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FAQ

Arcachon

Practice
  • How can I visit the Winter City?

    There are several ways to discover the Ville d’Hiver: on your own, on a guided tour, with an audioguide, or in a fun way with an Escape Game-style booklet – the choice is yours!

    Puzzle books are also available for children. Find out more.

    The Little Train is another very pleasant alternative, but it runs from the Easter vacation to the All Saints’ vacation. Find out more about the Little Train.

    Along the way, you can visit the Parc Mauresque (botanical garden) and enjoy an impressive view from the Sainte Cécile Observatory: 25 meters high, it can be reached via the Saint-Paul footbridge.

    All these services are available from the Tourist Office:

    – Mystery tours of the winter town (€12 + ID deposit)

    – Fun booklets for children aged 6 and over (2€)

    – Audio guides (7€ + ID deposit)

    – Guided tours are organized throughout the year. They cost 14€. Please register in advance, and a minimum number of participants is required. Find out more about the Tourist Office’s guided tours.

  • Is there a charge for the Parc Mauresque lift? Does it have opening hours?

    No, the Parc Mauresque elevator is free of charge and open all day from 7am to 10pm.

  • Are bivouacs and wilderness camping permitted?
    The difference between wild camping and bivouac

    Unlike wilderness camping, bivouacs take place under the stars, or simply in a light tent in natural surroundings. The aim is to get a night’s sleep before setting off on another adventure!
    Backcountry campers tend to travel by motorized vehicle (camping car, combi, car…), settling in places closer to civilization (parking lots, roadsides, fields…) and staying several days in the same place.

    By law

    In France, camping is regulated by the section “Camping, aménagement des parcs résidentiels de loisirs, implantation des habitations légères de loisirs et installation des résidences mobiles de loisirs et des caravanes” of ” décret n° 2015-1783 du 28 décembre 2015 relatif à la partie réglementaire du livre Ier du code de l’urbanisme et à la modernisation du contenu du plan local d’urbanisme “

    According to article R111-32, camping is freely practiced, outside the right-of-way of public roads and highways, with the agreement of whoever has the use of the land, subject, where applicable, to the owner’s opposition.

    According to article R111-33, camping in isolation and the creation of campsites are forbidden, except by way of derogation: on seashores and in registered sites;
    in classified sites or sites awaiting classification;
    in protected areas, in the field of visibility of buildings listed as historic monuments, and in parks and gardens that are listed or registered and have been the subject of a protection perimeter, as well as in areas for the enhancement of architecture and heritage or, where these still exist, in architectural, urban and landscape heritage protection zones;
    within a 200-meter radius of water sources tapped for consumption.

    According to article R111-34, camping outside developed sites may be prohibited in certain zones:
    by the local town-planning plan (PLU), or by the equivalent town-planning document ;
    by mayoral decree.
    These bans are only enforceable if they have been brought to the attention of the public by posting them in the town hall, and by erecting signs at the usual access points to the areas covered by the bans.

    Source: https: //www.lecampingsauvage.fr/legislation-et-reglementation/camping-sauvage-bivouac .

    On and around the Bay of Arcachon

    It is forbidden to camp or bivouac in Arcachon. The Dune du Pilat and the Teste de Buch forest are protected sites.

    A decree issued by La Teste de Buch prohibits unauthorized camping in the commune during the summer season.

    Unauthorized camping is also prohibited in the Forêt des Landes de Gascogne.

    To be sure, it’s best to contact the local town hall.

  • Apart from the Ville d'Hiver, what other walks can I do?
  • Can you get from Arcachon to Biscarosse by bus?

    Not all year round, it’s only possible on weekends in summer with the XLR 46 bus.

    Otherwise, the rest of the year, take the XLR 14 from La Hume station.

    ATTENTION: XLR 14 goes to Biscarosse Bourg.

  • Where is the Médiathèque?

    At MA.AT (Médiathèque Arcachon Association Tourisme), Esplanade Georges Pompidou, second floor. Contact: 05 57 52 98 88.

    Find out more about the Médiathèque.

  • How long is the Arcachon-Bordeaux journey?

    The journey takes 50 minutes. You can take the train with your bike, but the ticket inspectors reserve the right not to accept you, depending on how busy it is.

    Information on the Arcachon-Bordeaux line.

  • Where to park for a boat trip?

    The best place to park is in one of the two underground parking lots near the Thiers jetty. In July and August, you can also park in the park-and-ride facilities and in the free streets of Arcachon. Please note that parking in pay streets and open parking lots is limited to 2 hours.

    From October 1 to March 30, outdoor parking is free at weekends.

    More information on parking in Arcachon.

  • Where to park in Arcachon
  • Is it possible to swim whatever the tide?

    Yes, whatever the tide, you can swim on Arcachon’s beaches.

  • From what dates are the beaches supervised in Arcachon?

    Arcachon has three supervised swimming areas:

    – Plage Thiers: from late June to mid-September, 7 days a week from 12pm to 7pm
    and from 15/07 to 15/08 from 10am to 7pm.

    – Plage Pereire: late June to late August, 7 days a week from 12 am to 7 pm.

    – Plage du Moulleau: July and August, 7/7 from 12pm to 7pm.

    These areas are framed by two blue flags.

  • Do you have a list of markets?
  • What is MA.AT?

    MA.AT stands for Médiathèque Association Arcachon Tourisme.

    Located in the heart of the town, the MA.AT in Arcachon is an emblematic new space for discovery, entertainment and leisure. It’s a valuable source of information.

    You’ll find :

    – the Media and Games Library for information, culture and entertainment

    – MA.AT events

    – the micro-folies auditorium: Arcachon’s digital museum.

    – the Tourist Office, where you’ll find Bunker 502.

  • What places are accessible to people with reduced mobility?
  • Do you have contacts for nannies? Baby-sitters?

    We don’t have any at the Tourist Office.

    Please contact the concierge at the MA.AT, Esplanade Georges Pompidou, open all year round.

    Contact: conciergerie.arcachon@conciergerie-solidaire.fr or 07 87 03 35 77.

  • How to get to Arcachon

    By road

    • 1 hour from Bordeaux
    • 2h from the Spanish border via the A63 freeway
    • Less than 3 hours from Toulouse
    • 6 hours from Paris
    • 6 hours from Lyon
    • 6h30 from Marseille.

    By train :

    • 50 minutes from Bordeaux, 3h from Toulouse, 3h from Paris (LGV), 6h from Marseille and 6h from Lyon.
    • Two daily round-trip TGV services between Paris and Arcachon.
    • A TER Bordeaux / Arcachon every 30 minutes.

    By plane :

    • Bordeaux-Mérignac international airport is 45 minutes from Arcachon.
    • 16 daily flights to Paris
    • 45 regular destinations served
    • Bili: a low-cost hub with numerous daily flights.

    Find out more about how to get to Arcachon.

  • How long does it take to walk between Arcachon's main districts?

    Journey time from town hall:

    • Port/Aiguillon: 41 min
    • La Chapelle: 18 min
    • Ville d’hiver: 10 min
    • Pereire : 38 min
    • Abatilles : 59 min
    • Le Moulleau : 1h18
History
  • When was Arcachon founded?

    Arcachon, a former district of La Teste-de-Buch, was made a commune by imperial decree (Napoleon III) on May 2, 1857.

  • Why the name "Ville d'Hiver"?

    Faced with the success of sea bathing and the proliferation of tuberculosis, the Pereire brothers, directors of the Compagnie des chemins de fer du Midi, quickly realized the importance of the Arcachon site, renowned for its beneficial climate and air. Émile Pereire’s plan was to create a seaside and climatic resort to cater for “poitrinaires” from wealthy backgrounds, supported by local doctors (Gustave Hameau, Fernand Lalesque). In 1823, a sailor by the name of François Legallais opened a sea bathing establishment for this clientele.

    Cécile Pereire’s dream was to “build a city without winter, where breasts would come to refresh their lungs”. The Company and its president, Émile Pereire, bought the heights of Arcachon and built villas and a casino in an English-style park, all designed to appeal to a wealthy European clientele. In just a few decades, the previously untouched dunes were subdivided.

    First-generation villas resembled Swiss chalets, reinforcing the name “Winter Town”.

    The names of the other neighborhoods were then derived from this one, so that Arcachon became known as the Ville des 4 Saisons (City of 4 Seasons).

    Find out more about the Ville d’Hiver.

  • What is Bunker 502?

    Bunker 502 is a German WW2 bunker built in 1943. The function of this bunker was to protect the telephone exchange, replacing the PTT in the event of bombing. It could accommodate around 20 people.

    Ar.4101 1943 is the bunker’s identity card.

    502: Corresponds to the bunker model (it takes about 8 weeks to build a model of this type).

    AR: Corresponds to the Arcachon sector

    41: The defense of the Arcachon Basin is part of a system of some sixty positions stretching from Vendays-Montalivet to Contis in the Landes region. Thanks to this number, we know exactly where the Bunker is located on the Atlantic Wall.

    01: Corresponds to the bunker number in the position (only one bunker at Arcachon).

    1943: The date of delivery. (Between 43 and 44, construction of the underground bunkers began, as requested by Hitler in 1942).

    Located beneath the Tourist Office, it can be visited on your own during Tourist Office opening hours for €2 for children over 10, and as a guided tour for €10.

    For more information on the Bunker and tours.

  • What historic sites can you visit in Arcachon?
    • Bunker 502: Bunker 502 is a German WW2 bunker built in 1943. The function of this bunker was to protect the telephone exchange, replacing the PTT in the event of bombing. It could accommodate around 20 people. It is located beneath the Tourist Office.
    • Basilique Notre Dame and Chapelle des Marins (19th century): In 1519, Thomas Illyricus saw two ships ready to sink on the sandbanks. He made a sign of the cross in the sand and prayed for the unfortunate sailors. Suddenly, the waters calmed and the two ships were able to return to the open sea. As he stood up, thanking God, he discovered a statue of the Virgin Mary washed up on the beach. With the help of the locals, he built a wooden chapel to house and honor the statue 1.
    • Saint Ferdinand Church near the Petit Port de Plaisance : The chapel was built in 1855 on the initiative of Mr. Célérier. Built in 6 months, the chapel was named Saint Ferdinand in honor of Cardinal Ferdinand Donnet. In 1900, a Romanesque church was built under the orders of Abbé de Mendivil, the parish priest, on the site of the former chapel, damaged by a cyclone in July 1897. It was built by the Plantey brothers.
    • Notre Dame des Passes au Moulleau: The church is dedicated to the sailors who had to navigate the passes leading into the Arcachon Basin. Notre-Dame-des-Passes is home to the “Virgin of Advent”, one of over thirty statues of the pregnant Virgin.
Lodgings
Services
Events
  • When does the Cadences Festival take place?

    Known for the diversity of its programming, the Festival Cadences is dedicated to all types of dance, with no hierarchy of style, nor barrage, African, jazz… the Festival welcomes companies of international, national or regional renown, as well as up-and-coming artists, who perform at the Théâtre Olympia, the Théâtre de la Mer, against the backdrop of the Bassin.

    The Festival generally takes place in the penultimate week of September.

Activities

The Basin

Discover
  • Can we visit the Banc d'Arguin?

    The Banc d’Arguin is only accessible in summer by regular shuttle bus, as it is a protected reserve. However, it is possible to get there by privatizing a boat. It’s impossible to camp on the Banc d’Arguin or set up an umbrella, and above all there are no toilets.

    Tours are organized in summer by SEPANSO.

  • Can you cycle around the Bassin?

    There are 78 km between Arcachon and the tip of Cap Ferret.

    The coastal path goes all the way round, as does the Vélodyssée from Le Teich.

    Find out more about the Vélodyssée.

  • What is there to do in Cap Ferret?

    Tip: The best way to enjoy Cap Ferret is by bike. Many rental companies are located near the Bélisaire Jetty.

    Not to be missed:

    • The lighthouse ( 57 meters high): The Cap Ferret lighthouse can normally be visited for €6 for adults.
    • Oyster-farming villages: of all colors, with oyster tastings in the huts (in normal times).
    • The Pointe du Cap Ferret: with its panoramic view of the Dune du Pilat. ATTENTION: It’s impossible to walk on the beach of the Pointe du Cap Ferret due to landslides.
    • La Chapelle de la Villa Algérienne: Neo-Moorish building. In 1863, Léon Lesca and his brother bought a vast estate on the edge of the Bassin. On his return from Algeria, the public works contractor built a fabulous complex, of which the “Villa Algérienne” is the main feature. Over the years, Léon Lesca developed and transformed his estate.
  • Can we go to Bird Island?

    It’s not possible to get to Île aux Oiseaux by regular boat, only by privatizing a boat or by sea kayak.

    However, it is possible to take a tour of the island. Several companies offer a 2-hour tour departing from Jetée Thiers.

    Find out more about regular boat departures or rentals.

  • What other sites are worth visiting in the Basin?

    In addition to Arcachon and Cap Ferret, there are other must-see sites on the Bassin to discover:

    • Le Zoo du Bassin d’Arcachon in Cazaux
    • La Maison de l’Huître in Gujan Mestras: Through various media (film, presentation of oyster farming equipment, etc.) discover the world of oyster farming and oyster breeding.
    • The Réserve Ornithologique du Teich: The visit is on foot, along a 6 km loop trail. 20 enclosed observation huts dot the trail at the best bird-watching spots. Spaced approximately every 300m, they make for a comfortable visit whatever the weather (rain, cold, heat). 4 elevated viewpoints offer panoramic views of the Reserve’s landscapes. The trail is highly accessible, even in street shoes. A minimum of 3 to 4 hours is required to walk around the site while birdwatching. There is a short cut (approx. 2.5 km) for people with mobility problems or small children. For people with reduced mobility, an adapted itinerary is available, avoiding observatories with stairs or steep slopes. 88 species can be seen on the reserve.
    • The Port de Biganos: This is the oldest and most upstream port on the Leyre.Historians describe it as the ancient port of Boïos, the name of the Gallic village that became “Biganos”.Its typical colorful huts in the shade of large oak trees make it a favorite spot for nature lovers. It is home to 150 boats of all sizes, which can reach the Arcachon basin after a 2-kilometre river trip.
    • The Domaine de Certes et de Graveyron between Lanton and Audenge: Owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral and managed by the Conseil Départemental de la Gironde, the Domaine de Graveyron is a protected natural area along the sentier du Littoral, which runs alongside the Bay of Arcachon. Originally a fish reservoir in the 19th century, it is now home to a large number of bird species and lush green flora. The Domaine de Certes is located on one of the most important migration routes for birdlife, and is an internationally important migratory site for many bird species, including the Eurasian spoonbill. Formerly a salt marsh, this vast area reclaimed from the sea has been converted into a fish farming site, and is now dedicated to the protection of natural environments.
    • The town of Andernos: With its large jetty, oyster-farming port, natural areas, beaches and lively town, Andernos-les-Bains has everything you need for a real vacation with friends and family!
    • The salt meadows of Arès: A family outing, on foot or with a stroller, to discover a little-known part of Arès: the MGEN park and its Rabbit Trail! Along the way, discover the emblematic sites of Arès: the oyster port, the Arès jetty and the UFO port! All the more reason to take plenty of souvenir photos with your little ones.
  • Do you have a hiking map of the Basin?
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