The Best Things To Do At Arcachon Bay, France

Arcachon Bay is a jewel on France’s Atlantic coast. Blessed with superb scenery, outdoor adventures and the country’s best oysters, it offers a host of wonderful things to do.

When Napoleon III made Arcachon an autonomous municipality in 1857, it was little more than a fishing hamlet in a pine forest, thriving on oyster harvests.

Investors soon promoted the sea’s health benefits to the bourgeoisie, and a fashionable seaside resort was born.

Today, Arcachon’s allure captivates.

Framed by Dune du Pilat on one side and Cap Ferret peninsula on the other, the bay is beautiful with powder‑soft beaches, pine forests and azure waters.

This guide covers all the great things to do at Arcachon: relax or get active: surf Atlantic rollers, cycle beachside villages, explore by boat or savour the freshest oysters.

Map: Arcachon Bay

We have included our favourite things to do in Arcachon Bay on the map below so you can hit the ground running when you get to this beautiful corner of France.

Click on the top right corner to open our map in your Google Maps app. Click the star next to the title to save it to your Google account.  

What to Do at Arcachon Bay

1. Dune du Pilat

Just south of Arcachon, Dune du Pilat – the highest sand dune in Europe – rises 100 metres over the Atlantic Ocean in a magnificent sweep of golden blonde.

From the summit, views stretch across Arcachon Bay towards the isthmus of Cap Ferret, with the oyster-rich island of L’Île aux Oiseaux caught amidst the glimmer of the ocean.

With the surf on one side and a luminous pine forest on the other, it’s a magical place to visit at any time, but it is particularly special at dawn or dusk.

In the morning, the sun rises over the pine forest, casting shadows over the dunes, which have been swept free of footprints from the overnight winds.

Morning is a quieter time on the Dune du Pilat, and with the cooler temperatures, it’s perfect for hiking along the undulating ridges of pristine sand.  

At dusk, the dunes glow a vibrant orange as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean. Bring a picnic and your choice of beverage, find a spot on the ridge and absorb one of the best sunsets you could hope to find. 

You can find more detailed information on our guide to visiting Dune du Pilat, including how to get there and the different hiking options.

2. Enjoy the Freshest Oysters at la Test-De-Buch

L’Île aux Oiseaux, or Bird Island, is a small island in the centre of the Arcachon basin and the only salt meadow on the Atlantic Coast untouched by human intervention.

The mineral-rich bay, unique microclimate, and extensive salt meadow create the perfect biodiversity for oysters to thrive.

As a result, Arcachon Bay provides around 10,000 tonnes of oysters every year.

Many oyster farmers open their huts to the public for tasting. Perched on the edge of the bay, often on stilts, the Arcachon degustation huts combine a passion for the local environment with superb views and the freshest of oysters. 

While the huts are spread around the bay, some of the most accessible are at the port of La Teste-de-Buch.

Overlooking the quay in a charming and relaxed setting, take your pick from oysters, periwinkles, whelks, or shrimp. Wash it all down with a glass of white Bordeaux. We loved the local attitude and small selection at La Cabane Du Pirelon.

After lunch, explore the quay, then take a stroll over the salt meadows of Pres Salés Ouest, looking back at the cabins over the water.

3. Cycle on the Cap Ferret Isthmus

Opposite Arcachon and across the mouth of the bay, the thin isthmus of Cap Ferret has miles of desolate beaches pounded by the Atlantic surf.

The drive from Arcachon around to Cap Ferret can take around 2 hours, and much longer in the peak summer period.

The best way to explore the headland is to take the boat shuttle from Arcachon to Cap Ferret, then hire a bike to explore at your own pace.

The cycle lanes are quiet, the residential areas chic, the beaches untouched, and the villages picturesque. Take a break by grabbing lunch at a local oyster farmer’s hut overlooking the water.

Don’t miss L’Herbe, which, in our opinion, is the most interesting village on the isthmus.

Sandy lanes connect tightly packed colourful beach houses, and there are several huts perched on the water for lunch. We also recommend a quick stop at the ornate Chapel of the Algerian Villa, and make sure you allow enough time to swim on a secluded beach.

There are plenty of bike hire shops near Jetée de Bélisaire (see our map below) where the boat docks. The tourist office at Cap Ferret has maps of the routes.

4. See Arcachon Bay on a Boat Tour

One of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of Arcachon Bay is via a boat tour. Various group excursions focus on different areas of the bay, each with its own unique charms.

In the centre of the bay, Île aux Oiseaux or Bird Island, is the only salt meadow on the Atlantic Coast that has never been touched by humans.

It’s home to 150 different species of birds and equally special plant life.

On its edge, two cabins (Cabins Tchanquées) perched high on wooden stilts were originally built to house guards to protect the oyster farms.

Today, they are an iconic image of Arcachon, and a popular focal point of boat tours.

The other option is to hire a private captain on a Pinasse.

Meaning pine in French, Pinasses are boats crafted from the local forests that allow you to explore the bay on a tailored schedule. Visit the oyster farms, hop off and meander through some of the villages on the isthmus, pick a nice spot to stop for lunch or swim from the deck.

L’Entre Deux Events organises private cruises for up to 12 people, with prices starting at €275 for 2 hours and €100 per hour thereafter. The captain, Alex, has a wealth of knowledge to share about the bay.

5. Surf at Plage de la Salie Nord

Just south of Arcachon, the powdery white sands of Plage de la Salie-Nord are one of the most beautiful beaches we’ve encountered in Europe.

On a sunny day, the turquoise waters shimmer as Atlantic rollers rise majestically before breaking onto the gently sloping sands. It’s an excellent place to take a surfing lesson.

Seven Seas runs a surf school from the hut on the beach every day during school and public holidays.

Lessons can also be arranged on any day between March and November. We had a great two hours, and by the end, our instructor, Lucca, had us standing and riding the waves all the way to the shore.

Even if you’re not up for a surfing class, Plage de la Salie-Nord is a wonderful beach to visit.

With minimal facilities, it’s often less busy than you would expect a beach of this quality to be.

It’s a 30-minute drive from Arcachon (buses run Apr-Sep), then a 10-minute walk from the car park.

6. Swim, Sail & Sup at Lake Cazaux  

Just south of Arcachon, the placid, shallow waters and idyllic setting of Cazaux Lake is the perfect place to connect with nature in this beautiful part of France.

Surrounded by several gently sloping sandy beaches and overlooked by restaurants and cafés tucked into the trees, Cazaux is a wilderness area with just the right amount of facilities for a fun day out.

Laze on one of the beaches, take a dip in the water, and relax in front of a cabin so you can grab a beer just in time to watch the sunset.

If you’re feeling more active, take to the water in a sailboat, catamaran, or kayak and venture further around the lake. The still and shallow waters are also the perfect place to try stand-up paddleboarding.   

The Cercle Voile Cazaux Lac Sailing club rents equipment and short wetsuits by the hour or for the whole day.

The nearby La Caza Nomade serves innovative tapas in a cool atmosphere at a reclaimed service station.

7. Spend an Evening in Arcachon

Arcachon town is more than just a hopping off place to explore the bay.

The sweeping beachfront promenade, lined with cafes and restaurants, is a lovely place for an early-evening wander and a pre-dinner aperitif.  

A few streets back from the port (on Boulevard de La Plage – D650), a range of independent shops has all the produce you need to fill an artisanal picnic basket.

Find a traditional Saucisson sec, a tasty pâté, local cheeses and of course, a bottle of wine to wash it all down. After gathering your selection, head to Dune du Pilat for a sunset picnic.

Alternatively, stick around Arcachon for a livelier evening.

For a good value dinner, join the locals at Le Bistro du Port. The chalkboard menu and busy service give it that French bistro feel, bursting with joie de vivre.

Planning & Logistics

Getting There

Arcachon lies in southwest France’s Nouvelle‑Aquitaine region, 66 km from Bordeaux. It’s popular with locals and tourists, and it has excellent transport links.

By Plane

Bordeaux‑Mérignac International Airport (BOD) has regular flights from across Europe.

A direct bus (line 1) connects the airport to Bordeaux St‑Jean station (~40 min), from where hourly TER trains reach Arcachon. Major car hire companies operate at the airport.

By Train

France’s high‑speed TGV network connects many cities to Bordeaux St‑Jean station, and then a quick TER train gets you to Arcachon.

Here are some common trains to Arcachon.

• Bordeaux St-Jean to Arcachon: ~40–56 min | 26 trains per day
• Paris to Arcachon: 3 hours | 15 trains per day | connect in Bordeaux
• Biarritz To Archachon: 2 hours, 17 minutes | 11 trains per day | connect in Bordeaux

How to Get Around Arcachon Bay

While hiring a car is the most convenient way to explore Arcachon Bay, if you base yourself in the town, it’s certainly not essential.

The boat shuttle carries schoolchildren and tourists year-round between Arcachon and the Cape Ferret isthmus, with additional destinations operating in the summer months.

Buses run from Arcachon to Dune du Pilat (Ligne 1) all year round and to Plage de la Salie Nord from April to September (Ligne 1).

There is a train from Arcachon to La Teste-de-Buch, or it’s only a quick hop in a taxi. In the peak months of July and August, extra bus services and a Dune Express are added.

Finally, there are plenty of bike hire shops and a plethora of cycling routes to take advantage. In half an hour you can get from Arcachon to either La Test-de-Buch or Dune de Pilat, and in about 1 hour you could be at Cazaux Lake or Plage de la Salie Nord..

All in all, it’s a pretty good destination for those wanting to use public transport.

Where to Stay

There are great accommodation options around Arcachon to suit all budgets, but here are a few of our suggestions.

If you intend to visit in July and August, we suggest you book a long way in advance as Arcachon Bay is a popular destination for locals.

• T Boutique Hotel (€€) – Right next to Arcachon harbour, this good-value 3-star hotel has modern, clean rooms that have been freshly renovated. Perfect walkable location near the town centre, train station and beach.
• Hôtel Ville D’hiver (€€€) – A secluded luxury haven in central Arcachon, transformed from a sewage works (old water tank now the pool). Just 10 minutes’ walk to the station, 15 to the seafront.
• Hôtel La Co(o)rniche (€€€€€) – Philippe Starck-designed 5-star chic backed by forest, with infinity pool views over Dune du Pilat and Atlantic Ocean terrace.
• La Guitoune (€€€) – Cool 70s-themed hotel with vintage film posters and diner-style bar. Short walk to the beach or 15 minutes to Le Moulleau’s pretty sands.

Best Time to Visit Arcachon Bay

The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of May–June and September–October. The temperatures are lovely, the summer crowds have reduced, and you’ll pick up cheaper hotels. Most attractions are still open.

Autumn often brings an Indian summer, with oysters at their tastiest.

Summer offers prime beach weather but brings busy beaches and slower traffic.

In winter (5–10°C), Arcachon becomes a striking landscape to admire rather than a party beach town.