Around the world in 80 km…love is in the air!
Our promise? A world tour without leaving the Bassin in Arcachon and minus the jet lag! Add to that the possibility of doing everything by bike, and without a passport... a romantic odyssey around the Bassin of Arcachon, to be experienced just the two of you!
Day 1: from the dunes of the Saharan desert to the charms of the Belle Époque…
Get on your bike and, in just a few pedal strokes, change your scenery! Dive into a bygone era by exploring the Winter Town of Arcachon, like the 19th century European cities. Admire the sumptuous villas, whose architecture tells the story of the great travelers and explorers of the time. Villas, which just by their names, will make you travel: Villa Teresa, Toledo, Brémontier, Trocadero, Alexandre Dumas, Bayard and Athena, for the most extravagant in the neighborhood!
Don't miss the'Sainte-Cécile Observatory, a breathtaking viewpoint to contemplate the immensity of Arcachon. Dive into the heart of a district steeped in history!
After the effort comes the comfort, end your visit with a picnic in the Moorish park which once housed the Moorish casino, ravaged by a fire in 1977. He also invited you to travel: he was " the exact reproduction of the Alhambra in Granada. The upper part was taken entirely from the mosque of Cordoba » according to the practical guide to Arcachon from 1864!
Our advice ⭐ : strolling is good, but understanding is better! And for that, our tour guides are at your service. Fun, historical and even fancy dress visits, find all our guides on Arcachon's Bassin application !
From Arcachon to the Dune du Pilat, there is only one step…or rather one about ten kilometers by bike !
Embark on an adventure worthy of the great Saharan expeditions by climbing the mythical Dune du Pilat ! From the top of his 101 meters, the highest dune in Europe offers a striking panorama: on one side, the Nature Reserve of Banc d'Arguin with the Atlantic as far as the eye can see and the tip of Cap Ferret, on the other the Landes forest.
In terms of travel, by opting for the bike, you will be able to access free at the Dune !
Did you know? On the other side of the globe lies a very similar landscape: the Tottori Dune in Japan!
Our advice ⭐: To experience an even more magical moment, watch the sunset on the Dune: whatever the season, you will enjoy a range of pink for a sunset that you will not soon forget! This is what Jean Hugo (great-grandson of Victor Hugo) wrote on the Bassin of Arcachon: "Fujiyama of this Japanese landscape, the great dune of Pilat. At the end of the day, the sky, the water and the sand were the same pink: one would think one was inside a pearl".
Where to eat, where to sleep?
You are looking for a cozy nest for the night? One small intimate bistro for dinner ? To better organize your stay, find all restaurants and accommodations , which is Arcachon's Bassin mobile application !
Day 2: from the vastness of the Great Lakes to the mosaics of Moorish architecture
After a good night's sleep, head for a morning in nature at the site of Saint-Brice The Quinconces, between Andernos and Ares !
Take a breath of fresh air in the heart of this “green window” linking the forest and the Bassin, with landscapes reminiscent of the Great Lakes region from North America. But here, no chance of coming face to face with a bear 🐻!
On the program, a beautiful diversity of landscapes: salt meadows, reed beds, beaches, mud flats, pine forests…and of course the species that go with it! PS: if the weather permits, Take the opportunity to take a dip!
Our advice ⭐ : explore the site with a subject matter expert: Alexandre, naturalist guide from the Arès Tourist Office!
For lunch, do as the locals do: heading to an oyster hut ! On site: oysters, shrimps, whelks and periwinkles, all accompanied by bread and butter…and dough Also, because here we eat it with oysters! Admit that, you won't find it anywhere else 😉!
From Andernos to Cap Ferret, you will definitely find the cabin of your dreams ! Sea view, on the port, more intimate, they are all to be discovered in Arcachon's Bassin application !
When you think of the Lège-Cap Ferret Peninsula, you might have the image of “Petits Mouchoirs” in mind. But the Presqu'Île is much more than that!
In total, it is made up of 10 villages, each with their own atmosphere.
For your itinerary, we suggest you stop at Village of Grass, a real local gem. As soon as you arrive, you will come across the imposing Chapel of the Algerian Villa, which will transport you straight from the other side of the Mediterranean.
Then stroll through its picturesque flower-filled streets where time seems to have stood still. Colorful shutters, authentic oyster farming district and between two huts: the Bassin of Arcachon as a backdrop!
Our advice ⭐: A true village institution, The Beach Hotel has just reopened its doors after a little makeover. Its story began in 1860, where the hotel was a former dormitory for pine resin workers! Atypical, this spot is a must-see for a drink, a meal or even a night!
