Just 25 km from the campsite, Andernos-les-Bains is a pleasant seaside resort north of the Bassin d’Arcachon, in the heart of the Landes de Gascogne. Discover the church of Saint-Eloi, Gallo-Roman remains, the Maison Louis David, the oyster port, ancient villas and, of course, France’s longest promenade jetty!
Saint-Éloi church and Gallo-Roman remains
History has left its mark on Andernos. To see for yourself, just open the doors of the Church of Saint-Eloi, built in the 11th century on the ruins of a Gallo-Roman villa. Restored in 2010, this former stopover for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela is one of the oldest Romanesque churches in the Arcachon basin.
On the outside, the bell tower-porch, rebuilt in the 19th century in the opposite direction to its traditional location, will astonish the keenest observers, while inside, the eye is immediately struck by the magnificent friezes, capitals and wall paintings from the 15th and 17th centuries.
On your way out, walk a few steps to the old cemetery, where admirable Gallo-Roman remains from the 4th century stand. This is the oldest excavation site on the Gironde coast. The archaeological finds are on display in the Maison Louis-David municipal museum. If you’re interested in history, don’t hesitate to drop in!
Villa Ignota: “the Louis-David house
Before becoming a museum, this grand residence, emblematic of early 20th-century seaside architecture, was owned by Louis Théodore David, mayor of Andernos-les-Bains from 1900 to 1929. Today, it houses over 2,000 prehistoric and antique objects, ancient coins and manuscripts by local scholar Jean Dumas. These collections are complemented by painting and visual arts exhibitions.
Old villas in Andernos
Take advantage of your camping holiday near Andernos-les-Bains to immerse yourself in the seaside history of the Arcachon Basin. Andernos’s architectural heritage includes numerous Arcachon-style villas lining the boulevard de la plage. They were built at the end of the 19th century by wealthy winterers, people from good families and successful Bordeaux merchants.
France’s longest promenade pier!
Built in reinforced concrete in 1927 to replace the sand dyke, the Andernos-les-Bains jetty is no less than France’s largest and longest jetty, with its 232-metre boardwalk! At the end of the pier, you’ll be able to admire a magnificent view of the Arcachon basin, and on a clear day, the Île aux oiseaux and its cabanes tchanquées, the town of Arcachon and the Cap Ferret lighthouse…
The Quinconces Saint-Brice natural site
Nature has also endowed the resort with an undeniable diversity of landscapes that have withstood the galloping urbanization of the Arcachon basin. One example is the natural site of Les Quinconces, a rare and wild place for strolling, once much appreciated by the famous actress Sarah Bernhardt when she stayed at her villa “Eurêka” (destroyed in 1978).
Today, this 120-hectare green corridor linking the forest and the Bassin continues to enchant nature lovers. Here, you can let yourself go, lose yourself in the forest, among the reed beds and salt meadows, along the sandy coastal fringe, along the ponds and lakes that invite you to take a swim… Not to mention the exceptional fauna that has found refuge here: herons, egrets, ducks, otters and cistudean turtles can all be observed in their natural habitat.
The oyster harbour, a picturesque place for a stroll
The oyster port of Andernos-les-Bains is an equally unmissable place to visit during your getaway. First of all, you’ll love strolling along the harbor, eyes wide open, from colorful hut to flower-filled hut. Then it’s time to stop and sample the Arcachon Basin’s famous oysters, watch the oyster farmers at work or visit the small oyster museum, which welcomes the curious and the gourmet all summer long.
Gently sloping beaches for slipping into the water
If it’s the beaches that attract you to the basin, just ask, and you’ll get your wish! The beaches of Andernos-les-Bains stretch over 5 km of fine sand.
To the south, near the marina, Plage du Bétey is a pretty, wooded stretch of sand, popular with families during the summer season. It’s also a popular spot for kitesurfers.
Where to book your campsite?
If you’re looking for a campsite rental near Andernos-les-Bains: mobile home, chalet, cottage, canvas bungalow or a pitch for tent, caravan or motorhome in Gironde, don’t hesitate to check our availability or contact us by phone: 05 56 66 03 79 or by email: camping.kerhelen@wanadoo.fr
photo : © Mspecht