Located on the southwest coast of France,Arcachon is a popular swimming location on the Atlantic coast 55 kilometres (34 miles) southwest 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.

One of the must-visit attractions in Arcachon is the Ville d'Hiver, a historic district known for its elegant 19th-century villas that were built during the town's heyday as a fashionable resort in the late 1800s. The Ville d'Hiver is a perfect place for a leisurely stroll, with its tree-lined streets, well-preserved architecture, and panoramic views of the bay.

At its southern entrance from the Atlantic Ocean, Arcachon Bay is crowned by Europe’s largest sand dune, the Dune de 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.

For lunch, your guide will certainly suggest one of the many high quality sea food restaurants located along the shore.

In the afternoon, several options are possible.

Option 1 - Head to Pilat and climb the dune

During the summer season, a staircase is put in place so that it is easier to climb the Dune without damaging the area. This means you will have to make some effort to reach the top as there are 170 stairs to climb. Once at the top, discover the natural beauty of the landscape and admire one of the most stunning views of the Bay and the pine forest in the back.

Option 2 - A traditional Private Pinasse Boat Tour on the Bay

Book a unique boat ride on board a local “Pinasse”, the traditional boats of the Bay of Arcachon. All built out of wood, mention of the boats date back to the 1500’s at a time when they were used only for fishing. This pleasant ride will have you see the numerous oyster farms and admire ‘Birds Island’ with its “Tchanqués” huts built on wooden piles. You can also include some oyster tasting, picnic & wine to enhance your experience.