Situated between Lège-Cap-Ferret and Andernos-les-Bains, 30 km from the campsite, Arès is a charming village on the edge of the Arcachon Basin, renowned for its oyster port and colorful huts, its remarkable natural areas and its UFO landing strip!
Stroll through the oyster port of Arès
For many holidaymakers, the small oyster-farming port of Arès is a must-see when camping in the Arcachon basin. The picturesque white huts with their yellow, blue and green roofs are sure to brighten up the landscape. This is the perfect opportunity to indulge in an oyster tasting experience that’s hard to resist. The more inquisitive can choose to follow an oyster farmer around his rearing beds, or go fishing on foot around the Statue de la Femme Océane. In July and August, a dozen artists take up summer residence every Thursday evening in the port of Arès, inviting holidaymakers and locals alike to enjoy an artistic stroll in the colors of the Arcachon Basin. At the end of the day, head for the Arès jetty, the oldest jetty in the basin, built in the 18th century, to admire a magnificent sunset over the Arcachon basin!
Discover the (unusual) heritage of Arès
Start your visit with a stroll along the Avenue de la Plage, at the end of which stands the Tour d’Arès. This ancient watchtower crowned with battlements was originally a windmill built in 1840. Right next door, you’ll discover the Ovniport d’Arès and its flying saucer, France’s first UFO landing strip. Inaugurated on August 15, 1976, this 3rd type airport is the work of an electronics engineer by the name of Robert Cotten.
Continue your tour of discovery around the Aérium d’Arès on the beachfront. Built in 1913 by architects Charles Duval and Emmanuel Gonse, it was home to children suffering from tuberculosis until the 1970s. The dining room features magnificent frescoes by painter Henri Marret.
Retracing your steps, make a detour to the St Vincent de Paul church, which boasts an impressive exotic shell (giant tridacne) serving as a holy water font.
If you have the time, take the walk to the old station built on the “Ceinture des Landes” line that once linked the Médoc to the Landes. At the end of the 19th century, steam trains enabled less wealthy Bordeaux families to enjoy the beaches of the Arcachon Basin thanks to the “pleasure trains”, an inexpensive mode of transport that was very much in vogue at the time.
Les Prés Salés d’Arès and the natural site of St Brice
Straddling the communes of Arès and Lège-Cap Ferret, the Prés Salés Nature Reserve extends over 200 hectares between sea and forest. It is one of the largest expanses of salt meadows in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. If you’re curious about nature, you’ll be able to observe some remarkable flora and fauna: black kites, grey herons, turtle doves, blue-winged gorges, European cistude turtles, green lizards… At low tide, a signposted path (6 kilometers) takes you through the reserve as far as Jane de Boy. In summer, the reserve takes on a savannah look, with its surprising orange hues. A change of scenery guaranteed!
Between Arès and Andernos-les-Bains, the natural site of St Brice, renowned for its sandy beach nestling between the Jetty and the Conche de St Brice, also offers a choice setting for a stroll in the heart of unspoilt nature. Not to be missed: the Pointe des Quinconces and its panoramic view of the Bay of Arcachon!
Camping favourites
- Attend the Arès Oyster Festival (August), one of the most popular in the Arcachon Basin.
- Stroll through the Arès market (Tuesday mornings) to sample local specialities.
- Stroll along the Arès beach to admire the elegant Arcachon-style villas.
Photo : © J. Rouquette – OT Ares