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Dune du Pilat

Route d'Arcachon À Biscarrosse, La Teste-de-Buch, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Description

The Dune du Pilat is the tallest dune in Europe, it measures about 103m in height, 600m in width (from west to east) and 2.9km in length for a total volume of 60 million m³. Technically, it is a foredune (runs parallel to the shoreline) and slowly moves inland due to the westerly Atlantic winds. It is located in the commune of La-Test-de-Buch, immediately south of the resort city of Arcachon.

Access & Transport

By car from Bordeaux or the north of the Landes department, take the expressway A63 and then the A660 towards La Teste. Coming from the South, head north on the A63 (tolls) and then the A660/N250 before taking a left on the D259 towards Pilat / Biscarosse until you reach the parking roundabout. The Baia bus network serves the area, with #1 leaving from Arcachon train station and #2 from La Teste train station.

Instructions & Recommendations

Sunrise and sunset are the best time to go. Try to avoid very windy days and the peak holiday period if possible as the site is very popular.

Meta review

The dune is regularly featured in travel blogs and magazines features; it welcomes nearly 2 million tourists every year. Visitors are generally positively surprised by the beauty of the place and the views but also the fun of walking, running and jumping down the steep sandy slopes. There are a few complaints about crowds and some regular words of advice about the steep and tiring hike up and the wind at the top.

Environmental & Social

Green activity and positive economic benefits from tourism for the local economy and natural conservation / maintenance of the dune.

Conclusion

The Dune du Pilat is one of the most impressive natural features in Aquitaine and a highlight of any trip to the region. It seems to rise out of nowhere and offers magnificent views over the Landes forest, the Cap Ferret, the Banc d'Arguin and the Bay of Arcachon. It is definitely worth the trip and the hike up to the top.

Key positive

Great fun for adults and children alike

Genuinely beautiful and unique in Europe

Key negative

Access path can be crowded, and the hike up is very steep

Suitability

Suitable for all ages Not accessible for visitors with mobility issue because of the steepness of the slope and stairs.

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 50m

est. visit time:2h 30m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Visit is free but there are car park charges (EUR7 in peak season and EUR1 in winter for 4h)
Free

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