Arcachon is located at the southern end of the bay of the same name. It became popular in the late 19th century, when tourists began coming to this picturesque coastal village to unwind, stroll along deserted beaches, and sample the best seafood on the Atlantic coast. Since then, little has changed in the town: in summer, beachgoers are still thronged, while in winter, visitors come to enjoy the romantic tranquility and Byronic solitude.

Arcachon Attractions and Activities
Arcachon’s main attractions include its picturesque promenade and summer quarter, home to many beautiful century-old buildings. Between the Thiers and Eyrac piers, maritime life teems: yachts dock and depart in the port, and tourists stroll along the piers. In the Winter Quarter, you can admire the more than 300 aristocratic villas of the early 20th century, built in various styles, from neo-Gothic to colonial. An elegant Art Deco elevator ascends to the top of the hill.

The Arcachon Casino was built by the renowned architect Adalbert Degannon in 1953. It is a miniature replica of the Château de Boursault in Marne. Inside, you’ll find various slot machines, poker and blackjack tables, and a wide variety of other ways to gamble. The Aquarium, located opposite the Casino, displays the underwater fauna of France’s Atlantic coast, and the adjacent museum tells the story of Arcachon and the Bordeaux region.

Other architectural highlights include the Chapel of Our Lady of Arcachon and the Observatory of Sainte-Cécile. The Dune de Pyla is Arcachon’s main natural attraction, located 6 km from the town. It is the largest sand dune in Europe, reaching a height of 115 meters and a length of 3 kilometers. It offers a stunning view, surrounded by forested terrain without a trace of sand.

In addition, the Aquitaine region offers vineyard visits, wine tastings, and ecotourism on farms.