DESCRIPTION :

Arcachon is a popular bathing location on the Atlantic coast 55 kilometers (34 miles) southwest of Bordeaux. It has a fine beach and a mild climate said to be favorable for invalids suffering from pulmonary complaints. The town of Arcachon is only 150 years old. Not long before 2 May 1857, when Emperor Napoleon III signed its official "birth certificate", it was just a forest of pine trees, oaks and strawberry trees (arbutus), with no road links, and home - mostly when the weather was expected to be warm, and more in wood huts than in real houses - to fewer than 400 people, mostly fishermen and peasants. In earlier years, when some hygienists began to recommend sea bathing, three sea establishments were laid out by some entrepreneurs especially for the Bordeaux bourgeoisie. At its southern entrance from the Atlantic ocean, Arcachon Bay is crowned by Europe's largest sand dune, the Dune de Pyla (or du Pilat), nearly 3 kilometres long, 500 metres wide, reaching 107 metres in height, and moving inland at rate of 5 metres a year. Today depart from Bordeaux and head towards this land locked sea know as The Arcachon basin. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic tour of the 'Winter Town' famous for its large villas that were built at the turn of the 20th century and that present a very large variety of architectural styles. Then enjoy some free time in town to admire the beach and why not taste some of the famous oysters that are bread in the area. After lunch, drive to the Dune du Pila and climb up the largest sand dune of Europe to admire a fascinating view on the Ocean and Basin, not forgetting the Banc d'Argin a picture perfect setting that reminds one of far away exotic beaches. Return to Bordeaux.

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