Arcachon

FAQ

• Where is Arcachon located in France?

  The town of Arcachon is located in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region of France, in the Gironde department at about a 1 hour drive South East of Bordeaux. The Bay that takes its name from the town covers and area of 150 kms² - 57 900 miles².

• How do you get from Paris to Arcachon Bay?

  The easiest way to get from Paris to Arcachon is to take the TGV fast train from Montparnasse train station in central Paris and arrive in Bordeaux after a 2 hour journey. From Bordeaux you have different options. One is to take a connecting train from Bordeaux to Arcachon town that lasts about 1 hour. We also organize private door to door transfers from Bordeaux train station to Arcachon town or Arcachon Bay. Our transfers are for individuals or small groups and take place on board premium vehicles driven by professional English speaking drivers.

• What is there to see & do in Arcachon?

  Arcachon is a popular bathing location on the Atlantic coast 55 kilometers (34 miles) south west of Bordeaux. It has fine sandy beaches, a mild climate and the town itself is dotted with belle époque architecture making it a popular destination far from the bustle of Bordeaux. The town of Arcachon is only 150 years old. Not long before May 2nd 1857, when Emperor Napoleon III signed its official “birth certificate”, it was just a pine forest, 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. The main attractions in Arcachon include the Parc Mauresque, the Winter town and its 19th century villas such as Villa Alexandre Dumas or Villa Teresa, the Spring Town, the Jetée Thiers where boats depart for a visit to the Bay of Arcachon and Notre Dame Church. At its southern entrance from the Atlantic Ocean, Arcachon Bay is crowned by Europe’s largest sand dune, the Dune du Pilat (or du Pyla), nearly 3 kilometres long, 500 metres wide, reaching 107 metres in height, and moving inland at a rate of 5 metres a year. Here, visitors will find beach resorts, oyster farming and localities like la Teste de Buch or climb the stunning Dune du Pilat.

• Should I stay in Arcachon or in Bordeaux?

  If you are looking for a sea side resort with beaches and water activities traveling with friends or family then Arcachon Bay is probably the right destination for you. If you are in couple and are seeking to discover the Bordeaux wine region or want to soak in cultural or historical attractions then the City of Bordeaux will be your number one choice.

• What is your most popular activity in Arcachon?

  Our most popular activity in Arcachon is the renting of a traditional boat called the Pinasse. These elegant wooden boats that were used by the Oyster farmers back in the days have become a great way to discover the Bay. The boat trips that we operate include a sightseeing trip to see Bird's Island, a stop at an oyster tasting booth and we can even include sea food platters with wine for a perfect day out.