Location: Arcachon
Top Things to do in Arcachon
Top 10 Things to do in Arcachon, France
Arcachon in France, from Europe region, is best know for Scenic Walking Areas. Discover best things to do in Arcachon with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Restaurants in Arcachon
1. Great Dune of Pilat
Overall Ratings
5 based on 201 reviews
Reviewed By IanandGilly - Christchurch, United Kingdom
An amazing spectacle. Climb to the top to enjoy the view (your legs will feel it). The views are spectacular and even the WW2 German fortifications that have fallen down the dune add atmosphere.
2. Dune du Pilat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
The highest dune in Europe, a unique landscape with an incredible panoramic view over the ocean, forest and Arcachon Bay but also and more importantly, a living, natural space that needs to be looked after and protected. Since December 2007, the Syndicat Mixte de la Grande Dune du Pilat has been working to protect and preserve this national piece of heritage that belongs to us all.From the top of this giant (109 meters high, 2,7 kilometers long, 500 meters wide), you can see many remarkable sites of the region.
Reviewed By Emma&Kieran - Ireland
You have to see it to appreciate the beauty. We were lucky to be there on a beautiful October evening and watched the sunset..... amazing.
3. La Chapelle de la Villa Algerienne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By Cole G
I love to explore the old churches. The fantastic architecture just doesn't exist in modern structures. This one is simple and tidy with not a lot of embellishment. It has beautiful creamy stone and a short bit of history available to read. It's tucked away on the basin side of the cape at the end of a road. You can sit on the benches outside and watch the oyster farmers and the water, or walk a short way further to rent a boat, or visit some vendors.
4. Bassin Aventures
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Treetops Adventure Tracks Between Bordeaux & Arcachon Adults And Children Strating From 3 Years Old
Reviewed By Holly29 - London, UK
One of my kids loves high ropes and the other doesn't and this place was just perfect - lots of different circuits at different levels and even a very well equipped adventure playground for the 3-8 year olds, with mini high ropes, a castle, trampolined, flying fox etc for those who don't want to do the high ropes. Staff could not have been friendlier and spoke perfect English. Very good equipment and a full safety briefing and everything top quality so I was not at worried about the kids going on the high ropes at all. Really friendly place with a nice snack bar, shady places to sit and overall a very good day out. Highly recommended for ages 3 to adult (my eldest is 8 so we didn't do the truly high circuits but they looked amazing!).
5. Stephane Boucher
Overall Ratings
5 based on 60 reviews
Discover my oyster farm in the Arcachon bay, 20 miles south from Bordeaux. You come with me in my boat to see how the oysters grow, pick up some oysters by yourself, walk around the "Birds Island" with its old fishermen houses and then enjoy fresh oysters with a glass of white Bordeaux wine.
Reviewed By CRayeC - Homburg, Germany
My husband and I chanced upon a brochure for a "authentique" visit with an oysterman, and we jumped at the opportunity. We called to make a reservation and were lucky to have got anything-- Stephane was booked up until our last day in Andernos. He gave us good instructions for what food and clothes to bring, and we even had a chance to meet during a summer evening fete at the Port Ostreicole.
The tour itself was unlike anything we were expecting. A small group of us, only 4 tourists, and we felt like we were out with a friend on his own boat. It was a absolutely beautiful day-- we sampled fresh oysters both wild and from the "farming areas" operated by Stephane, we learned so much about the geography and history of the Basin, and we especially enjoyed learning about the techniques to grow oysters naturally. It is so incredible to be out in the center of the Arcachon Bay on a small dune during a period of low tide, eating oysters fresh from the sea! We even visited Bird Island and looked at the traditional houses there.
We knew we would be a burden to our guide because we speak very little French, but Stephane was more than happy to oblige, and he thoughtfully shifted between French and English to accommodate all. Stephane is a joy to be around, good-humored and energetic, and we felt as if we were in the company of an old friend. Here we thought we were veteran oyster eaters, and he taught us so very much-- it really makes you appreciate your food more, and enjoy this area in a way most other tourists simply never see.
Thanks for everything, Stephane! We appreciate you showing us the muscle of the lemons, and ensuring we have a unique souvenir from our trip! :)
6. Winter Town (Ville d’Hiver)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 853 reviews
Reviewed By Arlene5826 - Bilbao, Spain
There is so much green around that it is only possible to admire the change of fragrance of the next elegant and charming villa. If you are keen on architectural wonders which have gained momentum with the passing of time, do wonder around and admire the "archasonaise" style in a secluded town where people can live in peace and quiet. My personal impression is that all these houses have been refurbished and repainted overnight as they are magnificently well maintained.
7. La Pointe du Cap Ferret
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 487 reviews
Reviewed By MadDocNI - Belfast, United Kingdom
The Pointe is at the end of the Cap Ferret peninsula, and there is not a very wide entrance past it into the Bassin d'Arcachon. On the far side are huge sand dunes, apparently the largest in Europe, just south-west of Arcachon.
The waves at the Pointe are sometimes enormous, even in modest wind, as the Atlantic rollers meet the draining Bassin.
Large sand dunes at the Pointe too, and quite a walk to get to them, the ones at the very end being closed to the public.
A large cafe and parking close by.
Worth a visit.
8. Parc de la Coccinelle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 644 reviews
Reviewed By Round_Earth - Geneva, Switzerland
... just much, much smaller.
Well, ok, it's not really like Disneyland but still a very well maintained little theme parc perfect for 2-8 year olds and their parents.
Rides are simple but well adapted to their age target and our little one was super happy about the giant slides, water parc, trampolines and well-kept animal section.
The only downside faced on the trip there, which took much longer than planned due to traffic congestion.
9. Observatoire Sainte-Cecile
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 348 reviews
Reviewed By Wola - Nice, France
We climbed to the top of the tower and were delighted with the amazing view of Arcachon and the Ville d'Hiver houses all around. The circular four story climb is easy and the top of the tower is limited to 8 visitors so you can readily see who is ascending and descending. The neighborhood around the tower (Ville d'hived) is also filled with the stunning Beaux Arts homes of the 19th century and well worth a walk through the streets behind the tower.
10. Le Phare du Cap Ferret
Overall Ratings
4 based on 803 reviews
Reviewed By DragonChowhound - Southlake, Texas
This is certainly a must-visit if you're in Cap Ferret on a day trip. Lots of great history to absorb, and spectacular views all around the top of the lighthouse. The admission should probably be less, but that's a minor complaint. It's still worth the walk.
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