Visit the famous Winter City district
If you’re visiting the beautiful town of Arcachon, you’re bound to pass through the heart of the winter district. Indeed, in Arcachon, the neighborhoods are divided into 4 parts, by season: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. In the Ville d’Hiver, you’ll find numerous villas overlooking Arcachon, as well as other key sites in this district, such as the Saint Paul footbridge, the Sainte Cécile Observatory and the famous Parc Mauresque. Find out more in our blog post!
History of the winter city
The Winter City district was built from the 1860s onwards, under the direction of the two Pereire brothers, with the help of their nephew and engineer, Paul Régnauld, of the Compagnie des Chemins de Fer du Midi. In the past, the district was built to accommodate the many patients suffering from tuberculosis, and it’s worth noting that the curves in the heart of the district were built to shelter patients from the wind. The major works continued in February 1862, with the first real estate acquisitions, including the Mauresque casino. From that date onwards, the construction of villas continued apace. Unfortunately, tragedy struck on January 18, 1977. The Mauresque casino went up in flames in a mysterious fire, leaving behind only the Parc Mauresque we know today. Today, the Ville d’Hiver district covers an area of 10 hectares and is home to 300 villas, which are an integral part of Arcachon’s heritage, and offer visitors the chance to observe them, such as Alexandre Dumas’s famous villa.
The unique architecture of the Winter City district
The neighborhood features a range of colorful villas, ornate balconies, large verandas and other intricate details. The neighborhood’s architecture is a blend of styles, inspired by neo-classical, neo-Gothic, colonial and Moorish architecture. What’s more, the district’s villas are painted in pastel colors, with stone and brick frames, adding a special charm to the town.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Winter City district is from November to February. The district is less crowded during the winter months, and the weather is mild. The average temperature during the winter months is around 10°C, which is perfect for exploring the city on foot. It’s also a good idea to visit this district in summer or spring, to take advantage of the fine weather, only you’ll encounter a few more people during your stroll.
Key places to explore in Winter Town
The Winter Town district has many places worth visiting. One of the most important is the Notre-Dame-des-Passes church, built in the early 20th century. Situated at the top of the hill, the church offers a breathtaking view of the Arcachon basin. You can also admire the many villas in the area, includingVilla Teresa, Villa Marguerite and Villa Bremontier, one of the first to be built by the Compagnie des Chemins de Fer du Midi. Don’t hesitate to take the 32-metre Saint Paul footbridge, which links the two hills of the Ville d’Hiver. And if you’d like to get a bird’s eye view of the city, we recommend a detour to the 25-metre-high Sainte Cécile observatory. Last but not least, you can’t miss the Parc Mauresque and its 4 hectares of grounds, which boast a wide variety of vegetation, including palm trees, ginkgoes and maritime pines. If you’re curious or passionate about history, the Ville d’Hiver district will be perfect for your next stroll! Discover the most beautiful villas in the Ville d’Hiver district and let yourself be guided through the city by the many places to explore.
