The Arguin Bank
The Banc d’Arguin, a moving island
Located opposite the Dune du Pilat in the south of the Arcachon basin, the Banc d’Arguin is an intriguing place. A long sandbank some 4km long and 2km wide, it shifts and changes size with the tides, storms and ocean currents. It is made up of the emerged parts of the sandy areas at the entrance to the basin, which have been shifting for thousands of years.
To get there, simply take a tourist boat from Cap Ferret (Bélisaire jetty, 25km from Les Ecureuils campsite) or Arcachon. From early June to late September, a number of companies offer day trips with stops at the Banc d’Arguin and the Dune du Pilat. The cheapest option, however, is to take a shuttle from Robinson beach south of the Dune du Pilat, an hour’s drive from Les Ecureuils campsite in Arès. The return fare is €10 per adult, €8 for children aged 4 to 12 and €3 for children under 3. It’s also possible to hire a boat or take a private water cab, especially out of season.
An exceptional bird sanctuary
Despite its desert-like appearance, the Banc d’Arguin is renowned for its unique biodiversity. Its dune vegetation supports a whole world of crustaceans, insects and molluscs. Some plants, such as thyme-leaved toadflax and eelgrass, are protected species.
The Band d’Arguin is above all an important nesting site for several bird species, including the common tern, which is particularly present, the grey-necked gravelot and the common oystercatcher. Other wintering species include the common sandpiper and the red-winged godwit. And during the autumn and spring migrations, the Banc d’Arguin serves as a stopover for thousands of birds, who appreciate its isolation. It lies on one of the planet’s major migratory currents. It was to protect the more than 200 bird species observed that the Band d’Arguin National Nature Reserve was created in 1972. Today, its 2,500 hectares are managed by SEPANSO. The Banc d’Arguin has become a renowned ornithological site in the region, but you don’t have to be a specialist to appreciate its inhabitants.
Thanks to the presence of ocean trenches, it’s also an ideal place to observe dolphins, turtles and seals.
What to do on the Banc d’Arguin?
Like a desert in the middle of the ocean, the Banc d’Arguin gives the impression of being lost at the end of the world. Here, you can sunbathe, walk with your feet in the sand and swim in the crystal-clear water. Children can play in the sand and collect shells. Don’t forget that there’s no shade: remember to bring a parasol and water. Pack a picnic too, but don’t leave anything behind – the Banc d’Arguin is a protected natural site! In summer, reserve staff welcome tourists and can answer any questions you may have. They even offer tours on Wednesday afternoons, allowing you to discover the flora and fauna of the islet. For birdwatching without disturbing the birds, you can also visit the observation hut.
Whether looking out over the ocean as far as the eye can see, or towards the Dune du Pilat, the views from the Banc d’Arguin are memorable. Photographers will love it! For its beauty and its birds, the Banc d’Arguin is a must-see on your next camping vacation in the Arcachon Basin.
