The Best Day Trip to Arcachon & Dune du Pilat From Bordeaux
If you’re spending a few days in Bordeaux, then a trip to the region surrounding the city is a must. Indeed, it’s a very rich and varied region with a plethora of day trip options from Bordeaux to visit.
However, if you find yourself there during the warmer months, there’s one destination that stands out—the Bassin d’Arcachon!
Of course, you won’t be able to discover all the treasures of the Bay of Arcachon on a day trip, but 1 day is more than enough to see its most iconic landmark, the Dune du Pilat, as well as the seaside resort of Arcachon.
I was lucky enough to do this day trip at the end of August, so follow me on this unforgettable day trip to Arcachon & Dune du Pilat!
Where are Arcachon and the Dune du Pilat?
The town of Arcachon and the Dune du Pilat are both located on Arcachon Bay in southwest France. The Arcachon Bay is a wide lagoon on the Atlantic Coast about 50 kilometers from Bordeaux featuring unique fauna, flora, and landscapes.
Is Arcachon Worth Visiting?
Yes, Arcachon is absolutely worth a visit! Arcachon Bay as a whole is truly an exceptional place brimming with natural treasures and charming picturesque villages. Visitors from France and all over the world flock here to enjoy the area’s laid-back atmosphere, bask or surf on the beautiful beaches, indulge in oysters and, of course, discover the Dune du Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe!
With so much to do and see, I definitely recommend having a look, even for a single day. So, if you’re spending a weekend in Bordeaux, make sure to add it to your plans!
How to Get from Bordeaux to Arcachon
Getting from Bordeaux to Arcachon is really easy, whatever the option you choose. Here are the 2 solutions for this route:
🚗 Bordeaux to Arcachon by Car
The distance from Bordeaux to Arcachon is 65 kilometers and takes only 1 hour by car, making it a quick and easy day trip.
The fastest route is via the A63 highway, then the A660 following the Bassin d’Arcachon/Biscarrosse sign, and finally the N250 to Arcachon/La Teste – Centre.
Concerning parking in Arcachon, the town offers plenty of lots. If you happen to visit during the off-season (from October 1 to April 30), most parking zones in the city center are free of charge. And you won’t struggle to find a spot.
However, when visiting Arcachon during the peak season (from May 1 to September 30), parking comes at a cost. If you’re lucky enough to snag a spot in the heart of the city (a real challenge in the summertime!), the price depends on the specific parking zone.
If not, you can park in the underground parking lots, which also charge but offer plenty of space. There are 3 in Arcachon: Parking Relais (a bit far from the city center), Parking Indigo Arcachon Centre-ville/Plage, and Parking Indigo Arcachon Centre-ville/Gare.
Tip: if you park in town (not in an underground parking lot), you can pay your spot on the city’s parking meters or on the PayByPhone app. Using the app is really convenient as you can pay, extend or stop your parking whenever you want, in just one click, without having to return to your car.
🚆 Bordeaux to Arcachon by Train
The train is the best and cheapest option to get to Arcachon from Bordeaux. About 20 trains a day run between Bordeaux St Jean train station and Arcachon from 6 am to 9 pm.
If you hop on a direct train, the ride is a swift 50 minutes, or 1 hour 20 if you have to make a connection. Price for this ride costs between 5€ and 12€, you can check the rates and book your train ticket on the SNCF website (the French rail network).
Arcachon train station is located right in the heart of the city, so it can’t be easier. It’s only a 9-minute walk from the beach!
Bordeaux Airport to Arcachon
If you’re coming from Bordeaux airport, the route is different but also easy:
- By car: The journey from Bordeaux Airport to Arcachon takes a bit less than an hour, using the A63 and A660.
- By public transport: You have to first take the bus line 39 to Pessac Alouette train station, and then take the train to Arcachon. The whole trip takes about 1 hour 15.
Need to rent a car for your trip? Check out DiscoverCars to get the best rates!
Arcachon Thiers Pier
How to Get to Dune du Pilat from Bordeaux
The Dune du Pilat is located very close to Arcachon, about 13 kilometers away.
🚗 Bordeaux to Dune du Pilat by Car
From downtown Bordeaux to the dune, the trip takes only an hour.
The route is almost the same as if you were going to Arcachon. The fastest route is via the A63 highway, then the A660 following the Bassin d’Arcachon/Biscarrosse sign, then the N250 to Arcachon/La Teste – Centre, and finally take the D259 to Biscarosse/Dune du Pyla/Plages Océanes/Campings.
When arriving, you’ll find a large parking lot, open to the dune’s visitors. Prices start at 7€:
- 4 hours: 7€
- 8 hours: 9€
- 12 hours: 11€
🚆 Bordeaux to Dune du Pilat by Train
To get to the Dune du Pilat from Bordeaux, you’ll first need to get to Arcachon. So, you have to take a train from Bordeaux St Jean to Arcachon. You’ll get there in 50 minutes by direct train.
When arriving at Arcachon train station, you need to take a bus to get to the dune:
- Bus Line 3: This bus runs all year round and takes you to the dune’s entrance in about 25 minutes. You can check the bus timetable here.
- Dune Express: This bus runs only in July and August and takes you directly to the dune in about 15-20 minutes.
So, the whole trip from Bordeaux to the Dune du Pilat takes between 1 hour and 1 hour 15 minutes.
One Day in Arcachon & Dune du Pilat Itinerary
I recommend starting this trip early in the morning so you can enjoy Arcachon Bay to the fullest. Plus, the Pilat sand dune is best discovered when the sun is still mild!
If you’re doing this trip during the warm season, make sure to pack water with you, as well as sunglasses and a hat to protect your head from the sun. As for shoes, you can wear walking shoes or flip-flops, as you prefer!
With my wife Nes, we took the direct train from Bordeaux Saint Jean train station at 8.35 am, which took us to Arcachon by 9.30 am. From there, we hopped on the Dune Express bus and reached the entrance of the Dune du Pilat by 9:50 am.
1. Discover the Dune du Pilat
From Arcachon, we headed directly to the Dune du Pilat mostly to avoid the scorching sun, but also to avoid the crowds. Well, there were already lots of people, but it was still manageable!
A short 10-minute walk brings you to the huge staircase leading to the dune’s summit. Along the way, you’ll find information panels explaining this geological marvel, as well as cafés and souvenir stores.
Then begins the climb to the top of the dune, quite easy thanks to the staircase. At the top, brace yourself for the breathtaking view! On one side, the lush greens of the Landes, at the center, the golden hues of the sand, and on the right, the deep blue of the sea.
I recommend walking a good distance to get away from the crowds, get some peace and quiet, and capture some pretty shots. We’d packed our breakfast along (canelets, of course!), which we enjoyed while gazing at the stunning Baie d’Arguin.
2. Step into Notre Dame Basilica
After spending about 1,5 hours soaking in the beauty of the Dune du Pilat, we took the bus back to Arcachon. This time, we took bus line 3 and chose to get off at the Basilique Notre Dame stop to kick off our exploration of the town of Arcachon.
Built in the 19th century, this pretty Gothic-style basilica is the 3rd reconstruction of the original chapel and is the pride of the locals, with good reason. It houses the Chapelle des Marins, a tribute to the statue of the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus discovered on the beach in the 16th century.
Beautiful both inside and out, it’s a delightful find and a unique visit that shouldn’t be missed during your time in Arcachon.
3. Take in the views from the Observatoire Sainte Cécile
After this peaceful break, we strolled for about 15 minutes through the residential streets of Arcachon to reach the Sainte Cécile Observatory and gain some height.
When you arrive at the foot of the observatory, you’ll find an unusual staircase, made entirely of wrought iron and extremely narrow. It’s a one-person-at-a-time situation! So, you’ll have to exercise a bit of tact and only start climbing when you’re sure no one is coming down. The steps are just as snug, and the entire structure shakes as you climb, which is quite surprising but fun!
As you reach the top, a breathtaking panorama unfolds before you! The town of Arcachon stretches out before your eyes, with the magnificent blue of the Atlantic Ocean in the background.
4. Check out the Ville d’Hiver iconic houses
After coming down from the observatory, we made our way to the Ville d’Hiver (Winter Town) neighborhood, renowned for its charming houses.
Perched high up in the hills, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, you’ll stroll among 19th-century villas of spectacular, sometimes even extravagant, architecture.
In this district, you’ll find a whopping 300 houses, but the ones you absolutely shouldn’t overlook are Toledo, Alexandre Dumas, Brémontier, Iris, and Athena, each with its own distinctive style. Certainly one of the best things to do in Arcachon!
5. Have lunch in the city center
After that long morning of discoveries, I bet your stomach is sending out some serious signals! Ours certainly was.
We made our way to the lively heart of Arcachon (the Ville d’Eté area), right by the sea, where charming streets are brimming with restaurants and shops. If you happen to realize you left your swimsuit behind, no worries—this is the place to be, there’s so much choice!
When it comes to food, you’ll also be spoilt for choice. With Nes, we picked a nice little Italian restaurant, Ragazzi Da Peppone. We ate very well for a very reasonable price, so I highly recommend it!
6. Stroll around the Ville d’Eté
Time for a leisurely post-lunch stroll, a perfect chance to explore the Ville d’Été.
This area is the city center hugging the waterfront, bordered to the south by the Ville d’Hiver. The shift between peak and off-peak seasons is stark here. In the summertime, it’s bustling with tourists, while in the quieter months, it’s wonderfully deserted!
Arcachon City Hall
Regardless of the time, it’s definitely worth a wander. As you stroll through the pretty streets, you’ll discover a host of boutiques, the town hall with its pretty garden, the covered market, a casino, and, finally, the pier and the sea.
7. Take a boat trip to l’Ile aux Oiseaux
When arriving at the jetty, you’ll find a number of cabins offering boat tours around the Arcachon Basin, departing from the jetty. This is your golden ticket to exploring a truly unique place in the world, the Ile aux Oiseaux (Birds’ Island).
A famous “Cabane Tchanquée” on the Ile aux Oiseaux
The Ile aux Oiseaux is an unspoilt natural site that changes with the ebb and flow of the tides, growing from 300 hectares to 3000 hectares! It’s also a haven for birds, as many species visit the island, whether migrating, nesting, or seeking refuge during the winter. The famous “maisons tchanquées” and oyster beds also add to the magic of this peaceful, timeless haven.
Given the limited time available, I’d suggest opting for a brief 1.15-hour excursion with Les Bateliers d’Arcachon. It costs €16 for adults and €12 for children aged 3 to 12. An unforgettable experience awaits you, so don’t miss it!
8. Unwind at Plage d’Arcachon
It’s finally time to relax, and what better way to end the day than at the beach?
Arcachon Beach, also known as Plage Centrale, is large and lively, featuring a lineup of restaurants and cafés along the promenade, along with entertainment and kids’ clubs. It’s one of the best beaches in the Arcachon Bassin!
Whether you’re in the mood for a swim or just want to unwind on the fine sand, you’ll have a wonderful time soaking in the sea breeze before either returning to Bordeaux or making your way back to your hotel if you’ve opted for an overnight stay.
Where to Stay on the Arcachon Bay
Want to spend the night on the Arcachon Bay? Here are the best accommodations, conveniently located to execute this day trip easily:
✅ Best Hotel – Residhome Arcachon Plazza: close to the beach and the train station, this beautiful hotel provides independent apartments with a fully-equipped kitchenette and great comfort for a reasonable price.
💰 Best Budget Hotel – Hôtel L’Ostréi: This is a cozy hotel located not far from the beach in a quiet area, with friendly staff and lovely rooms, all at an unbeatable price!
✨ Best Luxury Hotel – Résidence Les Suites Pereire: Located only a few steps from the beach, this 5-star hotel offers wonderful rooms and small apartments, all well-equipped with an outdoor pool. Some units even come with a jacuzzi!
If you’re traveling in camper or bivouacking, check out the best camping spots in the area.
FAQ About Visiting the Arcachon Bay
When is the best time to visit Arcachon Bay?
Arcachon Bay is best to visit from April to October, covering spring, summer, and early autumn. However, within this extended period, temperatures and atmospheres vary a lot, and the best time to visit depends on your preferences.
Visiting the Dune du Pilat is best in May, June, and September. In midsummer, the sun and heat can be unbearably hot, which can make your visit less pleasant and much shorter.
As for swimming, June, July, and August offer the best water temperatures, although it’s still refreshingly cool. Just keep in mind that these months match with the peak tourist season, so expect huge crowds.
Finally, if you like nature walks and outdoor excursions, you can go at any time except winter and July-August to avoid the sweltering heat.
How much time do you need in the Arcachon Bay?
Although you can spend as little as one day or as much as a whole week discovering the Arcachon Basin, the ideal duration is about 3-4 days. This will provide you with enough time to discover several spots such as the Dune du Pilat, the town of Arcachon, and Cap Ferret, and enjoy the many beaches and scenic walks that dot the bay.
Hope you enjoy this one day in Arcachon itinerary! If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.
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