Bordeaux to Arcachon and Dune du Pilat: Private day trip

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.

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.