Renowned for its oyster production, Arcachon is also one of the oldest seaside resorts on the Atlantic coast, only 20 km from the campsite. The town that gave its name to the famous basin will surprise you with the richness of its natural, cultural and architectural heritage.
Dynamic and cosy, the town of Printemps starts at the chapel pier, also called the sailors' pier, in front of which stands a large wooden cross that protected the boats going out to sea. Just above is the famous Notre-Dame Basilica and the Sailors' Chapel (the oldest building in Arcachon). Along the coast, you can't miss the Pereire beach (named after the large park that overlooks it) and the Abatilles beach. A little further south, in the Moulleau district, stands another architectural treasure: the Notre-Dame-des-Passes church.
Running along the seafront between the Eyrac and La Chapelle jetties, the Summer Town is the most popular.
It is here that the sea front and the Thiers pier are grouped together; the town centre, its shops and its market hall but also the superb casino housed in the Deganne castle dating from the middle of the 19th century.
Despite its size (from the casino to the Bassin de la Teste), it is around the fishing and yachting harbours that this district has taken shape. The second largest marina in France, it covers 21 hectares and can accommodate some 2600 boats. It is here that you will have access to most of the nautical activities offered in Arcachon: sailing, canoeing, paddle, diving...
Far from the hustle and bustle of the beaches and the town centre, go for a walk in the hills of Arcachon.
You can stroll through the alleys and lanes in search of the most extravagant villas. Take the 1913 lift to climb up and take a bucolic break in the Moorish park. At the exit, enjoy a superb view of the city and the basin on the park's balcony. Then, head for the Saint-Paul footbridge to reach the Sainte-Cécile observatory (built with the help of Gustave Eiffel) and its belvedere where you will find one of the most beautiful panoramas of the city.
In the center of the Bassin d'Arcachon, discover the Île aux Oiseaux, with an area of 3km², during a short boat trip. A commented visit allows you to go around an island whose landscape changes according to the tide since its surface goes from 300 hectares at low tide to 3000 hectares at high tide! During one of these boat trips, you will have the opportunity to discover the mythical cabins on stilts, these constructions on stilts, true symbols of the Arcachon basin. The very first was born in 1883 and allowed oyster farmers to monitor and prevent theft in oyster beds.
While Île aux Oiseaux is home to around fifty habitable cabins, only two cabins on stilts still remain. To observe the huts at low tide, you will have to have the courage to venture there barefoot! To discover !
