When it’s raining in the Arcachon Basin, don’t give up on your vacation! There’s still plenty to do. Here are a few ideas for activities and outings to help you spend some quality time with your family while you wait for the sun to return.
Visit to the Abatilles water plant
Whatever the season, water is always flowing in Arcachon’s Abatilles district! We’re not talking about the weather, but about the natural mineral water from the Abatilles spring! Discover the history of this spring, discovered by chance 100 years ago during prospecting for… oil! The program includes a visit to the museum (with an invaluable guide), a tour of the bottling plant and a tasting of the spring at the Abatilles kiosk.
The Gardarem eco-museum in Lanton
Located on Port Taussat, 20 km from the campsite, the Lanton Ecomuseum houses a rich collection of over 700 antique tools used in oyster farming and gemmaking. Much more than a museum: an Ali Baba’s cave of old trades on the Basin! A true reminder of Gascony’s heritage and the trades of yesteryear, this timeless site also introduces you to “coquette” Taussat and its two pretty harbours.
Bunker 502 in Arcachon
Built in 1943 during the German occupation, this 120 m2 telecommunications bunker was built underground to resist Allied bombing raids. Now transformed into a museum, the bunker is located just below Arcachon’s tourist office, at the foot of the winter town. An immersive scenography to discover the bunkers of the Second World War! Guided tour with a member of GRAMASA (Groupe de Recherches Archéologiques sur le Mur de l’Atlantique Secteur Arcachon).
The Louis David House in Andernos
Built between 1895 and 1908, this large, handsome house was the home of the mayor of the time, Louis Théodore David. Today, it houses a museum dedicated to the history of Andernos-les-Bains, from prehistory through antiquity to the Middle Ages. On display: collections of prehistoric flints and tools, Gallo-Roman and medieval objects. From March to October, the Maison Louis David hosts art exhibitions: painting, sculpture, photography, digital art…
La Maison de l’Huître, Gujan-Mestras
In Gujan-Mestras, the oyster-farming capital of the Bassin d’Arcachon, the Maison de l’Huître invites you to discover the oyster-farming profession. An introductory film, workshops and exhibition explain the complete production cycle of an oyster, from its birth to our plate. To keep with the theme, there’s also a small oyster museum in Andernos. Housed in an oyster shack, the museum retraces the history of the Arcachon oyster, its origins, its particularities and all the stages in the life cycle of this natural pearl of the Bay of Arcachon.
Escape Games du Bassin
To escape the rain, lock yourself in an Escape Game… for a better escape! Escape games are springing up all over the Bassin d’Arcachon: BRAIN L’Escape Game in La Teste-de-Buch , Escape du Bassin in Biganos and Castel Escape in Andernos. Different scenarios have been devised to satisfy the desires of all players: investigation in a psychiatric hospital, escape from the hold of a boat, space-time travel in a castle, etc.
Visit to Les Gourmandises d’Aliénor chocolate factory
In La Teste-de-Buch, the Chocolaterie “Les Gourmandises d’Aliénor” opens the doors of its workshops and reveals the secrets of chocolate making. Seeing the chocolatiers’ workshop first-hand is both surprising and interesting. It’s an original (and free!) visit, full of color and flavor, with a small tasting session at the end. In particular, you’ll be able to taste the famous chocolate cannelés and oysters!
What to do when it rains with children and teenagers?
How to keep the kids busy until the sun comes out? Here are some great ideas for activities and outings at Camping le Ker Helen:
Le Petit Train d’Arcachon (covered train): From the pretty villas of the Ville d’Hiver to Péreire beach , a tour of around an hour takes you through the architectural heritage of the Arcachon town and the most beautiful views of the Bassin and the Cap-Ferret peninsula.
Big’A jump Trampoline Park in Biganos: trampolines for all ages, to climb high or land in thousands of foam cubes. All in a large, safe, covered area! + more
Padel Touch in La Teste-de-Buch: an indoor sports complex with 5 padel courts (a racket sport derived from tennis) and 3 squash courts. Ideal for your teenagers to let off steam!
The cinemas of the Bassin: improvise a family movie outing in Arcachon, Biganos, Gujan-Mestras, La Teste-de-Buch or Andernos-les-Bains. The cinemas of the Bassin offer a rich and varied program all year round!