Founded on 2 nd May, 1857 by imperial decree of Napoleon III, Arcachon very soon became a holiday destination synonymous with well-being. Its reputation has continued to grow. It expanded, neighbourhood by neighbourhood, over time becoming the “City of the FourSeasons”.
What visit on the Arcachon Bay
The Summer town was established at the very beginning of the 19 th century when sea baths became popular. Celebrities flocked there and chalets, villas, etc. were built.
Today, “Summer City” comprises the seafront and the centre of Arcachon.
The Autumn town includes the Saint-Ferdinand and Aiguillon neighbourhoods, renowne for fishing and yachting. Fisheries and shipyards thrived there until the beginning of the 50s.
The Winter town, a real architectural jewel, is made up of 300 glamourous villas. It was founded by the Pereire brothers to create an open-air sanatorium on the Arcachon sand
dune (1863). Alongside the hygienists’ chalets, enormous villas were very quickly built in which gathered the biggest names of the time.
The Spring town covers the Pereire and Abatilles neighbourhoods. There we find the famous “Source des Abatilles”.
Dune of Pilat Europe’s highest sand dune, measuring 105 metres high. It offers a stunning vue over the Banc d’Arguin, the entrance to the Bassin, Cap Ferret.
Bird island & Tchanquées huts Wild area, the island is home to many bird species… In front of the island, stand the Tchanquées huts, symbols of the Bassin d’Arcachon.
Arguin sand bank Between Cap Ferret and Dune du Pilat, there is the largest sand bank on the Girondin coast. A great spot for amateur sailors, it is also a stopover site for migratory birds.
Arcachon Tour Program
Program: (to be adapted if necessary according to your wishes and availability)
Option: Before departure it is possible to visit a chateau in the Graves or Pessac-Leognan appellation, with tasting of white and red wines; or make a city tour of Bordeaux.
12:00
Departure from your hotel in Bordeaux
1:00 p.m.
Lunch - Tasting of the freshest oysters directly from the producer followed by a short visit and explanation of the oyster farmers work.
3:00 p.m.
Walk on the quays and in the summer town of Arcachon and visit by car of the
Winter town with its Moorish-style villas.
5:00 p.m.
Ascent on the highest natural Dune in Europe, Dune du Pyla. It is an attraction
that will delight adults and children alike. You will marvel at so much splendor and find your child's soul!
8:00 p.m.
Dinner at the restaurant on the sides of the Dune with a stunning view of the
ocean and a magnificent sunset!
- Return to Bordeaux
Included: private guide services - driver, transport by minibus, visits and tastings in the castles.
Option: Possibility of a boat trip on the Arcachon Basin (shared boat or a private speedboat, called "Pinasse", a former fishermans boat of the Basin)!
Option: Possibility to fly over the Basin in a small plane to see all its beauty: the Dune, the passes, the Arguin island, the Landes forest.
