The Biggest Sand Dune in Europe

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The Bay of Arcachon

When in the area of Bordeaux, you might want to take the opportunity to climb the largest sand dune in Europe: la Dune de Pilat. It’s a unique site with beautiful colours: the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Landes Forest on the other, and only an hour’s drive away from the city of Bordeaux.

Preview

You don’t want to miss the Arcachon Bay with its countless oyster farms. A few hours before noon, the oysters are collected in the bay and are sailed into the tasting huts. It doesn’t get much fresher than that. The oyster bed worker is usually happy to explain the whole procedure of oyster farming …

A stroll around the village of Arcachon is just lovely. La Ville d’Eté is the beach area. La Ville d’Hiver on the hill side is the 100-year-old part of the village with its many quintessential houses, decorated with delicate wood tracery (neo-gothic to colonial style). You can take the public art-deco lift to go from one area to the other.

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The programme

A Day-Tour Suggestion

Let’s combine your expectations with my experience and set up the perfect day. The below programme is a mere example of what we can do on a full day tour:

09:00am Pick-up at your hotel or any other place in Bordeaux of your convenience
Commented drive through Bordeaux City and on the way out to the Arcachon Bay.
10:15am Arrival at the foot of the Dune de Pilat
Climb to the top (there are stairs!), walk in the sand, take pictures. Sit and enjoy the scenery, feel free … Breath-taking!
12:30pm Oyster tasting or seafood lunch in a selected, charming oyster farm.
02:30pm Walk around the enchanting Village of Arcachon (guided or not, at your request)
04:30pm Enjoy a glass of wine in a local bar with a bay view (time permitting)
06:00pm Drop-off at your hotel or any other place in Bordeaux at your convenience

Indicative price

For a full-day tour: from 520€ / private group

The price includes:

  • The organisation of a tailormade tour to the Arcachon Bay
  • Private transportation in a comfortable and modern car
  • An experienced, English-speaking, local guide (Professional Driver’s License)

The price excludes:

  • Fees in oyster huts, restaurants and bars

Book here

The Tours