The Arcachon Basin for nature lovers
Located on France’s Atlantic coast, the Bay of Arcachon is a unique ecosystem, home to a wide variety of plants and animals. It’s a vast area of sand dunes, lagoons, salt marshes and forests. This magical place is a paradise for nature lovers, and offers a multitude of activities and experiences. Whether you’re simply curious or a nature enthusiast, the Bassin d’Arcachon is the ideal destination for you. In this article, we’ve put together the best activities for a 100% nature immersion, so you can enjoy the flora and fauna to the full.
Birdwatching on the Bay of Arcachon
Birdwatching is a popular activity on the Bay of Arcachon, as it’s home to a wide variety of species, including the famous Île aux Oiseaux. This island, immersed in the heart of the Bay, is teeming with species such as nesting gulls, spring wagtails, silver plovers and many others. There’s plenty to see and learn about here . This natural site is only accessible by boat, and we advise you to get there in the morning to avoid being blocked by the tide, which rises in the afternoon. Now it’s time to head for dry land, to another place we can recommend if you love birds: the Réserve ornithologique du Teich. This nature reserve has existed since 1972 and covers 100 hectares. Here you’ll find a multitude of migratory bird species from all over the world, including black kites, white storks and grey herons. The route is 6 km long, lasting between 3 and 4 hours, or you can opt for a shorter 2.5 km route.
Discover the nature reserves and parks of the Bay of Arcachon
The Bassin d’Arcachon is home to a number of nature reserves, perfect for admiring the breathtaking views over the basin. These include the Banc d’Arguin, a protected reserve covering 2,500 hectares and 4 km in length, home to a wide variety of bird species. Located opposite the Dune du Pilat, it has the particularity of constantly changing shape, due to sea currents. To get there, you can leave by boat from the Thiers jetty in Arcachon. A second well-known reserve is the Prés Salés, which stretches from Arès to Lège-Cap-Ferret. Plunged into the heart of the Ares landscape, it offers large green spaces, fish reservoirs and drier, savannah-like zones. The reserve is home to a number of species, and can be visited at any time of year to admire different landscapes. If you’d also like to enjoy the charm of the city’s winter district, we recommend a visit to the Parc Mauresque. This arboretum is the ideal place to recharge your batteries and enjoy the richness of this botanical heritage, home to 320 species of trees and 600 rose bushes, as well as a variety of exotic plants.
Tips for organizing a nature outing on the Bay of Arcachon
To make the most of your visit to the Bassin d’Arcachon outdoors, here are a few tips to help you plan the perfect day.
- Start your day early: the best way to make the most of your visit to the Bay of Arcachon is to start your day as early as possible. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to explore all the places you want to and enjoy this beautiful region.
- Bring a picnic: what could be better than a picnic in the great outdoors? Choose the ideal spot and make sure it’s safe to eat there.
- Wear comfortable shoes: make sure you wear good shoes for your day in the Bassin d’Arcachon. This will enable you to explore the area easily and comfortably.
- Bring binoculars: if you have the opportunity to go birdwatching at the pond, don’t forget to bring your binoculars to see the show.
- Stay for sunset: admiring the sunset is the best way to end the day in style.
The Bassin d’Arcachon is a paradise for nature lovers, with many places to explore. At the water’s edge, in the pine forests, immersed with the birds of the basin, you’ll find what you’re looking for if you’re staying in the region and looking to enjoy nature. Our Les Écureuils campsite, located in Arès, is the perfect place to put down your suitcases. You’ll have the chance to visit and do many activities in the surrounding area. Book your stay now to enjoy a wonderful holiday in our region!
