Day tripsCountriesFranceBordeauxBordeaux to Arcachon and Dune du Pilat: Private day trip

Bordeaux to Arcachon and Dune du Pilat: Private day trip

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Private ride with a local driver

8h
Round trip
Private driver
Trusted by 1+ million happy travelers across 120 countries
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4.9
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Reviews

About your trip

Explore Arcachon’s seafront, taste oysters by the bay, and stroll through its 19th-century villa district. Then visit Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest dune. Take the barefoot climb and enjoy sweeping views of the ocean and pine forests.
Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
From €160
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€480

What to expect

Your day trip begins wherever you are

Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in Bordeaux whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.

Discover more with local expertise

Your driver’s local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden café here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips you’ll love sharing later. This isn’t a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.

Explore at your own pace

Your driver will take you from Bordeaux to Arcachon and Dune du Pilat, then bring you back after a relaxed day of oysters, seaside walks, and sweeping dune views.

Perfect for any private group

Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.

Good to know

  • Two-way private car transfer
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Personalized pickup and drop-off
  • Professional English-speaking driver
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
  • Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Arcachon and Dune of Pilat should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
  • Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From €160
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€480

Your trip at a glance

Your trip at a glance

Start in Bordeaux
You choose the pickup spot.
1
Arcachon
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 2 h 30 min - admission not included
Arcachon
Arcachon
Arcachon
Arcachon
Arcachon
Arcachon

Arcachon offers villas, sea breezes, and oysters, capturing the elegance of France’s Belle Epoque coast.

With its Belle Epoque villas and salty breeze, Arcachon is a timeless French seaside escape. Begin your visit in the Ville d’Hiver, where ornate 19th-century homes peek from pine-covered hills. Ride the lift up to Parc Mauresque for panoramic bay views and serene gardens. Then descend to the beachside promenade, Jetee Thiers, for a golden-hour stroll or a dip in the calm waters. Don’t miss the oyster stalls and cafe terraces serving Arcachon’s famous shellfish with a glass of crisp white wine. Whether relaxing by the water or exploring historic streets, Arcachon offers 180 minutes of elegance and ocean air.

2
Dune of Pilat
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 3 hours - admission not included
Dune of Pilat
Dune of Pilat
Dune of Pilat
Dune of Pilat
Dune of Pilat

Climb Europe’s tallest dune for big skies, soft sand, and views that stretch forever.

Rising from the forest edge like a golden wave, the Dune du Pilat is Europe’s tallest sand dune and a natural wonder of southwestern France. Begin your visit at its base - climb the soft, shifting slope barefoot or take the seasonal staircase to the summit. In just 10 to 15 minutes, you’ll reach a stunning 360-degree panorama: Arcachon Bay behind you, endless pine forest to one side, and the vast Atlantic stretching ahead. Wander the windswept ridge, snap photos of rippling sand and shifting light, and feel the silence of the landscape. If time allows, stay for sunset when everything turns to gold.

Back to Bordeaux
We’ll take you back to your starting point.
Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7

Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.

5.0
5176 reviewson Tripadvisor
or
4.9
991 reviewson Trustpilot

Know more about your day trip

Yes, both Arcachon and the Dune of Pilat offer restrooms and nearby restaurants. Arcachon has a full range of cafes, shops, and services, while the dune area has visitor facilities, snack bars, and gift shops at the base.
Absolutely! The itinerary is designed for this combination. You can enjoy Arcachon's bay beaches for swimming and dining, then experience the wild Atlantic coast and panoramic views from atop the Dune of Pilat, offering two distinct coastal experiences in one day.
The Dune of Pilat stands as Europe's tallest sand dune at approximately 110 meters high. The barefoot climb to the summit takes 10-15 minutes, though there's also a seasonal wooden staircase that makes the ascent easier for visitors of all fitness levels.
Yes, the trip is very family-friendly. Children love climbing the sandy dune, and Arcachon's calm bay waters are perfect for young swimmers. The wooden staircase at the dune provides an easier climbing option for smaller children, and both locations offer amenities families need.
The Dune of Pilat is unique as Europe's highest sand dune, offering 360-degree views of Arcachon Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Its constantly shifting sands create an almost desert-like landscape just minutes from traditional French seaside towns.
The contrast between Arcachon's Belle Epoque architecture and the dune's natural landscape provides diverse photo opportunities. The summit offers sweeping panoramic shots, while the base provides interesting compositions with the forest backdrop. Golden hour lighting is particularly stunning for photography.
Wear comfortable clothing and bring shoes you can easily remove, as climbing barefoot is recommended and more enjoyable. Bring a hat and sunscreen for sun protection, and consider bringing a small bag to carry shoes while climbing since sand can be hot during summer.
Late afternoon and sunset offer the most spectacular lighting for photography, with golden sand creating dramatic shadows. Early morning visits provide cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, while midday visits offer the clearest views across the bay and forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Day tripsCountriesFranceBordeauxBordeaux to Arcachon and Dune du Pilat: Private day trip