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Arcachon town

Avenue Victor Hugo, Arcachon, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Description

Arcachon is a seaside town on the Atlantic Coast, 55km southwest of Bordeaux. It is surrounded by the Landes Forest and Arcachon Bay with the Dune du Pilat, Europe tallest sand dune, located immediately south of the commune. The town initially developed in the mid-19th century when sea bathing became fashionable. It was popular for its mild climate and many wealthy people came to spend the winter there, in a district that is still known to this day as the "winter city" with its famous "Arcachonnaise" villas. Nowadays, tourists come for the beach, sailing and for the regional food (oysters in particular).

Access & Transport

There are regional trains (TER) from Bordeaux Gare Saint Jean to Arcachon station (located in the city centre). The ride takes exactly 1h. By car from Bordeaux, take the expressway A63 southbound and then the A660 towards La Teste. Coming from the south, head north on the A63 (tolls) and then the A660.

Instructions & Recommendations

Traffic really is an issue around Arcachon Bay so try to avoid the peak tourist season and long weekends (with public holidays) and try driving early morning rather than in the afternoons or evenings. For those in a leisurely or slow travel mood, there is enough to see and do to stay more than 1 day.

Meta review

The town is well known in Europe as one of the prime resorts on the Atlantic seaboard and, besides the serious problem of traffic (mostly dictated by its geographic location and the topology of the area) reviews are excellent. Visitors enjoy the clean beach with several entertainment options for kids (incl. merry go rounds), the proximity and variety of restaurants, and the originality of the villas' architecture in the winter district.

Environmental & Social

The area is quite built-up but, besides motorboats, the main activities in the city have a low carbon footprint. Tourism is the main source of revenues for the local economy, with the usual caveats relating to over-commercialization.

Conclusion

The town of Arcachon has everything going for it with beautiful natural surroundings, a pleasant beach and Bordeaux less than 60km away. In our opinion, there is no single highlight that makes it an unmissable destination, but it is an excellent option for 2-3 days of beach time with some exploration of the area and leisurely lunch and dinners.

Key positive

Safe beach for families

Some good shopping and restaurants

Plenty to discover around Arcachon Bay and the Dune du Pilat

Key negative

Traffic is a killer in peak season

Quite expensive to stay

Suitability

No restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:1h 15m

est. visit time:7h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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