Located to the east of the town of Arcachon, the Aiguillon district was once a marshy area before becoming the fishermen’s quarter and now a lively tourist spot. What to see and do in the Aiguillon district? Follow the guide!
Arcachon’s old fishermen’s quarter unveiled
Today, Le Ker Helen campsite invites you to discover the Aiguillon / Saint-Ferdinand district , located between Arcachon’s Ville d’Automne and La Teste-de-Buch. Oriented towards the sea and its fishermen, this is Arcachon ‘s oldest district. This lively shopping district, where modern buildings stand alongside picturesque fishermen’s huts, owes its name to its needle-like shape. You’ll find lots of friendly little shops and a few good oyster restaurants.
A hundred years ago, this lively, commercial district looked much more like the fishing village it once was. In 1914, it was France’s leading fishing port, alongside Boulogne-sur-Mer in northern France . Maritime activity was flourishing. Many Breton canning factories settled here, which explains the Breton names given to certain villas.
Its center can be visited on foot or by bike, with your nose in the air and your eyes wide open to discovery. For children, the Aiguillon district is a fun place to discover, thanks to the “Eureka” seagull riddle booklet (available from theArcachon Tourist Office).
The port of L’Aiguillon
The beginning of the 20th century saw the emergence of the fisheries that equipped ships for deep-sea fishing. Today, the Port de l’Aiguillon is an ideal place to stroll, where fishing, oyster farming and yachting vibrate in unison. For lovers of tradition, head for the “Quai Patrimoine”, where some of Arcachon’s typical boats are moored, including pinasses, sailboats and one-designs. Along the quays, early-morning fishmongers are busy preparing for the auction.
La Plage de la Pointe
Just a stone’s throw fromArcachon‘s fishing and yachting harbour, Plage de l’Aiguillon stretches 400 metres to the right of the harbour, as far as Pointe de l’Aiguillon and its fisheries. This sandy beach is one of the least frequented in the Arcachon basin. You don’t stumble across it by chance; you have to want to get there. The water is rarely very high (a pity for swimming), but it’s a place in Arcachon where it’s still possible to find a little peace and quiet in the heart of the city.
The Aiguillon hut
Fishermen’s huts are an integral part of Arcachon’s landscape and history, adding a touch of picturesque charm to the Aiguillon district. If you love oysters, a lunch break is a must at Cabane de l’Aiguillon n°54, located at 54 boulevard Pierre Loti. A must, with its terrace on the sand and its typical view of the salt meadows.
Saint-Ferdinand church
Église Saint-Ferdinand is the epicenter of the Aiguillon district . This beautiful Romanesque church was built in 1900. The bell tower is topped by a 4-metre-high statue of the Sacred Heart, the work of sculptor Edmond Chrétien. Inside, wall frescoes, an 18th-century bronze depicting the Holy Trinity and a 15th-century Pietà in polychrome stone are among Saint-Ferdinand‘s highlights.
Les Moussaillons de l’Aiguillon” fishing school
Since its creation in 2019, the École de Pêche des Moussaillons (Moussaillons Fishing School) has enabled children living in the Bay of Arcachon, as well as children on vacation, to learn the basics of recreational fishing: fishing, on foot, by boat, with a line, a net, with traps, using current and traditional techniques. TheAiguillon market
Every Wednesday morning in July and August, the Aiguillon market attracts crowds of gourmets. Numerous local merchants and producers set up their stalls near the harbour, in a cheerful atmosphere, offering a wide choice of local produce: fish from the fish market, oysters and seafood, seasonal market garden produce, local pastries, cheeses and wines from the region. An array of flavors, smells and colors!
photo@Amr/Pixabay