Dune du Pilat – Complete Guide to Europe’s Highest Sand Dune!

Where is the Dune du Pilat?

Dune du Pilat is located in the heart of the Landes de Gascogne in southwest France, at the entrance to the Arcachon Bay in the town of La Teste de Buch. Facing the tip of Cap-Ferret, Dune du Pilat lies 10 kilometers south of Arcachon and 65 kilometers west of Bordeaux.

Dune du Pilat or Dune du Pyla?

The correct spelling is “Pilat”, not “Pyla”. “Pilat” is a word derived from the local Gascon dialect meaning “heap” or “mound”. The mix-up comes from the name of the neighborhood located right next to the dune, Pyla-sur-Mer.

Locals also commonly call it “La Grande Dune”, the Great Dune in English.
 

 

Dune of Pilat Facts to Know

Are you fond of facts? I know I am! I love learning more about a place and its history with some quick & interesting facts, so I’ve gathered a few about the Dune du Pilat for you:

• Standing at a towering height of more than 103 meters, stretching over 3 kilometers in length, and reaching a width of 600 meters, the Dune du Pilat proudly holds the title of the tallest sand dune in Europe.
• The dune is constantly on the move. Driven by the prevailing winds, it moves about 5 meters a year eastward, so its dimensions are ever-changing. Over the past 60 years, the dune has moved almost 300 meters!
• Contrary to all expectations, the dune actually took shape relatively recently, resulting from the buildup of multiple generations of dunes, with the largest ones dating back only to the 16th century. Its current height didn’t stabilize until the 19th century.
• It’s one of the most visited natural landmarks in France with more than 2 million visitors every year!
• The site is open all year round, 24/7 and access is 100% free! The only thing you have to pay is the parking fee if you come by car (scroll down for parking details).
• The Dune du Pilat has its own beach at its foot, the Plage de la Corniche, one of the best beaches in Arcachon Bay. It’s a unique beach that promises incredible swimming, with the dune on one side and the Banc d’Arguin on the other. To get there, all you have to do is slide down the whole dune.
• The dune is home to some partially silted-up German blockhouses, remnants of WWII. In fact, the Arcachon Bassin alone boasts about 20 blockhouses erected to repel the Allied landings.
• It’s one of France’s favorite sites for paragliding, thanks to the breathtaking panorama offered by the dune from the air. Sandwiched between the Landes forest and the Atlantic Ocean, it’s a view you won’t get anywhere else.

How to Get to the Pyla Sand Dune

The Dune du Pilat is easy to reach, either by car or by public transportation.
 

Getting There by Car + Parking Info

The Pyla Sand Dune is well connected to the French road network, so you’ll have no trouble getting there by car. Here’s how to get there from the nearby towns.

• From Arcachon to Dune du Pilat: The seaside town of Arcachon is located only 13 kilometers from the dune, only a 15-minute drive through the D259 route.
• From Biscarrosse to Dune du Pilat: Biscarosse is only 30 kilometers south of the dune, a 30-minute drive through the D218 route.
• From Bordeaux to Dune du Pilat: The dune is about 63 kilometers away from Downtown Bordeaux, which takes just an hour drive using routes A63 and A660 towards “Bassin d’Arcachon Biscarosse / Dune du Pilat”.
• From Lacanau to Dune du Pilat: The dune is located 1-hour drive south of Lacanau using routes D5E3, D5, and A660.

When arriving at the dune, you’ll find a large parking lot, open to visitors only. Parking fees start at 7€ and increase based on the duration of your parking:

• 4 hours: 7€
• 8 hours: 9€
• 12 hours: 11€

If you have a camper van, you can also park here. Parking charges are slightly higher (10-14€). However, note that it’s forbidden to park at night, whatever your vehicle.

Need to rent a car? Check out DiscoverCars to get the best rates in the area!

Getting There by Public Transport

The Dune du Pilat is accessible by 2 bus lines, with the frequency changing depending on the season. You can catch them from Arcachon train station.

• Bus Line 3: This bus runs all year round and takes you to the dune’s entrance in about 25 minutes from Arcachon train station. You can check the bus timetable here. Be careful as the schedule varies depending on the season.
• Dune Express: This bus runs only in the very peak season (July and August) and takes you directly to the dune in about 15-20 minutes from Arcachon train station.

Bus fares are ridiculously cheap, costing 1€ for a one-way ticket or 2€ for a day pass.

If you’re traveling from Bordeaux for example, you have to first hop on a train from Bordeaux Saint Jean to Arcachon (train tickets cost between 5 and 12€), and then the bus. The entire journey takes between 1 hour and 1 hour 15 minutes and is quite straightforward.

Tip: You can get to the Dune du Pilat by bike! The Bassin d’Arcachon has many well-developed cycle paths and you can rent bikes almost everywhere, so go for it. From Arcachon, it’s only takes only 30 minutes. Bonus: you’ll steer clear of traffic jams in high season and skip the parking fees!

Best Time to Visit the Dune of Pilat

The Dune du Pilat is one of the most popular tourist spots in the whole region. You’ll be hard-pressed to find yourself alone. If you’re hoping for peace and quiet, it’s best to visit early in the morning or at the end of the day, to avoid the crowds. In fact, sunrise and sunset are incredible times to discover the dune!

Also, don’t hesitate to get away from the tourist flow. Given the dune’s vastness, a bit of extra walking will reward you with serene spots away from the hustle.

The best time of year to visit Dune du Pilat is from April to June and September to October. In any case, avoid the peak season of July and August, as the site is literally invaded by tourists. But if you have no choice but to visit during these months, avoid going at weekends.

Winter brings a different allure to the dune, though it can get quite chilly and the wind is strong. Keep in mind that the staircase to the summit is removed, adding a lot more challenge to the climb.
 

 

Tips for Exploring the Dune du Pilat

Before you go, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit to Dune du Pilat:

1. Always check the weather info before visiting to pack and dress accordingly.
2. If you’re visiting in the summer, avoid climbing the dune during the hottest hours of the day. Prefer early morning or late afternoon.
3. Make sure to pack enough water with you as there’s nothing on the dune. Picnicking is allowed if you wish, as long as you don’t leave anything behind.
4. No shade up there on the dune, so make sure to wear a hat and sunglasses. If you’re planning to be there for a long time, consider bringing an umbrella to avoid burning under the sun.
5. If you’re visiting with a baby, skip the stroller and opt for a baby carrier instead. Strollers and sand don’t mix!
6. Leashed dogs are allowed, so feel free to bring them along!

Discovering the Dune du Pilat

I visited the Dune du Pilat with my wife Nes at the very beginning of September, which still is the high season on the Bay of Arcachon. We were spending a weekend in Bordeaux and decided to make a day trip to Arcachon and the Dune.

We arrived at the dune entrance using the bus Dune Express by 9.50 am… which was already a bit late! There were already lots of people and the sun was already beating down! Seriously, I can only advise you not to make the same mistake we did and to get there much earlier.

The bus drops you off in front of the Dune parking lot. Everything is well organized with clear signs, so you’ll have no trouble crossing the parking lot and reaching the path leading to the dune.
 

The path leading to the Dune du Pilat

All along the little path, there are informative signs, as well as a tourist office, small cafés, souvenir stores, and free toilets.
 

 
Next, there’s a short sloping section through the pine forest, which becomes increasingly sandy as you head toward the dune. After a 5-minute walk, the impressive Dune du Pilat unfolds before your eyes.
 

 
You have 2 options: either climb it via the stairs or make your way directly across the sand. Personally, I preferred the sand, but my wife opted for the stairs.
 

View of the dune when climbing

Once at the top, the view of the Baie d’Arguin and Arcachon Bay is absolutely breathtaking! We took off our shoes and walked a few kilometers to find a more secluded spot for some photos and peace.
 

 
Bringing our breakfast with us, we enjoyed it while facing the Banc d’Arguin before taking a brief nap. All in all, we spent around 1h30-2 hours there before catching the bus back to Arcachon for the rest of the day.
 

 

Where to Stay Nearby

There are lots of campsites near the Dune du Pilat, but if you want to stay in a hotel, here are my top recommendations:

✅ Best Hotel – Residhome Arcachon Plazza: Located beachfront in Arcachon close to the train station, this beautiful hotel offers independent apartments with a fully-equipped kitchenette and amazing comfort for a good price.

💰 Best Budget Hotel – Holiday Inn Express – Arcachon – La Teste: Situated only 8 minutes from the Dune of Pilat, this accommodation is much appreciated for its comfy rooms and fresh continental breakfast served daily.

✨ Best Luxury Hotel – Hotel La Co(o)rniche: You simply can’t be closer to the dune! This luxurious 5-star hotel is located right on its foot and provides outstanding fully equipped rooms with terraces. The wonderful outdoor pool facing the Baie d’Arguin is the highlight of this place!
 

Hope you enjoy your trip to the Dune du Pilat! If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.

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