An emblematic seaside district of La Teste-de-Buch, located south of the Arcachon Basin, Pyla-sur-Mer is famous for its Pilat Dune and Arguin Bank. But that’s not all! What to visit in Pyla-sur-Mer? Follow the guide!
Le Pyla-sur-Mer: a town in the forest
Nestled at the entrance to the Arcachon Basin, between the Moulleau forest and the Pilat dune, Pyla-sur-Mer has a unique character. With its “villas under the pines”, this tourist and residential district of La Teste-de-Buch earned its stripes as a seaside resort with a hushed atmosphere in the 1920s. The atmosphere, both upscale and popular, invites you to take a stroll and make many discoveries. Follow us as we tell you where to go if you’re passing through Pyla-sur-Mer on your camping vacation in Arcachon this summer.
The Pilat Dune
Pyla-sur-Mer is first and foremost the Dune du Pilat, the highest dune in Europe, which has been awarded the Grand Site de France label. With over a million visitors a year, it’s Aquitaine’s most visited natural site. 102 ? 104 ? Or perhaps 110 metres, depending on the whims of the wind? No matter… The Dune du Pilat is only one metre high.
The view from the top of the dune has to be earned after climbing its steep slope, but what a reward! The Banc d’Arguin in the foreground, the Atlantic Ocean as far as the eye can see, the pine forest in its green mantle and Lake Cazaux in the distance.
– Le banc d’Arguin: classified as a nature reserve since 1972, this sandbar changes with the tides. This little corner of paradise welcomes visitors for the day. In summer, it can be reached by pinasse, maritime shuttle or water cab.
– Île aux Oiseaux and its “tchanquées” cabins: curious visitors can get up close to the famous houses on stilts without disembarking, by taking atour of Île aux Oiseaux on a tour boat.
Boulevard de l’Océan and its villas
Boulevard de l’Océan is Pyla-sur-Mer ‘s main thoroughfare. It is lined with numerous beautifully restored villas in a wide variety of styles, from neo-Basque inspiration to Art Deco and 1960s modernism.
Among them, the Villa Téthys, a listed historic monument, can be visited free of charge during the summer months. This magnificent Art Deco mansion was built between 1924 and 1930 by Félix Roger Henri Expert, one of the great architects of the first half of the 20th century and a native of Arcachon (free admission every day in July and August, except Sundays).
Other villas are well worth a look. Some have beeń decorated by the famous designer Philippe Starck, such as Hôtel Ha(a)ïtza, a former 1930s boarding house, and Hôtel La Co(o)rniche , the figurehead of the Pilat-Plage district located at the foot of the Dune du Pilat.
What to do: discover the history of the Pyla-sur-Mer district and its villas, told by characters in 1930s costume. A theatrical tour full of surprises and anecdotes. Reservations required atLa Teste-de-Buch Tourist Office.
The beaches of Pyla
The resort of Pyla is also renowned for its beaches. The beaches of La Lagune, La Salie Nord and Petit Nice open onto the basin’s passes and the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to swimming, the beaches of Pyla offer a multitude of water sports activities, including catamaran sailing, surfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding and windsurfing. The Cercle de Voile du Pyla-sur-Mer welcomes you all year round.
The Corniche beach, at the foot of the Pilat dune, is one of the most original beaches in the region and the most beautiful in Pyla-sur-Mer. There’s a magnificent view of the open sea, Cap Ferret and the Grande Dame de Sable. To get there, take the seafront path along the Corniche.
Photo credit: digitalskennedy/Pixabay