Traditional festivities, concerts, festivals – here’s a quick roundup of not-to-be-missed events for your summer on the Bay of Arcachon.
Les Escapades Musicales (July)
Music and heritage in unison! Since 2010, the “Les Escapades Musicales” festival has established itself as a not-to-be-missed rendezvous between top international artists and classical music fans. Over a five-week period, some fifteen concerts are held at architectural and natural heritage sites around the Bassin d’Arcachon. On the program: Vivaldi, Bach, Schubert, Beethoven, Mozart, but also contemporaries as diverse as Michel Legrand and the Beatles!
- When? June 23 to July 23. Where? Arcachon’s Parc Mauresque, Château de Ruat in Le Teich, Biganos’ tile port, Gallo-Roman remains in Andernos, Cap-Ferret lighthouse…
Arcamômes, the children’s festival (July, August)
Children’s favorite summer event! Every summer, the Parc Mauresque in Arcachon transforms itself into a huge open-air stage. On the program: shows for young audiences (4 to 10 years old), song, theater, circus, magic, and many other surprises. A true moment of escape for children and parents alike, in an enchanting setting, outdoors and in the cool of the park. And best of all… it’s free!
- When? Every Wednesday evening in July and August, from 8.30pm. Where? Parc Mauresque in Arcachon’s winter town .
Also read: What to do with children on the Bassin d’Arcachon?
Les Mardinades de La Teste (July, August)
Every Tuesday in summer, the Prés Salés Ouest site takes on a guinguette atmosphere. Come and dance, drink and eat at La Teste-de-Buch‘s famous “Mardinades”. On the menu: night market, festive aperitifs, on-site catering (moules frites, grilled sardines and crêpes), dance evenings with orchestra and bandas, and fireworks. Admission and entertainment are free.
- When? Every Tuesday in summer, from 7pm to 1am. Where? On the Prés Salés Ouest platform in La Teste-de-Buch.
La Fête de la ruralité de Biganos (August)
A flagship event for the town of Biganos, the Fête de la ruralité celebrates local history. Inhabitants of the Vigneau district bend over backwards to pay tribute to tradition in a festive and convivial atmosphere. On the program: local market, old-fashioned wheat threshing demonstration, wood cutting, giant farm, old-fashioned trades (blacksmith, basket maker, clog maker…), pony ride, tripe snack, musical entertainment and fireworks.
- When? Weekend of August 6. Where? Parc Lecoq, avenue de la Libération, Biganos.
Fêtes de la Mer d’Arcachon (August)
Every year on the weekend of August 15, Arcachon celebrates the sea and its traditions. Two days of festivities and entertainment during which the city of Arcachon will shine. On the program: nautical parade (Thiers pier), gathering of traditional boats from the Basin, giant picnic on the seafront (dress code: white dress and yellow scarf), sardinade, garage sale, torchlight procession, fireworks (August 15), dance and DJ evening.
- When? August 14 and 15. Where? On the seafront, Place Thiers and the Arcachon fishing port esplanade.