Did you know that just 55 kilometers southwest of Bordeaux—about an hour and a half by car or a short hour by train—you can enjoy the sea, the beach, eat delicious oysters in an authentic tasting hut, and even discover a real blonde sand dune? This is your perfect day: a day trip from Bordeaux to Arcachon!
Arcachon is still little known to us, but the Bordeaux bourgeoisie and wider French society have frequented the place for over a century. Formerly, the town was renowned for the therapeutic virtues of its oceanic climate, as Arcachon was then the preferred place of convalescence for tuberculosis patients. Several aristocrats, architects, and great designers still have a second home there, and most villas remain family properties, but you can still find charming hotels, guesthouses, and campsites to spend the night without breaking the bank.
The weather here is generally pleasant, making it an ideal escape during the summer months.
Is Arcachon worth visiting for a day trip from Bordeaux? Absolutely!
Absolutely romantic, the Arcachon Bay is configured into four main districts named after the four seasons: the Summer Town for its beaches, the Autumn Town for its fishing and yachting ports, the Spring Town for its large pine trees and second homes, and finally the Ville d’Hiver, a protected site, where you’ll find the famous Arcachon villas from the late 19th century. This diversity offers several beautiful sites to discover.
These different districts are connected by a 220km network of cycling paths, with multiple bike rental points, which remains the best way to get around.
Oyster tasting at Cabane de l’Aiguillon
Oyster farmers from father to daughter and winners of several awards, La Cabane de l’Aiguillon offers open-air tastings from May to September, from 10 AM to 8 PM. You sit at wooden tables to enjoy fresh oysters, naturally cultivated in the Bassin d’Arcachon, while admiring the sea and the fishing boats of the Autumn Town. Traditionally here, oysters are eaten with bread, butter, pâté, lemon, and white wine! They also serve platters of shrimp, clams, and whelks. A pure delight! You’ll be able to observe the oyster beds nearby.
Note that if you stay in the Arcachon Bay longer, you can even book a boat trip on a traditional “pinasse” with an oyster farmer to experience the oyster harvest alongside them, an authentic charm. You’ll have enough time to savor the local flavors.
Boat trip on the Arcachon Basin, around attractions like Île aux Oiseaux and Cap Ferret
Opt for a guided tour of the Bird Island (Île aux Oiseaux) with its famous “tchanquées” cabins where the first fishermen and oyster farmers of the region camped at high tide. Boat departures are regular and take place from the Thiers jetty in the Summer Town. This outing provides a beautiful perspective of the Silver Coast and the region, highlighting the history and ecological aspects of the Arcachon Basin. You’ll even skim the shore of the prestigious Cap Ferret. Just buy your tickets online or 2 hours in advance at the dock. These boat trips are a must-do to appreciate the region. You can also take boat excursions in the famous Arcachon Basin or to Cap Ferret, two trips that will give you breathtaking views!
Walk on the Dune du Pilat or Banc d’Arguin
In Arcachon, you’ll find a true natural sand dune. Its height constantly varies with the wind, but the Dune du Pilat remains the highest sand dune in Europe—2.7km long by 500m wide—and offers a panoramic view of the region, plus one of the most spectacular perspectives of the sea, especially at sunset. You access it on foot, via a long staircase that goes to the summit. It’s a unique way to connect with the water’s edge.
As for the Banc d’Arguin, it’s a stunning and ephemeral natural reserve, constantly evolving with the tides. It is therefore ephemeral by nature! Accessible only by boat, this site offers a unique experience of golden sand and pure sea air, allowing you to admire panoramic views of the Dune du Pilat and Cap Ferret. This natural beauty is perfect for enjoying the sun.
Aperitif at La Co(o)rniche
Another must-do seafood restaurant near the Dune, La Corniche was a hunting lodge for aristocrats in the 1930s. Revived in 2010 thanks to the magic of designer Philippe Starck, La Co(o)rniche is now Arcachon’s most popular hotel restaurant. Even if you’re not a hotel resident, you can enjoy an aperitif or a meal there. The place is magical and frequented by both visitors and locals. The atmosphere is also lively, with François Charbières, a local figure better known as “Chacha,” at the helm.
La Co(o)rniche will perfectly conclude your dream day in Arcachon and, like me, will make you want to return for at least a whole weekend! The possibilities for a memorable time here are endless.
What else is there to do in Arcachon Bay, in France?
Want to linger by the sea? No problem! There are many original possibilities for activities to do in Arcachon Bay and the surrounding areas, including between oyster villages, trips on traditional pinasses or vedettes, luxury experiences, lush gardens… The choice is yours!
- The salt marshes of Arcachon present a unique landscape with ocher hues, transformed by the tides and populated by migratory birds.
- The chapel of Villa Algérienne, a 19th-century vestige, reveals surprising architecture in the heart of the Winter Town district.
- The Teich Ornithological Park is home to over 300 species of birds in a preserved 120-hectare ecosystem, nestled within a large pine forest.
- The Cap Ferret lighthouse offers an exclusive nocturnal experience during full moons, with stargazing.
- The secret historical gardens of Villa Rothschild hide rare essences and period sculptures unknown to the public.
- The Leyre Delta, also known as “Little Amazonia,” offers a unique experience with its preserved wetland landscape. It’s ideal for canoe or kayak trips along the water’s edge, allowing you to observe exceptional flora and fauna.
- The beaches in Arcachon, particularly those in the Summer Town, offer an ideal setting for swimming and relaxation with their fine sand and calm waters. Other notable beaches include Plage de la Corniche, Plage des Abatilles, and Plage Pereire. For a truly peaceful experience, seek out a secluded beach just a minute walk from the main areas. This area of southwest France truly is a beacht gem right on the Atlantic Ocean.
