The third weekend of September sees the return of the European Heritage Days to the Bay of Arcachon. This is your chance to (re)discover Arcachon’s rich heritage, free of charge. Here are a few ideas for visits if you lack inspiration.
In the heart of the Abatilles spring
In Arcachon, the European Heritage Days provide an opportunity to discover the little-known Abatilles district, where France’s deepest mineral water spring was discovered in 1923. Between the town center and Moulleau, amidst the pine trees and just a stone’s throw from the beach, the Source des Abatilles factory opens its doors to visitors. To discover: the bottling site, the park and the Art Deco kiosk serving as a refreshment bar for a tasting at the spring.
- Source Sainte-Anne: 157 boulevard de la Côte d’Argent, Saturdays only, 9am to 5pm, free admission.
Nature and heritage at the Réserve ornithologique du Teich
Open to the public since 1972, the Réserve ornithologique du Teich is also taking part in the European Heritage Days. A naturalist guide will help you discover the history of the reserve and how it has evolved over time, as well as the birds that frequent the shoreline. Nearly 110 hectares of woodland, reedbeds, meadows, maritime marshes and lagoons stretch as far as the shores of the Arcachon basin.
- Ornithological reserve, 33470 Le Teich, Sundays from 1:30pm to 4:30pm, free (registration required), tel. 05 24 73 37 33.
Sunset walk on the Dune du Pilat
Alone, with family or friends, spend a special moment at the summit of Europe’s highest dune. As night falls, enjoy a two-voice landscape reading that will engage all your senses. Learn more about the Grand Site de la Dune du Pilat and the Banc d’Arguin National Nature Reserve. It’s a great way to extend your summer, even as you head back to school.
- Departure at 7pm from the Dune du Pilat information point, free event organized with the Parc Naturel Marin du Bassin d’Arcachon, booking required, more info on 05 56 22 12 85.
Diving into the history of Pyla’s sunken blockhouses
The remains of fortifications built by the Germans during the Second World War are also part of the Basin’s historical heritage. In La Teste-de-Buch, the “Les blockhaus engloutis du Pyla” exhibition presents a complete overview of the archaeological operations and underwater biological studies carried out by GRAMASA (Groupe de Recherches Archéologiques sur le Mur de l’Atlantique Secteur Arcachon). Dedicated to the defense of the Arcachon Basin, these bunkers were built on a 140 km-long coastal strip between Montalivet and Mimizan. Did you know? The submerged bunkers in the Bay of Arcachon are a remarkable habitat for numerous marine species, as well as being superb diving spots.
- GRAMASA hut: avenue Ovide Rousset, 33260 La Teste-de-Buch, Saturday, 10am to 5pm, free.
photo©Marc Ryckaert (MJJR),CC by-sa 3.0, Wikimedia Commons