Mention Arcachon to the French and they’ll all say the same thing―oysters. Perched on the south shore of Arcachon Bay, the Atlantic Coast resort has been famous for its oysters since Roman times. Oyster-tasting isn’t the only thing to do in Arcachon, though. Once you’ve explored the town’s four historic quarters—each named after one of the four seasons—hit the sheltered beaches of the bay, scale the Dune du Pilat (Europe’s highest dune), and then cruise over to the Cap Ferret peninsula to hike or bike along forested trails.
Arcachon’s sandy beaches and 1950s seaside villas fill up during the summer months, and both crowds and accommodation prices shoot up in July and August. Time your visit for May-June or September to avoid the rush and make the most of the sunny shoulder seasons. The bay is quiet through the winter months, but this is also the best time for bird-watching when migrating seabirds stop to shelter in the Arcachon Basin.
Sea shuttles, ferries, and pinasse (traditional local boats) ply the waters of Arcachon Bay, hopping between Arcachon and the Cap Ferret peninsula, and getting on the water is a great way to explore. The easiest way to get around in Arcachon itself is on foot or by hiring a bike, but local buses also run along the coast between the beaches. To explore further, it’s best to hire a car.
If you’re visiting the Dune du Pilat, hire a pinasse and head out to the Banc d’Arguin, an offshore sandbank that looks out across the dune—it’s the perfect spot for a sunset picnic. Arcachon’s famed oysters have to be on the menu for dinner, so head to La Cabane de l'Aiguillon to taste freshly shucked oysters directly from the farmers. Alternatively, snag a sought-after table at Michelin-starred Le Patio, where the oysters come courtesy of local producer Oliver Laban.
