If you’re visiting Arcachon, don’t miss the Ville d’Automne district, famous for its fishermen’s quarter, its Belle Époque villas and its fishing and yachting harbor. Camping Le Ker Helen will take you there!
Immersion in the Ville d’Automne, a small village in the city
The town of Automne, located between the Saint-Ferdinand and Aiguillon districts , is one of the locals’ favorite neighborhoods and gives the impression of a town in its own right. From the Château Deganne (now theArcachon Casino) to the La Teste de Buch basin, the streets are quiet and the inhabitants discreet.
Born in the mid-19th century, the Ville d’Automne district enjoyed flourishing economic activity thanks to the fisheries and shipyards that flourished until the 1950s. Today, fishing and boating are the mainstays of the local economy. Villas line the sometimes monumental Boulevard Deganne and today’s Avenue de la République.
Where can I park to visit Automne Arcachon? You can park next to the Arcachon fish auction (rue du Capitaine Allègre). A 6 km (1h30) walking circuit takes you to the main points of interest in the winter town , of which this is a foretaste.
Villas on boulevard Deganne
Starting from Place de Verdun, the boulevard Deganne features a number of attractive villas. Among them, the Villa Chardon Bleu, a Belle Époque seaside villa, now housesArcachon‘s police station. Further on, the Villa Kervan, built in 1907 by opera singer Alice Kervan, and the Ehpad Saint-Dominique, a former boarding school for young girls, are part of Arcachon‘s architectural heritage.
Saint Ferdinand d’Arcachon church
Built in the early 20th century, Saint Ferdinand church features neo-Gothic architecture with added Romanesque elements. The building pays homage to Saint Ferdinand, King of Aragon and Castile. The bell tower, visible from afar, serves as a landmark for sailors returning to port. Since 1927, a statue of the Sacred Heart, the work of Edmond Chrétien, has dominated the bell tower. Inside, magnificent frescoes catch the eye of visitors.
The fishing and yachting harbour
Straddling Ville d’Automne d’Arcachon and La Teste-de-Buch, the marina is the only deep-water harbor in the basin, alongside the fishing port. Discover the harbourmaster’s office, the Maison de la Mer, which takes the shape of a Manta ray, and the Pôle Nautique. With 2800 berths, Arcachon is the second largest port on the Atlantic coast. It is also the home port of Yves Parlier, skipper of “Médiatis – Région – Aquitaine”, after having been the home port of Titouan Lamazou and Raphaël Dinelli. Numerous nautical events take place here every year.
Arcachon fish auction
The Arcachon fish auction, a showcase for local know-how, comes alive at 4am. Every day, sole, sea bass, cuttlefish, squid, cephalopods and turbot are offered for sale to the highest bidders. The tourist office offers guided tours of the fish auction, showing you how the fish are transported from the unloading dock to the sales room. You’ll have to get up early, but the tour is well worth it.
Le quai Patrimoine
Just a stone’s throw from the fishing port, along the “heritage quay”, you’ll find a fine collection of traditional boats from the Basin, including pinasses, sailboats, old sailing ships and wooden rigs. They’re all part of the cultural heritage of the Bassin d’Arcachon. Continue your tour to the Halle des pêcheurs, where sailors dry and repair their nets.
Also read: Winter Town, another must-see: history and itinerary
The Monument to those lost at sea
On the Quai Goslar, overlooking the marina, the “Monument des Péris en Mer” pays tribute to sailors lost at sea since Arcachon’s origins. The 7-metre-high sculpture consists of a granite cross in the shape of a sea anchor, at the foot of which a woman mourns a missing sailor. The monument was inaugurated in 1968. It is the work of Arcachon sculptor Claude Bouscau.
The Aiguillon hut
“the place to be” for oyster lovers. At the end of boulevard Pierre Loti is the Cabane de l’Aiguillon. It’s the ideal place to sample oysters fresh from the water. Shrimps, whelks, periwinkles and clams are also on the menu, accompanied by butter bread and a glass of dry white wine. Bonus: a panoramic view of the Bay of Arcachon.
Photo©Julien Paoletti/Unsplash