Breakfast overlooking the ocean
Nothing could be better than early morning for falling under the spell of the Bay. In your basket? Organic bread from the Fournil des Boïens in Biganos, coffee from MaxiCoffee or from Cafés Tchanqué and pastries from the [P’tite boulangerie du Ferret](https://Facebook @LaPtiteBoulangerieduFerret).
And now, choose a spot?
South-side, let’s go for the sand at Moulleau. At the heart of the Bay, the family beaches in Lanton and, towards the North, the long stretch facing the Church of Saint Eloi in Andernos.
Pedal around the Bay
You’ll find some fifty odd rental firms around the Bay. For experienced cycle tourists, count a day to ride around the Bay; two to three days for other cyclists.
Must-sees: the Pyla-sur-Mer and Arcachon cycle paths, Pereire-side and, to the North, the downhill ride to Cap-Ferret, under the pine trees. At the heart of the Bay, a little jaunt to Mios and Salles to discover the meanders of the River Leyre.
More information on cycling routes in Arcachon Bay
Watch the sun set from the Dune
The most magical experience to delight in during your stay. Settle down peacefully on 55 million m3 of sand and contemplate the symphony of lights and breathtaking panorama: the forest, the Banc d’Arguin and the Atlantic. Glance to the right and catch sight of the entrance of the Bay, Cap-Ferret and l’Ile aux Oiseaux…
Great idea: every Monday and Thursday at 8pm, the Joint Development Association of the Dune proposes strolls at dusk. Free-of-charge and open to all.
Oyster tasting
Terraces and oyster huts are the best way to taste the Bay’s shellfish. Enjoy evermore spectacular vistas whilst delighting in premium-quality products guaranteed by the “Tradition” and “Selection” labels. On the platter: oysters, whelks, periwinkles, prawns, pâtés, white and rosé wine from the region.
Local gifts as souvenirs
The Bay bubbles over with creators and craftspeople who guarantee Made in Bassin (Made in the Bay) souvenirs:
- “Nature is coming” t-shirts”
- “Cabanes et compagnie” pea jackets
- Océopin, the only French producer of maritime pine seed oil, with its innovative and biosourced care treatments
- Luxury knives from Jean-Louis Pierard
- “Pignafeu” smart, eco-friendly firelighters made by Matthieu Cabaussel with pine nuts nibbled by squirrels!
Observe nature and birds
The area is pure paradise for nature lovers. For visits, we suggest the Ornithological Reserve in Le Teich, nature visits proposed by the Arès Tourist Office and nature trips on the sand at Arguin, led by Sepanso guides.
And, if ever it rains: Arcachon Aquarium-Museum
Leave your car in the garage
To avoid the inescapable high-season traffic jams, check out our great ideas here: Baïa shuttles for the South of the Bay and TransGironde coaches for the North, Cap-Ferret’s “Gyropodes”, the TER (regional train) for Arcachon and even via water with the sea bus and maritime shuttle service, or by paddle or sea kayak if you prefer absolute pace and quiet.
Worth a read: “The Bassin by bike” on https://www.bassin-arcachon.com/en/bassin-by-bike/
Embark with fishermen
A handful of fishermen and oyster farmers embark tourists on their boats for an unforgettable experience of work at sea, before heading back to dry land for a tasting session. Pescatourism enchanted 1,100 passengers in 2017.
Explore secret little trails
Here are our five spots far from the maddening crowds:
- Laouga and Peyroutas beaches on the banks of the Lac de Cazaux
- the church in Saint Pierre de Mons and the Vieux Lugo Church in Belin-Béliet
- the Fleury Domain in Le Teich
- and the Quinconces - St Brice nature reserve in Andernos.
Fall in love with the peninsula…
Terraces with panoramic views, concept stores, bric-a-brac sellers, best-loved, gourmet and gastronomic eateries, Mimbeau Spit, charming villages and a dash of the wild side, as if on the “edge of the world”… Taking time is a must for discovering Lège-Cap-Ferret.
By bike, on-board a “pinasse” (traditional long, narrow wooden boat) or with a Méhari, if you want to be in tune…
Journalist for the supplements of Sud-Ouest and La Dépêche du Bassin.
Fan of the Bassin and the Delta de la Leyre, far from the beaten tracks...
