What to do on the Bassin d’Arcachon?
For the uninitiated, the Arcachon basin is a bay in the Atlantic Ocean, located in Aquitaine between the Côte d’Argent and the Côte des Landes. The basin is approximately 150 square kilometers at high tide and forty square kilometers at low tide. Despite its small size, this bay is well worth a visit. Whether you’re looking for solitude or a thrilling adventure, there’s something for everyone in the Arcachon Basin. The Bassin d’Arcachon is a natural postcard for your vacation. Relax in the shade of a pine tree while you wait for the tide to come in, or take advantage of the sun to discover the region’s flora and fauna.
Discover the Arcachon Basin by bike
Ride along the 200 km of cycle paths that link the communes. Between Arès and Arcachon, take advantage of the cycle path that runs along a former railroad line. Spice up your ride with a boat trip between Arcachon and Cap Ferret. The Syndicat Intercommunal du Bassin d’Arcachon (SIBA) has just created a new internet feature available on smartphones with all the itineraries and a geolocation system that allows you to get from point A to point B on the cycle paths as quickly as possible. Take advantage of the cycle paths to visit beaches, forests and oyster-farming villages.
Family activities in the Arcachon basin
If you’d like to keep the kids busy on a hot summer’s day, we recommend a boat trip on the Bay of Arcachon and a visit to the Ile aux oiseaux and the Banc d’Arguin national reserve. If you have time to stop off, you can observe a large number of migratory birds. What’s special about the Banc d’Arguin, apart from being the largest sandbank on the Aquitaine coast? Its shape constantly changes and evolves according to winds, storms and tides. Boat lovers will love the bay. Hire a pinasse (the bay’s traditional boat) or rent a motorboat for a day of sightseeing. Boat trips will take you past the famous fishermen’s huts known as Cabanes tchanquées, which have become the symbol of the Bassin.
Tasting oysters on the Bay of Arcachon
The village of L’Herbe is reputed to be the prettiest on Cap Ferret. It’s easily (and safely) accessible by bike, but there’s also plenty of parking. The village is very pretty and family-friendly. The village of L’Herbe is made up of small, colorful houses, one on top of the other. There are oyster shacks to eat in, and even smaller alleys to wend your way through. We recommend taking your time to stroll through this pretty oyster village.
