5 must-sees in the Arcachon basin

With its long sandy beaches, charming waterside villages and varied natural landscapes, the Arcachon Basin has proved itself over the years to be one of France’s tourist hotspots. To help you choose among the natural wonders to discover on a camping vacation near Arcachon, we present our top 5 must-see sights in the Arcachon basin.

Located in La Teste-de-Buch, less than an hour’s drive from Les Ecureuils campsite, the Dune du Pilat is the symbol of the Arcachon Basin. This enormous mountain of sand (2.9km long, 110m high, 616m wide) is the highest dune in Europe. You can climb to the top of the dune from the Corniche beach or by taking the stairs near the parking lot. After climbing the dune, you’re rewarded with a splendid view of Cap Ferret, the Arcachon Basin, the Banc d’Arguin and the ocean as far as the eye can see. It’s like being lost in a desert in the middle of the ocean.

A long strip of land closing off the Arcachon basin, Cap Ferret has 2 completely different coastlines. To the west, an immense strip of sand forms a barrier against the ocean. Here you’ll find beaches ideal for surfing, such as Plage du Crohot and Plage du Truc Vert. The coastline is dotted with oyster-farming villages, ancient villas and small, intimate beaches, including the famous Pointe aux Chevaux beach, probably the most beautiful beach in the Arcachon basin. At the end of the cape, the view over the entrance to the basin is not to be missed. But Cap Ferret’s most emblematic landmark remains its famous red-and-white lighthouse. It dominates the surrounding landscape, and the view from the top of its 57m is well worth the detour. The Cap Ferret lighthouse is 25km from the campsite. Cap Ferret lends itself particularly well to long bike rides, especially at the end of the day when the sun sets.

It’s impossible not to see this long sandbar from the top of the Dune du Pilat. This nature reserve is 4km long and 2km wide. The Banc d’Arguin is home to many species of birds, making it a popular spot for ornithologists. It is also home to many species of insects, crustaceans and rare dune plants. What makes it such an amazing place is that, due to tides, currents and wind, it changes size and even seems to move. In summer, tourists come to spend a moment here to feel alone in the world, like Robinson Crusoe.

The least well-known of our top 5 must-see sites in the Arcachon basin, the Le Teich ornithological reserve is home to over 300 species of birds. Located between Gujan-Mestras and Biganos, this bird paradise offers wild landscapes that can be explored by following trails, along which observation huts and elevated viewpoints are scattered. The Le Teich ornithological reserve is well known to birdwatchers and wildlife photographers in the region. It is 25km from Les Ecureuils campsite in Arès.

Île aux Oiseaux is located in the center of the Arcachon basin. As its name suggests, the island is home to some 150 species of birds all year round. The birds cohabit with the island’s rare inhabitants, who live in their little tchanquées huts, the superb houses on stilts often seen on postcards of the Arcachon Basin. Made up of wetlands and wilderness, Île aux Oiseaux is an enchanting and unique place. The easiest way to explore it is by boat from Pointe aux Chevaux, less than 14km from Arès. But the more adventurous will prefer to rent a canoe during low tide and then hike, alone or with a guide, around the island.