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?

  Arcachon is a beautiful seaside town located about 600 kilometers southwest of Paris. It's a popular destination for beach-goers, surfers, and seafood enthusiasts, and getting there from Paris is relatively easy. One of the most convenient ways to get from Paris to Arcachon is by train. There are regular TGV trains that run between Paris and Arcachon, with a journey time of approximately 3 hours. Trains depart from Paris Montparnasse station, and tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the station. Another option is to take a flight from Paris to Bordeaux, and then take a train or a bus from Bordeaux to Arcachon. Flights from Paris to Bordeaux take around 1 hour, and there are many airlines that operate this route. From Bordeaux, it's possible to take a train or a bus to Arcachon, as described in the previous answer. If you prefer to drive, it's also possible to rent a car in Paris and drive to Arcachon. The journey takes around 6 hours and follows the A10 and A63 motorways.

• 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.

• How to get from Bordeaux to Arcachon?

  Arcachon is a beautiful seaside town located about 60 kilometers southwest of Bordeaux. It's a popular destination for beach-goers, surfers, and seafood enthusiasts, and getting there from Bordeaux is relatively easy. One of the most convenient ways to get from Bordeaux to Arcachon is by train. There are regular trains that run between Bordeaux and Arcachon, with a journey time of approximately one hour. Trains depart from Bordeaux Saint-Jean station, and tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the station. Another option is to take a bus from Bordeaux to Arcachon. The bus journey takes a bit longer than the train, at around 1.5 hours, but it's also an affordable option. Buses depart from the Gare Routière de Bordeaux, and tickets can be purchased online or at the station. If you prefer to drive, it's also possible to rent a car in Bordeaux and drive to Arcachon. The journey takes around 1 hour and follows the A63 motorway. Be aware that parking in Arcachon can be difficult, especially during peak tourist season.