Andernos les Bains at the Arcachon basin

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The beautiful seaside resort of Andernos-les-Bains is located on the northeast side of the Arcachon Basin. This bay just west of Bordeaux has an area of 150km² at high tide. There are many tourist villages located around this unique bay in France which are fun to visit during your holiday. The villages Arès and Cap Ferret are located in the north. The towns of Biganos, Gujan-Mestras, La Teste-de-Buch and Arcachon are located in the south. The bird island "Île aux Oiseaux" is located in the middle of the basin. Andernos-les-Bains is a popular destination among tourists. It has 5 km of sandy beach, beautiful cycling routes and walking paths through the pine forests, beautiful nature reserves and lovely shopping streets. You can enjoy local delicacies such as oysters in one of the many restaurants.

Saint-Eloi church

On the north side of Andernos near the fishing port, you’ll find the old church "Saint-Eloi". The church is by the beach, near the water. The construction of the church was completed in the 15th century and is one of the gems of Andernos-les-Bains. The church is of Romanesque origin. Pay special attention to the high-quality Romanesque décor such as the capitals decorated with leaves and the carved cornice. The murals date back to the Middle Ages. Saint-Eloi used to lie on the pilgrimage route to Saint Jacques de Compostela.

Gallic-Roman villa

Next to the Saint-Eloi church are the ruins of an old Gallo-Roman villa. The remains, which date back to the 4^th century, fall under Monument Care.

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Longest pier in France

Andernos-les-Bains has the longest pier in France which a length of 232meters. It was possible to build the pier far into the sea due to the gradually sloping seabed. The pier is located in the middle of the village, you can easily walk from the tourist center of Andernos to the pier. From the pier there are beautiful views of Andernos and the nature reserves next to the village, but also over the water towards the bird island, Arcachon and the lighthouse of Cap Ferret. You can also see the well-known fishermen's huts. Especially during the evening at sunset, the pier is a popular pedestrian promenade.

Nature reserves in the bay of Arcachon

There are beautiful nature reserves with beaches and forests in the north of Andernos-les-Bains. Saint-Brice les Quinconces le Coulin is located between the fishing port of Andernos and Arès. It is a wetland area with marsh and ponds. Follow the coastal path from Pointe des Quinconces to the north and enjoy the beautiful views over the bay.

On your walk towards the conche de Saint Brice beach in Arès you’ll pass the river Cirès. This river flows from the lake "Ruisseau de Cirès", a large lake with beautiful birds, to the bay of Arcachon. Beyond Arés is the large nature reserve Près Salés, which has the largest salt marshes of Aquitaine. We recommend taking a walk over the coastal path "Sentier du Littoral" , it will take you to the most beautiful places along the Basin of Arcachon.

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Fishing harbor Port Ostreicole

The old fishing port is a must-visit if you are going to Andernos-les-Bains. Wander through the flower-covered alleys by the harbor. In the harbor you can see how oysters have been cultivated and captured for centuries. In the harbor there are also several nice restaurants with terraces that overlook the Basin of Arcachon. The restaurants are located at the fishermen's workshops. You can't eat fish, oysters and other shellfish fresher than you can eat them here. Also check out the colorful fishermen's huts. Along the entire bay there are a thousands of these types of huts "cabanes". Most huts have a covered basin where they keep the oysters after they have been caught. The oyster port is the perfect place to experience the authentic atmosphere of Andernos and taste shellfish.

Markets and festivals

Every Tuesday and Friday morning a market is held in Andernos and in July and August there are night markets where craftsmen and oyster farmers sell their products. In July, the Andernos Jazz Festival also takes place, this is one of the most important festivals in the area and many international artists perform here. You can participate in all kinds of tastings at the oyster festival.

Sports and entertainment in Andernos

On the beaches of Andernos you can practice various water sports such as surfing and kite surfing. There are plenty of surf and kite schools that can teach you the sports or help you improve your skills. You can rent boats or go canoeing and explore the basin. You can also go swimming and sunbathing on the beach. There is a tree climbing park "Escalade Parc d'Andernos" in a pine forest next to Andernos. There are various courses for both young and old.