Summer vacation is over... but the late season is just beginning! Take advantage of the mild autumn days, just after the bustle of summer and before the enchanting calm of winter, to discover a new side of the city, on foot or by bike.
Why not start your walk with the natural site of Quinconces-Saint Brice?
This protected area between Andernos and Arès presents an astonishing mosaic of landscapes, natural habitats and species, between basin and forest. Shaped since the 19th century by activities such as fish farming, grazing, logging and sand mining, it is now the property of the Conservatoire du Littoral in order to preserve its fauna and flora, and is freely accessible to the public throughout the year. year.
We discover several bodies of water there: the old fish tanks, a large pond supplied with fresh water from the Cirès river, and also the St Brice reservoirs, one being a swimming pool and the other a larger pond. natural environment where you can see lagoon pipefish, small marine fish from the seahorse family.
Along the Conche de Saint-Brice, the landscape changes, and as far as the eye can see, there are salt meadows, dune grasslands and salt mudflats. The numerous maritime pines with unusual shapes are renewed by natural sowing. The neighboring Coulin forest offers a beautiful diversity of woodland, between pine forest and oak grove.
Such a walk whets the appetite! Go and taste in the Andernos restaurants all the culinary flavors of the Arcachon Basin and elsewhere. Here, there is something for everyone: from traditional cuisine to a quick burger, including the bistro atmosphere and the essential seafood products, your taste buds will thank you!
Then go to the pedestrian streets in the heart of the city center : our merchants welcome you all year round. Enjoy a wide range of ready-to-wear collections, accessories and high-quality products. A good opportunity to stock up on local items and gifts!
Finally take a big breath of fresh air and enjoy a unique point of view over the entire Arcachon basin from the pier : you can even see the cabins with the help of telescopes. Explanatory panels, located along the esplanade, present the fauna and flora of the Arcachon Basin, the essential historical sites of Andernos, Arcachon or Cap-Ferret, the oyster villages, the tides, etc.
Enjoy this panorama from the pier, the beach or the terraces of cafes and restaurants, and admire the incredible sunsets which set the sky ablaze daily; we don't know a better way to end the day!
The second day begins under the sign of gluttony: the Andernos covered market, a true showcase of the region's gastronomy in the heart of the city center, welcomes you all year round from Tuesday to Sunday (every day in July and August). There you will find the essential seafood products but also the flavors of the Landes and Gironde regions.
On Sunday morning, also enjoy a outdoor market for local artisans, creators and producers : the ideal time to go local shopping, stroll with family or chat over a coffee!
Then head to an emblematic and unique place in Andernos: the oyster port with its colorful and flowery cabins, a place to live and work in a rigorous and exciting profession.
Peckish? Meet in the tastings to taste the oysters directly from the producer. Here, the formula is unique: oysters, seafood, pâté and white wine* to enjoy while enjoying the breathtaking view of the port and the basin. Are you more of a fish person? Visit the fishermen's huts and restaurants to discover the catch of the day, to be enjoyed on the terrace!
* Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation.
The day continues under the pines and facing the pond, Bétey beach. This family beach will delight both children who will enjoy its playground and adults who will laze on the warm sand. Swimming at high tide, fishing on foot and sandcastle competitions at low tide, it's the ideal place to spend a relaxing afternoon!
Finally at nightfall, immortalize the flamboyant colors of the sunset over the Arcachon basin while already thinking about the next getaway...