What to see and do in the Arcachon Basin? A complete guide to the must-sees

Discover what to see and do on the Arcachon Bay: Dune du Pilat, Arcachon, Cap Ferret, beaches, oyster farming villages, nature and gastronomy.

What to see and do in the Arcachon Basin?

The Arcachon Basin is one of the most popular destinations on the Atlantic coast. Between the ocean, pine forests, oyster farming villages, family beaches and exceptional natural sites, it offers a multitude of activities for all ages and tastes.

From Lanton, located in the heart of the basin, you can easily discover the most beautiful sites in the region and fully enjoy your vacation.

Here are the must-see and must-do things in the Arcachon Basin.

Admire the Dune of Pilat

It is impossible to visit the basin without discovering the famous Dune du Pilat, the highest dune in Europe.

From the summit, the view is spectacular:

• the Atlantic Ocean;
• the Arguin bank;
• the Landes forest;
• the Arcachon Basin.

At sunrise or sunset, the view is particularly magical.

Discover Arcachon

The city of Arcachon is captivating with its elegance and seaside atmosphere.

Don't miss it:

• the Winter Town and its historic villas;
• the seafront;
• the market;
• the beaches;
• the marina.

Arcachon is an essential stop to understand the history of the basin.

Explore Cap Ferret

Located between the ocean and the bay, Cap Ferret offers a unique atmosphere.

You will discover there:

• the oyster farming villages of L'Herbe and Canon;
• the colorful cabins;
• ocean beaches;
• the Cap Ferret lighthouse;
• cycle paths crossing through pine forests.

Discover the oyster ports

The Arcachon Basin lives to the rhythm of oyster farming.

The oyster ports are the soul of the territory.

Among the most pleasant to visit:

• the port of Taussat;
• the port of Cassy;
• the ports of Andernos;
• the oyster farming villages of Cap Ferret.

This is the perfect opportunity to taste oysters directly from the producer.

Enjoy the beaches of the Arcachon Basin

The bay offers beaches to suit all tastes.

For families

• Taussat beaches;
• Cassy beaches;
• beaches of Andernos.

For lovers of wide open spaces

• ocean beaches of Cap Ferret;
• Dune du Pilat beach;
• Grand Crohot.

Go for a bike ride

With several hundred kilometers of cycle routes, the Arcachon Basin is an ideal destination for cycling.

From Lanton you can reach:

• Andernos;
• Audenge;
• Arcachon;
• oyster ports;
• the beaches.

Cycling is certainly one of the best ways to discover the basin.

Observe nature

The Arcachon Basin is a true paradise for nature lovers.

To discover:

The Teich Ornithological Reserve

The Teich Ornithological Reserve welcomes hundreds of bird species each year.

The Domaine de Certes et Graveyron

Domaine de Certes et Graveyron is one of the most beautiful natural areas in Gironde.

The Leyre

The Leyre, nicknamed the "little Amazon", can be explored by canoe in the heart of unspoiled nature.

Discover the gastronomy of the Arcachon Basin

Holidays on the Arcachon Bay are also a gourmet experience.

To enjoy:

• oysters from the basin;
• fish from the fish market;
• shrimp ;
• Aquitaine caviar;
• Bordeaux canelés;
• Bordeaux wines.

Take a day trip to Bordeaux

Less than an hour's drive away, Bordeaux is an unmissable day trip.

Places to visit include:

• the Stock Exchange Square;
• the reflecting pool;
• the City of Wine;
• the Grand Theatre;
• the banks of the Garonne.

Why stay in Lanton to discover the Bassin?

Thanks to its central location, Lanton offers easy access to:

• Arcachon;
• Cap Ferret;
• the Dune of Pilat;
• nature reserves;
• the beaches.

This allows you to enjoy a quieter setting while remaining in the heart of the main tourist sites.

Conclusion

Between beaches, nature, gastronomy, heritage and oyster farming villages, the Arcachon Basin offers an exceptional diversity of discoveries.

From Lanton, you have an ideal starting point to explore the must-see sights of the basin while enjoying a peaceful and authentic stay.