Things to do in Arcachon

Bonjour, Pick-up and drop off at your adress hotel or accommodation, we send you a message one day before the tour to confirm the time pick-up adress and the recommended clothing. The tour can be private according to the demand, I need a minimum of 2 people. If you are 2 for the Tour the tour is possible and a family group or friends group the tour is private. One stop : Dune of Pilat (one hour drive from Bordeaux) Welcome to the highest European Dune of sand named Pilat Dune. Thanks to its height 106.6 m you will enjoy the most beautiful view of all the Arcachon Bay. You will see the oysters farmers, the sandbanks, the Cap-Ferret lighthouse with the Atlantic Ocean, the Arcachon Bay and the Landaise Forest. We stay between 45 minutes to more 1 hour depends time to climb the Dune. Second stop : La Teste-de-buch Oysters Port We will invite you to discover a place not known to tourists, with many oyster huts and local oyster farmers. Tasting dozen oysters accompanied by a glass of wine. The port is an authentic, typical place with many fishers houses and place protect from Mass tourism. You can choose between 6 at 12 Oysters per person with a cup of white or rosé wine and if you do not like the Oysters you have some shrimps, whelk, winkle or paté (terrine). For the people do not like the Oysters and Sea food, before the tasting you will stop in a Bakery or pastry to take some food to enjoy with the group (include in your price). Last stop : Arcachon town (1 hour Free time) Free time to enjoy the beach, swim, sunbath, take a Coffee, Beer, Ice cream or shopping. And before to leave you will see the old Villas of Arcachon. Return at your adress pick-up in Bordeaux (one hour drive)

Depart Bordeaux at 9:00 AM and take a 50-minutes drive to the majestic Dune of Pilat at Pyla-sur-Mer in Arcachon Bay. Climb the highest sand dune in Europe for a panoramic view (known locally as the “Bassin”) of an inland sea open to the Atlantic Ocean. You will be rewarded by a glass of white wine! Marvel at the splendid colors of the lagoon, and take in the views of the Landes Forest from the summit. Then, it's time to to do a sightseeing tour of the winter town of Arcachon ! Take pictures of those eccentric houses with a unique 19th century architecture. Learn why all the french upper class wanted to build a house in this town. Famous for its oysters, Arcachon Bay is known for its mild climate and exceptional natural beauty. Enjoy a lunch of some fresh oysters or shrimps served with a glass of white wine from a local producer of the “Bassin.” Drive back to Bordeaux and get dropped off in the city center at approximately 3:00 PM.

We leave at 9:00 a.m. directly from your hotel or apartment in Bordeaux. The vehicle is comfortable, hybrid, and quiet. It is just your group (1 to 4 people); this is not a shared tour. During the trip, you will have the opportunity to get to know each other and hear many local anecdotes about the region. First stop (about 50 minutes' drive): the Dune du Pilat. We'll climb together along a small natural path known to locals, far from the crowds (we'll climb in the sand, no stairs). At the top, you'll find landscapes worthy of the Sahara and a 360° view of the ocean, the Landes forest, the sandbanks, the Cap Ferret peninsula, and, of course, the inland sea of the Arcachon Basin. I'll tell you the history of the Dune, its nature, and its legends. I'll show you the Dune as only the locals really know it. Next, we'll drive through Arcachon's Winter Town. It's a neighborhood full of extravagant 19th-century villas. We'll make several photo stops in front of the Alexandre Dumas villa and the Toledo villa, and admire the neighborhood's unique architecture. Then we head to a typical oyster port, known locally as the "port de la coccinelle" (ladybird port). After a short walk through the salt marshes (typical landscapes of the basin), we stroll among the colorful wooden huts, where I explain how oysters are farmed here—a fascinating tradition that is as important as wine in Bordeaux. Lunch on your own (not included) by the water: oysters, shrimp, or pâté, with a glass of white or rosé wine (or water from the local Abatilles spring). A peaceful setting with a view of the basin and a local atmosphere. To finish your meal, we can stop at an excellent local bakery for a sweet treat: canelé, pastis landais, croissant or other specialties, with coffee or tea. This is the sweet break (not included). We will return to your accommodation in Bordeaux around 3pm. This is a 100% private tour for 1 to 4 people maximum, which we will tailor to your pace and preferences.

Over 3 hours, your local guide takes you on a walk to discover the secret places of the villages. Visit an oyster farm, ask everything you want to know about oysters and taste !  Listen to your guide tell you many anecdotes, in French or English, as they introduce you to the local producers. Each tasting will be accompanied by a drink, a glass of wine, coffee, or tea. You can choose to have the food tour in Cap Ferret village or Le Canon village.  Enjoy one sweet tasting with a famous specialty of the Cap Ferret peninsula, a smoked fish tasting and an oyster tasting. Your guide will be happy to share his knowledge about the region and its people and will give you tips regarding the best places to visit on the peninsula of Cap Ferret.

1.55 pm: meet in front of the Cité du Vin (Wine Museum). Your guide will welcome you and explain the day's programme. 2pm: departure. We will start with a stop in Gujan-Mestras, the oyster capital of the Arcachon bay. You will be able to taste oysters, accompanied by a glass of white wine (shrimps or pâté in option). During your tasting, your guide will explain to you how oysters are raised and what are their specificities in the Arcachon bay. We will then head to the Pilat dune. We will climb the dune on foot (staircase available) to discover a breathtaking panorama of Cap Ferret, the mouth of the basin and the Arguin sandbank. Your guide will sharpen your eye for this original ecosystem and the history of the area. 7pm: return to Bordeaux (+/- 15 minutes).

Experience an unforgettable sunset over the Atlantic Ocean from the top of Europe’s highest sand dune – the iconic Dune du Pilat – during a private evening excursion from Bordeaux. Enjoy a guided walk to the top of the dune, a sunset picnic, and a scenic drive. This unique tour is designed for travelers seeking a peaceful and immersive nature experience, and a truly local experience. This is a 100% private tour, no shared van, no other people will be added to your booking. Be picked up directly from Bordeaux in a comfortable, air-conditioned hybrid vehicle. During the 50 minute drive to the coast, your guide will tell local stories and give you information and answer your questions about the region, its history, landscapes, and local traditions. Upon arrival at the foot of the Dune du Pilat, begin a gentle climb and guided walk to the top. The walk is easy and accessible to anyone in good health and includes breaks and storytelling along the way. Once at the summit, be rewarded with an exceptional 360° view: the immense pine forest of Les Landes on one side, the Banc d’Arguin (sandbank) Nature Reserve below, the endless Atlantic Ocean, and of course the inland sea of the Bassin d'Arcachon on the other. This is an absolute must and a memory that will last long! At golden hour, your guide will set up a delicious sunset picnic: fresh French baguettes, a selection of French cheeses, and French wine to enjoy while comfy seated on the dune, facing the sunset. A magical and peaceful moment to connect with nature – and each other. (Glasses and cutleries are provided). After sunset, your guide will pick you up to descend the dune and return to Bordeaux, arriving back in the evening with unforgettable memories and photos.

The city of Arcachon is divided into 4 districts: the summer city including the center, the winter city with 19th-century villas, autumn city with ports and spring city with its sandy beaches. Take a walk in the summer city and enjoy the lively atmosphere of streets full of restaurants, painters and cafés. Contemplate the stunning facade of the Casino and the gorgeous square "Place des Marquises". Climb to the Parc Mauresque for a beautiful panoramic view of the city. The park will take you to Arcachon's winter district, which has been designated as the most beautiful. Admire the wonderful facades of the huge eccentric villas from the 19th century. Stroll down the calm, green streets that contrast with the animated city center. Learn about the history of Arcachon from your guide and customize this private tour according to your own preferences.

Book a private transfer service in Bordeaux and the Gironde region. Choose from a simple transfer or a car rental by the hour. Enjoy a professional and punctual service with a local driver. Choose from two types of services: simple transfers or car rentals by the hour. Book a private transfer service in Bordeaux and the Gironde region. Enjoy a professional and punctual service with a local driver. All trips are made in a high-end black sedan, and vans are also available to meet your specific needs. Get excellent advice from your local driver on how to visit the city. Choose from a simple transfer or a car rental by the hour.