There’s so much to see and do on the Bassin d’Arcachon that it’s hard to know where to start. Camping Le Ker Helen has put together a 3 or 4-day itinerary for you to discover the most beautiful places and hidden gems of the Arcachon Basin.
Day 1: Dune du Pilat – Arcachon
Morning: conquer the Dune du Pilat, the highest dune inEurope. Go as early as possible to avoid the crowds and when the sun isn’t too hot. Classified as a “Grand Site de France “, the Dune du Pilat owes its fame to its extraordinary dimensions and its exceptional 360° panorama over the pine forest, the Banc d’Arguin and the ocean.
Afternoon: off to Arcachon! Boasting a rich heritage, the seaside town is divided into several districts, each bearing the name of a season. La Ville d’Hiver is the most famous. Take time to ogle the splendid 19th-century villas, then take the elevator up to the Parc Mauresque and the Sainte-Cécile observatory. A magnificent view of the city and the Bassin awaits you!
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Day 2: Boat trip on the Bassin
From Arcachon, the Union des Bateliers Arcachonnais (UBA) offers a wide range of boat trips to discover the most beautiful spots on the Bassin. Let yourself be enchanted by the changing landscapes of this small inland sea opening onto the Atlantic Ocean . A complete circuit takes you to Ile aux Oiseaux and its Cabanes Tchanquées, the oyster beds, then along the oyster-farming villages of the Cap Ferret peninsula: Piquey, Le Canon, l’Herbe, la Vigne…
It is possible to make a stopover at Cap Ferret and return to Arcachon the same evening. A shuttle service runs between Cap Ferret and Arcachon. >Arcachon all year round. Departures every hour from 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. in high season (30-minute crossing).
Day 3: Le Teich bird sanctuary and the Eyre delta
A more intimate discovery of the basin awaits you here if you love beautiful landscapes and walking. Far from the hustle and bustle of the seafront, the Réserve ornithologique du Teich offers nature lovers a haven of peace in which to observe birds and local fauna. Over 300 species have been recorded on the reserve. During the summer, take advantage of our guided tours.
To extend the experience, you can swap your hiking boots for paddles. Leaving from Le Teich, a kayak trip immerses you in the meandering Delta de la Leyre. This small, calm and wild river, nicknamed “The Little Amazon”, rises in Les Landes and flows into the Arcachon basin near Audenge. The river’s flora and fauna are abundant, and there are plenty of places to picnic, as well as a beautiful beach halfway along for swimming.
Day 4: Cap Ferret peninsula
Morning: a walk from Le Teich to Arès. Here you are on the other side of the Bu bassin and the Eyre delta. The route takes you along quiet little roads dotted with picturesque ports and secret beaches: Biganos, Audenge, Lanton, Taussat, Andernos…
Afternoon: head for Cap Ferret, a wooded peninsula wedged between the ocean and the Bassin. This twenty-kilometer peninsula is renowned for its pristine beaches and fishing villages where you can sample freshly-baked oysters. The village of L’Herbe is one of 10 fishing villages on the peninsula. Its unusual Moorish-inspired chapel is well worth a visit.
Find out more: Visit Cap Ferret in 1 day: our perfect itinerary!
How do I get there? By car: A10 or A89 or A63 freeways towards Bordeaux, then A660 towards Arcachon (no tolls).
Where to stay? Located near Arcachon, our Le Ker Helen campsite is an ideal base for exploring the Bay of Arcachon. Book your accommodation from a wide range of mobile homes, lodges and chalets, and choose from spacious pitches of 80 to 100m2 for tents, caravans and motorhomes.
photo@antoine carrion/Pixabay