Arcachon - chic seaside resort

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Arcachon is a popular place for holiday makers and tourists on the Gironde coast. It lies on the Bassin d'Arcachon. It is on the Bassin d'Arcachon, less than half an hour from Bordeaux. From the Boulevard, where it is always pleasantly busy, you have a beautiful view over the basin. Behind it lies the headland with Le Cap Ferret, the favorite place of French film and TV stars who live along the Bassin in expensive villas. Enjoy staying in a holiday home near Arcachon where you can make the most of lively terraces, boutiques, an old town, sun, sea and beach, and much more.

The Development of Arcachon; Currently a Holiday Destination

Around 1860, Arcachon was no more than a fishing town. That was all until the railroad was built to develop the fishing village. During this time, swimming in the seas also started to become fashionable. Two bankers from Bordeaux bought a piece of dune at Arcachon and developed a casino, large villas, shops and places to go out. This had great appeal to the rich at that time. Since they mainly stayed home in the winter, the winter city (ville d’hiver) was created. Rich citizens could safely recuperate here during the winter in the fresh and pure sea air.

The Division of Arcachon into 4 Seasonal Neighborhoods

Over the years, the city has grown enormously and has therefore been divided into 4 districts. The names are related to the 4 seasons: "Ville de printemps" - "Ville d'automne" - "Ville d'été" - "Ville d'hiver"

Ville d’hiver

This part is known for the beautiful villas that were built, it isalso where the famous French go to live. There are special routes available to view this prestigious part of Arcachon. The villas are from the end of the 19th century and built in very different styles: from Swiss chalet to English cottage to neo-Gothic country house. It also houses luxury villas, including villa Toledo, villa Trocadéro, villa Alexandre Dumas, villa Teresa, villa Craigcrostan or villa Brémontier.

Ville de printemps

This district is known for its mineral water source Les Abatilles, the thalassotherapy center, the beach and the Pereire park.

Ville d’été

The summer city lies by the sea, between the pier of Eyrac and the pier of la Chapelle. It has a beautiful sandy beach, shopping areas, terraces for drinks and restaurants to enjoy a seafood dish or a refreshing cone of ice cream. There is also a large aquarium, casino, bars and discos. There are also many activities organized throughout the summer. Popular is the Thiers pier: a pleasant place to be, and to admire the boulevard and the Archachon basin.

Ville d’automne

In the autumn city is the fishing and marinas. There is a water sports center for sailing, kite surfing, kayaking or stand up paddling.

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The Beach of Holiday Resort Arcachon

Arcachon is known for its beautiful sandy beaches. Many people spend the sunny says relaxing on their towel and sunbathing. During the day you can wander into Arcachon and have something to eat or drink. For children, it is a safe place to go swimming in the sea, seen as it is located in a basin, so there are no high waves the beach slopes gently.
From your holiday home near Arcachon you can easily visit Arcachon. From the holiday park to Arcachon it is half an hour's drive after which you can enjoy this beautiful place with stunnning beaches.

Bassin d'Arcachon

Arcachon is located on the Bassin d'Arcachon. This is a large bay of 1,500 hectares. It is a unique inland sea that is in open connection with the Atlantic Ocean and that’s tide rises twice a day, large parts of this seas are not navigable during low tide.

Banc d'Arguin

At the entrance to the Bassin d'Arcachon, between Cap Ferrte and le Dune de Pilat, is a huge sandbar: Le Banc d'Arguin. During low tide, it is a large island where many people go to enjoy a picnic. During high tide, only the higher parts are visible, and it all looks like a bunch of small islands. Due to the different types of grass that grow on this island, it is a favorable spot for all types of birds.

L’Île aux Oiseaux

There is also an island in the basin. At low tide the island has a circumference of no less than 16 kilometers, at high tide that is reduced to only 5 kilometers. On the island there are famous cabins which used to be inhabited, which is no longer the case. Oysters are cultivated on the island, and the quality of these oysters is very high. During your visit to Arcachon, it is certainly advisable to taste these oysters.

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Boat trip, cycling and walking

It is possible to take a boat trip, which goes around the bird island, on the Bassin d'Arcachon. You will have plenty of opportunities to watch birds. The oyster farms, the stilt houses and the fishing villages of the Cap Ferret peninsula are also visited. At the level of the passage to the sea you have a nice view of the Dune de Pyla on one side and Cap Ferret on the other. The area around Arcachon is particularly suitable for hiking and cycling. There are many kilometres of car-free cycle paths, along the coast or through the pine forests, with or without a guide. There is also the possibility to try out off-road cycle paths with an electric scooter. You will first receive a short instruction and a helmet after which you can leave. Here too it is possible to take a guide with you. You will receive plenty of information about the area, the culture and the history of the area.

Shopping in Arcachon

Arcachon is known for its diverse range of shops:

  • The city has many trendy boutiques and elegant window displays with a wide range of products, including clothing, jewelry, delicacies, shoes, accessories, local specialties, beauty products, decoration, books and souvenirs
  • The city centre is lively and offers several shopping streets, a pedestrian zone, squares and a covered market hall all year round
  • Shops are easy to find and within walking distance of each other, spread over different districts such as Le Moulleau, L'Aiguillon, Les Abatilles and the city center

Local specialties and crafts

In and around Arcachon, several unique local products can be found:

  • Handmade creations made of fish leather, such as jewellery and leather goods, which are environmentally friendly and locally produced
  • Basque fabrics by Lartigue 1910, used for home textiles, table linen and fashion accessories
  • Traditional espadrilles, typical shoes of the Basque Country
  • The lighthouse shop of Cap Ferret, where you can buy various souvenirs and delicacies
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