s the process of cutting a pine tree so that it secretes resin. In order to heal this wound, gumming is used to obtain turpentine (used in paints, varnishes and cleaning products) and rosin (adhesives, glues…).

In Lège Cap-Ferret, in the village of L’Herbe, discover the chapel of the Villa Algérienne, a magnificent Moorish-inspired building constructed in 1885, which can be visited all year round. The chapel is one of the most beautiful in the region.

Why not enjoy some time indoors for a film or play? The Bassin d’Arcachon is full of theaters and cinemas where you can enjoy performances and film screenings all year round. From the Olympia theater and Le Zèbre café-theater in Arcachon, to cinemas in Andernos and La Teste de Buch, there are plenty of venues where you can enjoy a good time with your family, sheltered from the potential rain!

Shopping and restaurants

A wide range of recreational activities are available in town to suit all tastes and budgets. You can take shelter from the rain and wind in the stores in the center of the towns that make up the Bassin d’Arcachon. La Teste, Gujan Mestras and Arcachon offer numerous small boutiques and shopping centers where you can stroll and treat yourself without feeling guilty. If it’s not raining, head for the many municipal markets to be found in the towns and villages of the Bassin d’Arcachon. Take a stroll through the markets of Lège Cap-Ferret, Andernos, Biganos, La Teste de Buch… You’re bound to find what you’re looking for at one of these markets during your vacation on the Bassin d’Arcachon.

Take advantage of a well-deserved break to dine and discover the specialties of the region. Take a tour of the Bassin d’Arcachon to discover the best restaurants. The oyster-farming villages welcome you and offer a gastronomic tour of the best of the Gironde. The local specialty is of course the oyster from the Banc d’Arguin, renowned and appreciated throughout France. Treat yourself to a tasting of the region’s oysters when you visit during your vacation, or take a day and enjoy this local specialty. In an idyllic setting, relax by the water in one of the village oyster huts, an activity to be shared with the whole family.

Forest and beach walks

If the rain has stopped, you can go for a walk in the many forests and beaches that make up the Bassin d’Arcachon. Arm yourself with good walking shoes and waterproof clothing. With family or friends, treat yourself to a walk in nature and enjoy the sublime winter landscapes. You can conquer the famous Dune du Pilât to enjoy the fresh air and spectacular views. A word of advice: cover up! The wind is particularly strong when you’re climbing. The Dune du Pilât, or Pyla, is an ideal activity for families with children. With a magnificent view over the beach, your children will be able to enjoy nature during their vacations. The banc d’arguin offers you its most beautiful scenery and magnificent walks.
If the dune du pilât doesn’t appeal to you, you can also set off to discover the île aux oiseaux. Take a boat trip around the island and discover one of the wonders of the Bassin d’Arcachon. This activity can easily be done despite gloomy weather, in winter or autumn.
Whether by bike or on foot, you can also discover the beaches and forests that line the Bassin d’Arcachon, visit the Lège Cap-Ferret lighthouse, survey the oyster-farming villages of Gujan Mestras or the port of La Teste de Buch.
Don’t hesitate to climb to the top of the lighthouse! With a view over 50 meters high, you’ll enjoy a unique panorama of the Bay of Arcachon, the Pilat Dune, the ocean, Ile aux Oiseaux, the Cabanes Tchanquées… You’ll be amazed!
Afraid of heights? No problem, just explore the first floor, with its six interactive exhibition areas on the discovery of the lighthouse, the evolution of nautical charts, marine relief and the history of lighthouses. Take your time to discover this historic monument while the rain clears.

For the more adventurous, take advantage of the magnificent region by exploring the city of Bordeaux or its vineyards. Why not take your car and explore a château or village with the whole family?

Don’t let bad weather spoil your vacation in our beautiful area! The Bassin d’Arcachon offers a wide range of activities for you and your children. Walks, cultural activities, visits… you’re bound to find something to delight you and your children!