The Arcachon Basin, nestled in the hollow of the Bay of Biscay, constitutes a lagoon remarkable for its landscapes and its natural heritage, whose environmental and human issues are supported by the Marine Natural Park.

Indeed, this tidal lagoon, one of the few in Europe, is in constant motion. Exchanges with the ocean, fresh water courses and the movement of sandbanks create a mosaic of fragile landscapes: Leyre delta, salt meadows, shell mudflats, channels, beaten dunes, Cap Ferret peninsula, sandy islets including the Banc d’Arguin at the entrance to the Basin, eelgrass mudflats, etc.

This fascinating world offers us multiple landscapes: oyster ports, fine sandy beaches, pine forests, a renowned peninsula and famous dune... and offers you multiple activities each season.

The Pyla Dune

Essentially known for its exceptional dimensions which make it the highest dune in Europe, the Pilat dune is also illustrated by the beauty and diversity of its natural environment between ocean and forest. It is accessible all year round via paid parking, which contributes to the preservation of the site, and for which you can see attendance in real time.

The tchanqué cabins of Bird Island

From the piers of the basin, it is possible to embark on a boat trip around the Oiseaux Island, a wild territory of a thousand hectares in the middle of the Basin, and the cabins which have become symbols of the Basin: they owe their name to the Gascon " chancas” which means “mounted on stilts”.

Arcachon and the Winter Town district

Arcachon, a historic seaside town, is ideal for strolling: get lost in the streets of this picturesque district in search of the most beautiful 19th century villas and stroll through the Mauresque Park to the Ste Cécile Observatory, which offers panoramic views of the city.

The Cap Ferret peninsula

From Lège to the tip of Cap-Ferret, ten villages and as many atmospheres make up this unique place. Not to be missed: a visit to the lighthouse for a breathtaking view, an oyster tasting in the typical oyster village of L'Herbe, the Algerian chapel, the Piraillan reservoirs, the tip or a bike ride on the cycle paths in the dune forest!

The Teich Ornithological Reserve

The Teich Ornithological Reserve is a preserved natural space, designed to accommodate wild birds and encourage their observation by the public. 110 hectares of woodland, reedbeds, meadows, maritime marshes and lagoons spread from the continental sector to the maritime shores of the Arcachon basin: immersion in nature guaranteed!

Oyster ports

On the Arcachon Basin, the ports and oyster villages are part of the scenery, and each has its charm and personality. Set out to discover them and taste some oysters with your feet in the water among the oyster farmers, stroll along the colorful huts or even admire the comings and goings of the plates.