Arcachon: The Complete Guide

Arcachon, located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, is a stunning seaside resort town known for its beautiful beaches and the iconic Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from surfing and swimming to hiking and cycling along the coastline. The town is surrounded by lush pine forests and offers serene views of the Arcachon Bay, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and beachgoers alike.

In addition to its natural beauty, Arcachon is also home to a vibrant town center filled with charming shops, cafés, and seafood restaurants. The town’s relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for leisurely strolls along the promenade, where visitors can enjoy fresh local oysters or simply take in the stunning views of the bay. Whether you’re looking to unwind on the beach, explore the nearby parks, or enjoy fresh seafood, Arcachon provides the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

History of Arcachon

Early History of Arcachon

The area now known as Arcachon was initially a small fishing village, with the region being sparsely populated. The natural resources of the surrounding land and sea were key to the early livelihoods of its inhabitants. Fishing, maritime activities, and salt extraction were significant, but the area did not see major settlement or growth until much later.

Arcachon in the 19th Century

The 19th century saw the development of Arcachon as a health resort, attracting visitors due to its mild climate and therapeutic properties. The town began to grow in popularity with the establishment of spas and seaside villas. This period marked the start of a transformation for Arcachon from a modest fishing village into a fashionable holiday destination, particularly among the French elite.

Arcachon in the 20th Century

In the early 20th century, Arcachon became increasingly known as a resort town. The construction of luxury hotels, casinos, and villas along the waterfront solidified its reputation as a popular destination for wealthy vacationers. The development of the Dune du Pilat and surrounding beach areas brought even more tourism to the region. Despite challenges such as World War II and economic fluctuations, Arcachon maintained its status as a key resort town.

Arcachon in the 21st Century

In modern times, Arcachon continues to be a beloved destination, attracting tourists with its combination of natural beauty, history, and relaxation. The region has invested in preserving its natural landscapes, such as the Dune du Pilat and Arcachon Bay, while also modernizing its facilities for visitors. Today, Arcachon is known not only for its beaches but also for its thriving oyster industry and its close proximity to major cities like Bordeaux.

Visiting Arcachon for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Arcachon on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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1. Parc Mauresque

Parc Mauresque’s terraced gardens and Moorish-inspired pavilions offer a shaded retreat overlooking the bay. Wander winding paths past ornamental pools, exotic plantings and Belle Époque statues while enjoying sweeping views of Arcachon’s rooftops and lighthouse. Benches beside the grand belvederes invite lingering over the landscaped vistas, making it a favorite spot for afternoon strolls or family picnics.

The park’s elevated terraces also host occasional open-air concerts in summer, bringing string quartets and jazz ensembles to the leafy lawns. Children delight in the fountain sprays and hidden grottoes, while photographers capture the interplay of ornate architecture and lush greenery against the water.

• Entry cost: Free
• Opening times: Daily 8 h 30 – 19 h (seasonal variation)

2. Musée Aquarium d’Arcachon

Housed in a charming seaside pavilion, the Aquarium presents local marine life across nine immersive tanks. Observe starfish cling to rocky outcrops, sea urchins in motion and schools of colourful bay fish, while touch pools let you handle shellfish under guidance. Rotating exhibits delve into topics like oyster farming and coastal conservation, keeping repeat visits fresh.

Interpretive panels explain the ebb and flow of the bay’s tidal ecosystems, and a small theatre screens short documentaries on marine research in the Bay of Arcachon. The venue’s café overlooks the water, offering light snacks and views of low-tide mudflats alive with wading birds.

• Entry cost: 9 € (adult) / 6 € (child)
• Opening times: Daily 10 h – 18 h

3. Jetée Thiers

The Jetée Thiers pier stretches 200 m into the bay, crowned with benches and vintage lampposts ideal for contemplative strolls. From its end, you can watch oyster barges and fishing boats navigate the shallow waters, while tides reveal silver mudflats dotted with shellfish beds. Kiosks near the shore serve ice cream and refreshments, making it a popular late-afternoon gathering spot.

Sunrise visits reward early birds with pastel skies mirrored on the wet sands, and photographers find dramatic compositions in the pier’s symmetry. In summer evenings, the walkway glows under subtle lighting, offering a romantic promenade for couples.

• Entry cost: Free
• Opening times: Accessible at all hours

4. Plage Pereire

Plage Pereire’s expansive golden sands are backed by dunes and maritime pines, perfect for families and water-sport enthusiasts. Lifeguards patrol the beach during peak season, and rental stands offer paddleboards, kayaks and pedal boats for exploring the gentle waves. Shaded picnic areas under the trees provide relief from the sun, while beachside cafés serve light meals and gelato.

Even outside summer, the long shoreline makes for invigorating morning runs or leisurely seaside walks. Birdwatchers scan the tidal flats for herons and sandpipers, and the low dunes offer sweeping views toward Cap Ferret’s far bank.

• Entry cost: Free
• Opening times: Beach open year-round; lifeguards May–September

5. Ville d’Hiver Architecture Tour

Arcachon’s Ville d’Hiver (“Winter City”) district reveals grand villas built in the late 19th century by Bordelais aristocrats. Wander tree-lined avenues to admire eclectic façades blending Gothic turrets, Moorish arches and Swiss-style balconies. Informational plaques on key properties explain architectural styles and the social history behind each mansion.

An audio guide from the tourist office enriches the self-guided tour with anecdotes about past residents and design motifs. In spring, magnolia blooms and wisteria drape wrought-iron railings, adding a seasonal flourish to the ornate exteriors.

• Entry cost: Free self-guided; audio guide ~5 €
• Opening times: Tour available year-round

6. Arcachon – Île aux Oiseaux Boat Excursion

Departing from Quai Maubec, half-day cruises circle the sandbank known as “Bird Island,” where stilted oyster-farm cabins perch above the mudflats. Guides point out nesting eider ducks, cormorants and herons as you glide through narrow channels at low tide. The shifting sands sculpt a mosaic of tidal channels that change hour by hour.

Photo stops and narration on oyster cultivation highlight the traditional livelihoods of Bay of Arcachon communities. Bring binoculars for close-up views of seabirds and keep an eye out for seals basking on hidden sandbars.

• Entry cost: 20 € (adult) / 12 € (child)
• Opening times: April–October, multiple daily departures

7. Corniche du Moulleau Walkway

The Corniche du Moulleau follows sea-walls and dunes from Le Moulleau beach back toward central Arcachon. Well-marked paths thread between pines and sand, with benches positioned at scenic overlooks above the Atlantic surf. Interpretive panels describe dune-stabilization efforts and native flora, offering insight into coastal ecology.

Along the route, stop at village-style squares where cafés beckon for coffee or an afternoon apéritif with water views. Surf-watchers gather to spot wind-surfers and kite-boarders carving across the breakers just offshore.

• Entry cost: Free
• Opening times: Open daily

8. Belvédère Sainte-Cécile

A short woodland hike brings you to the Belvédère Sainte-Cécile, perched atop a pine-clad hill. From its telescopes and picnic tables, enjoy 360° panoramas of Arcachon’s bay, town rooftops and distant Cap Ferret. The site is especially magical at sunrise, when the water and sky merge in soft pastel hues.

Photographers return at dusk to capture the town lights flickering across the water, while birdwatchers scan the treetops for passerines and raptors before twilight.

• Entry cost: Free
• Opening times: Sunrise – sunset

9. Port de la Hume Oyster Tasting

Just east of Arcachon centre, the working oyster port at La Hume features rustic wooden cabins where producers shuck fresh oysters on ice. Sample briny oysters with a squeeze of lemon and a glass of local white wine while watching the tidal flats behind you. The convivial atmosphere invites impromptu gatherings with fellow gourmands.

Benches and standing tables line the quay, and stalls often sell local cheeses, charcuterie and crusty baguettes to accompany your tasting.

• Entry cost: Free entry; oyster plates ~15 €
• Opening times: Weekends and market mornings (seasonal schedule)

10. Golf d’Arcachon

The 9-hole Golf d’Arcachon course offers a scenic round beneath maritime pines, with fairways weaving between dunes and coastal scrub. Designed for all skill levels, the compact layout challenges with well-placed bunkers and undulating greens overlooking the bay. Club and cart rentals are available for convenience.

After your game, relax at the clubhouse terrace with panoramic views of the course and water, sampling light fare and regional wines. Beginners can book lessons with on-site instructors, while veterans appreciate the gentle sea breeze on challenge holes.

• Entry cost: 25 € (9 holes); club rental ~10 €
• Opening times: Daily 8 h – 19 h (seasonal variation)