Unusual places around the Bay of Arcachon
The Arcachon Basin is one of the most coveted destinations in southwest France. Vast beaches, vegetation that covers a large part of the region, hosting a diverse flora and fauna, water sports activities, not to mention typical dishes. These are the first things that come to mind when you think of the Bay of Arcachon. But do you really know everything about this region? In this article, we reveal a few unusual places to explore around the Bassin, to help you discover the region’s other treasures.
What represents the Bay of Arcachon?
The Bassin d’Arcachon is a lagoon on France’s Atlantic coast, in the Gironde département. It covers more than 174 km² and is bordered by the towns of Arcachon, La Teste-de-Buch, Andernos-les-Bains and Lège-Cap-Ferret. The region is famous for its picturesque landscapes, long beaches, the famous Dune du Pilat, pine forests and traditional oyster-farming villages. The Bassin d’Arcachon is a popular resort for water sports and world-famous oysters. Local activities include fishing, sailing, surfing, paddling, kayaking and, of course, visiting the oyster beds. The Bay of Arcachon is also home to protected species such as the bottlenose dolphin, leatherback turtle and grey seal.
Unusual places to visit in the Bay of Arcachon
The oyster-farming village of L’Herbe
Located on the Cap Ferret peninsula, the oyster-farming village of L’Herbe has remained frozen in time, with its colorful wooden huts and narrow streets lined with hollyhocks. It’s an ideal place to stroll and discover the history of oyster farming in the region.
The charming village of Claouey
Claouey is a picturesque village on the southern shore of the Bassin d’Arcachon, 6km from Lège. The village is famous for its picturesque marina, colorful wooden huts and local seafood restaurants. Claouey is also an excellent base for exploring the region’s salt marshes and ponds. The perfect place for fishing!
The historic sailors’ chapel in Arcachon
Another unusual site in the region is the Chapelle Saint-Esprit. Initially built around 1935, it was designated the first wooden chapel in Le Pyla. In 1975, it was replaced by the Chapelle Forestière. Situated in the heart of the pine forest, it can be recognized by its atypical wooden bell tower.
The Leyre Delta nature reserve
When it comes to nature, we recommend a trip to the Delta de la Leyre, a nature reserve located at the mouth of the River Leyre. You’ll cross this river, also known as the “Little Amazon”, which is made up of salt meadows, reed beds, wooded marshes and a wide variety of flora. A perfect getaway if you love discovering nature!
The unique architecture of the Algerian chapel
A little-known architectural landmark is the Villa Algérienne, or to be more precise, the chapel on the Lège-Cap-Ferret peninsula. In 1865, Léon Lesca built this building, inspired by Moorish architecture, for Catholic worship under Napoleon III. Unfortunately, it fell into disuse following the death of its creator in 1913, and in 1965, the estate was sold to a wealthy developer, who decided to demolish the building, leaving only the chapel we know today.
The Bassin d’Arcachon is a popular tourist destination, but there’s still plenty to discover for visitors looking to explore new places. From the charming town of Andernos-les-Bains to the Delta de la Leyre nature reserve and the oyster-farming village of L’Herbe, the Bassin d’Arcachon is packed with unusual places. When it comes to accommodation, we recommend a stop at our charming Les Ecureuils campsite, which will be delighted to welcome you for the duration of your stay!
