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It's difficult to choose which must-sees to experience during your vacation.
There are 1001 ways to discover the Arcachon Bay, and here is a selection of the 14 essentials.

The Dune of Pilat

The essentials - MiniCards Dune du Pilat - Bassin d'Arcachon
The essentials - Dune du Pilat intro - Bassin d'Arcachon

Certainly the most famous sand dune in the world, you have to climb to its summit in order to realize its grandeur! A place to discover differently in each season.

The essentials - Mini Cabanes Cards - Bassin d'Arcachon

The stilt cabins of the Île aux Oiseaux (Bird Island)

The essentials - Cabanes Tchanquees 2 - Bassin d'Arcachon

Some people have eyes only for them, and you will understand why when discovering the famous and must-see stilt cabins on l’Ile aux Oiseaux (Bird Island). Visit them with a sea kayak to get as close as possible or discover them on a boat excursion.

The Winter Town

The essentials - Winter City MiniCards - Bassin d'Arcachon
The essentials - winter city - Bassin d'Arcachon

In a poetic manner, the neighbourhoods of Arcachon are split up according to the seasons. In the Winter Town, the maze-like alleys take you on a journey to discover the beautiful houses and villas from the 19th century.

The essentials - MiniCards Lighthouse and Point - Bassin d'Arcachon

The Lighthouse and the Tip of Cap Ferret

The essentials - Lighthouse N0491 - Bassin d'Arcachon

Here are two mythical and essential places to better understand the geography of the Arcachon Bay. First, visit the top of the Lighthouse before heading to the tip of Cap Ferret and observing where the ocean water meets the water of the Arcachon Bay. of the Lighthouse, before going to La Pointe and observing the meeting between the water of the ocean and that of the Bassin of Arcachon.

The Arguin Sandbank

The essentials - MiniCards Banc d'Arguin - Bassin d'Arcachon
The essentials - LE BANC DARGUIN - Bassin d'Arcachon

How about spending the day on Arguin, in the heart of the Arcachon Bay? Set sail for the Banc d'Arguin National Nature Reserve, one of the natural gems of the Arcachon Bay!

The essentials - MiniCards Thrown Away - Bassin d'Arcachon

The piers

The essentials - Moulleau jetty - Bassin d'Arcachon

Highly appreciated by locals and vacationers, the must-visit piers of the Arcachon Bay are a hit! Whether it's summer or winter, take the time to explore them during a stroll and breathe in the salty air of the Bay.

Be tempted by a water activity: canoeing, paddle boarding…

Oysters villages and ports

The essentials - MiniCards Ports and villages - Bassin d'Arcachon
The essentials - port of Biganos 12 - Bassin d'Arcachon

Gujan-Mestras, Andernos, l'Aiguillon, Cap Ferret, l'Herbe, le Canon, or Biganos, some names might ring a bell for you... All of these places are perfect for taking a stroll, savoring a few oysters, and meeting oyster farmers who will gladly share their passion with you.

The essentials - Mini Beach Cards - Bassin d'Arcachon

Beaches

The essentials - Arcachon basin beaches - Bassin d'Arcachon

There are plenty of choices for relaxing on a beach. Discover all of the spots available to you on the Arcachon Bay.

The ornithological reserve of Le Teich

The essentials - MiniCards Bird Reserve - Bassin d'Arcachon
The essentials - Le Teich bird sanctuary, Arcachon basin 2 - Bassin d'Arcachon

Thousands of wild birds! Some years 300,000 birds can pass through the Teich Bird Reserve on the Arcachon Bay. A bucolic escapade awaits you in the heart of the Ornithological Reserve.

The essentials - MiniCards Domaines Certes - Bassin d'Arcachon

The Domain of Certes and Graveyron

The essentials - Domaine de Certes Audenge - Bassin d'Arcachon

These beautiful wild spots in the heart of the Arcachon Bay can be discovered during a leisurely walks. You can choose from two loops of 5km or 14km, giving you the chance to observe the local nature or take a stroll through the port of Audenge…

The salt meadows of Arès-Lège

The essentials - MiniCards Presales - Bassin d'Arcachon
The essentials - pres sales ares 17 - Bassin d'Arcachon

After the maritime blue and green if the natural spots, you will discover new contrasts at the Prés Salés (Salt Meadows). In the summer, the place dresses up in ochre tones, giving it a savannah-like appearance. Magical and unique!

The essentials - Mini Boat Cards - Bassin d'Arcachon

Boat excursions

The essentials - cabin boat ride - Bassin d'Arcachon

Let yourself be guided to spend a moment of real vacation! The sailors will tell you about their Bassin peppered with anecdotes. You can also privatize the boats. Simple crossing or cruise, everything is possible!

The markets of the Bay

The essentials - Mini Maps of the Marches - Bassin d'Arcachon
The essentials - Arcachon 3 e1548080195303 - Bassin d'Arcachon

Each town has its own market, ambiance, colors and scents… Around the Arcachon Bay, markets are full of life all year round.

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