The Bassin d’Arcachon has a population of around 115,000. It’s an ideal destination if you like towns that are neither too big nor too small, and can be visited in a day. Here’s an overview of the towns with the most inhabitants.
Towns south of the Basin
The south of the Bassin d’Arcachon is a perfect blend of beaches, forests and urban life.
Arcachon (11,259 inhabitants)
Famous for its beaches, historic villas and lively shopping streets with boutiques and restaurants, the town of Arcachon offers a peaceful urban getaway on the seafront. From the Pointe de l’Aiguillon through the town center to the Moulleau district, you’ll be amazed!
– Sightseeing: Ville d’Hiver, Parc Mauresque, Notre-Dame basilica, Thiers pier, Abatilles spring.
La Teste de Buch (26,556 inhabitants)
La Teste-de-Buch is one of France’ s largest communes in terms of surface area: 26,000 hectares divided between the forest, Lake Cazaux, the Dune du Pilat, the Bay of Arcachon and the town. Forests and beaches are ideal for hiking and cycling. Downtown La Teste is home to one of Gironde‘s biggest markets.
– What to see and do: the covered market (second largest in the département), the oyster port and its tasting huts, Saint Vincent church and its listed furniture, the Lalanne house (13th century).
Gujan-Mestras (22,854 inhabitants)
South of the Bassin d’Arcachon? Gujan-Mestras, nicknamed “the town of 7 ports”, is the oyster capital of the Basin. Its marina, La Hume tourist district and numerous leisure parks make it a must for families. Take advantage of the coastal path for an exhilarating walk along the 7 ports of Gujan-Mestras.
– What to see and do: Oyster Museum, La Hume beach, La Coccinelle leisure park, Aqualand (the largest water park on the Atlantic coast), Lac de la Magdeleine and its mini pirate port.
Towns north of the Basin
The north of the Bassin d’Arcachon has a more peaceful atmosphere, with small coastal towns and quiet beaches. But don’t be fooled into thinking that this part of the Bay is asleep – it’s quite the opposite!
Andernos (12,569 inhabitants)
Located on the northeastern slope of the Bassin d’Arcachon, Andernos-les-Bains offers a rich and varied cultural life all year round. Its many shops make it one of the most dynamic towns on the Bassin d’Arcachon. Andernos-les-Bains is renowned for its quay, the longest pier on the Bassin at 232 meters, built in 1926.
– What to see and do: Andernos-les-Bains oyster port and small oyster museum, Maison Louis David (museum of prehistory, antiquity and the Middle Ages), Saint Éloi church (stage on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela), Saint-Brice natural site – les Quinconces.
Audenge (9,371 inhabitants)
In the heart of the Bassin d’Arcachon, between two nature reserves, Audenge is one of the youngest and most attractive towns on the Bassin. Audenge’s town center is particularly lively, with a multitude of shops and a market held every Tuesday morning under the covered market hall. Numerous cultural events offer an enriching and entertaining experience for all.
– Sightseeing: the port and the Cabane Bleue des Artistes, the Certes and Graveyron estates (Espaces naturels sensibles), Saint-Paul d’Audenge church.
Lège Cap Ferret (8,504 inhabitants)
Lège-Cap Ferret, gateway to the Presqu’île, encompasses the entire Cap Ferret peninsula, which separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Bay of Arcachon. With its bohemian, slightly urban atmosphere, it’s a town on a human scale, appreciated for its ocean beaches, oyster-farming villages and forest. Mind you, the population increases almost 10-fold during the summer months! Discover the best things to do in Cap Ferret.
– Sights and activities: Cap Ferret lighthouse (52 m, 258 steps), Cap Ferret little train (tourist and historical railroad), the village of L’Herbe and the chapel of the Algerian villa, Horizon beach , Piraillan reservoirs.
Looking for a campsite by the sea in Arcachon?
To discover these towns on the Bassin, book your stay at a campsite near Arcachon. Le Ker Helen offers easy access to the region’s beaches, forests and activities. We’re located between the towns of the Sud-Bassin(Arcachon, La Teste de Buch, Gujan-Mestras and Le Teich) and the links with Biganos, the Nord-Bassin and the Val de l’Eyre. Come and discover our haven of peace and enjoy an unforgettable vacation overlooking the Bay of Arcachon.
photo@Czapp Árpád/pexels