From the typical narrow streets to the colorful oyster huts, via the small beach overlooking the Arcachon Basin, here’s our roadmap for visiting the village of L’Herbe in Cap Ferret from our campsite in the Bassin d’Arcachon.
A postcard village
Nestling on the Lège-Cap-Ferret peninsula, between the Canon and the Port de la Vigne, the village of L’Herbe is one of the eleven villages of Cap-Ferret. It’s a maze of dirt and sand paths where you’ll love to get lost. A main alley covered with oyster shells. Alleys lined with colorful huts that slope gently down to the beach. You’re in the most picturesque and most visited village on the Lège-Cap-Ferret peninsula.
Oyster huts
The oyster huts are one of the symbols of the village. These colorful wooden huts, lining the Arcachon basin, were built in the late 19th century. Some are still occupied by oyster farmers. Others now welcome tourists for oyster tastings, with their feet in the water, facing the Bassin.
La plage de l’Herbe
Located at the foot of the village, Plage de l’Herbe is often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches on the Cap Ferret peninsula. Backing onto the oyster-farming district, the beach stretches for 200 meters, with a view of the basin on one side and the Pilat Dune on the other. The intimate, family atmosphere is ideal for relaxation. Please note that swimming is only possible at high tide.
The Algerian villa
The Sainte-Marie-du-Cap chapel, also known as the “Algerian chapel”, is another must-see in the village of L’Herbe. This Moorish-inspired Catholic chapel, topped by a cross and crescent moon, was built in 1885 by Léon Lesca, a wealthy public works contractor who had returned from Algeria. Its unusual architecture and unique atmosphere make it a place of curiosity and contemplation.
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The restaurants
It’s impossible to leave the village of L’Herbe without stopping off at one of the oyster shacks for a taste of oysters. Here are three addresses not to be missed:
– Le Ponton: an oyster shack with a breathtaking view of the Bassin. The seafood here is impeccably fresh, and the staff take great care of their customers. Address: 105 avenue de l’Herbe, 33950 Lège-Cap-Ferret, tel. 06 87 74 88 56.
– Chez Guillaume: where you can enjoy freshly-baked oysters, shrimps and whelks at reasonable prices, far from the tourist traps. Address: 69 avenue de l’Herbe, 33950 Lège-Cap-Ferret, tel. 06 17 08 11 20.
– Émile et une huître: here too, the oysters are delicious and the welcome warm. The original decor adds to the charm of the place. Address: avenue de l’Herbe, 33950 Lège-Cap-Ferret, tel 06 74 44 10 86.
How do I get to Grass Village?
All year round, sea shuttles link Arcachon to the village of Le Canon (35-minute crossing). From there, it’s a 20-minute walk to L’Herbe. You can also book a water cab. The connection is direct(Arcachon <-> the village of l’Herbe), but the cost of the crossing is higher.
By car, it takes around 1h20 from Arcachon or Bordeaux. In summer, it’s very difficult to park in the village. We recommend parking near the Île aux Oiseaux traffic circle and taking the stairs down into the village.
Where to find a campsite near Village de l’Herbe
The choice is limited, and campsites are quickly snapped up. It’s often easier to look on the other side of the basin. You’re more likely to find an inexpensive campsite in Arcachon, especially as the shuttle service makes it easy to spend the day at L’Herbe.