Arcachon Bay is a bay of the Atlantic Ocean on the southwest coast of France, situated in Pays de Buch between the Côte d'Argent and the Côte des Landes, in the region of Aquitaine. The bay covers an area of 150 km² at high tide and 40 km² at low tide. Some of its geological features are natural preservation areas.
In the 19th Century, Bordeaux Bourgeoisie came up with what today is known as ‘health care’ holiday and chose Arcachon for a location of rest, relax and rejuvenation, turning it into a luxury resort. Today, Arcachon is especially famous for balneotherapy (the treatment of diseases by bathing) where you can enjoy the curative benefits of water sprays and relaxing massage.
Arcachon Bay boasts an amazing climate, with sunshine almost all year round. The Winter is mild while Summer is dry and warm, so it’s ideal for enjoying the sublime beaches on Arcachon Bay. The Architecture of Arcachon is considered the most beautiful in Gironde, mainly due to the variety of architectural styles in the region.
Moreover, Arcachon includes Europe’s longest and highest dune of sand, La Dune du Pyla, which reaches 107 meters in height! Besides that, Arcachon Bay is renowned for its Oysters and the area is well-known throughout France for its Oysters farms. The French tradition is to enjoy Oysters with a light French white wine.
Beautiful oyster villages in the area have maintained an authentic character, like L'Herbe, Piraillan or Le Canon, located in the municipality of Lège-Cap-Ferret and are well worth a visit while there. It's an opportunity to enjoy a wonderful walk along the flower-adorned streets lined with charming huts and taste some gourmet delicacies.
If you are a keen bird-watcher, do not skip a visit to Le Teich Bird Reserve nearby. This protected natural area, located east of Arcachon Bay, is home to a large number of wild birds.
To discover even more of the delights Arcachon Bay has to offer, you can rent a kayak to Bird Island (L'Île aux Oiseaux) and see its picturesque huts on stilts, its famous oyster parks, and the exceptional Banc d'Arguin nature reserve. For more panoramic views climb to the top of the lighthouse at Le Cap-Ferret.
The world’s most visited country, France with more than 89 million visitors each year rightfully seduces travelers with its culture, stunning landscape comprising of Alpine mountains, beautiful meadows, farms, rivers and spectacular sea coast France is about art and architecture. The country's cultural sights and rich history is staggering – in volume and diversity. There are plenty of things to see and do in France which is blessed with beautiful landscapes and diverse geography.
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