The most beautiful beaches in the Bay of Arcachon

The lagoon covers an area of between 40 and 155 square kilometres, depending on the height of the tide. You enter the lagoon from two ends, the Dune du Pilat on one side and Cap Ferret on the other, where you'll find the most beautiful beaches and the famous lighthouse. Depending on your point of entry, you'll have access to two types of beach: those on the ocean side and those on the dock side.

The wild aspect of these beaches and the raging waves of the sea is breathtaking. If you love thrills and water sports, then you'll love swimming in these waters and taking in the beauty of the landscape. These waters are very popular with surfers and other board sports enthusiasts. Every year, they attract large numbers of visitors from all over the world. Most of the beaches are supervised, with a lifeguard station high up on the beach. Colour-coded flags are planted in the sand to mark potentially dangerous areas. It is possible to swim between two green flags, where the current and waves are less dangerous. Some areas are reserved for surfers, where the waves are much rougher and pose less risk to bathers.

Here are a few names of beaches we recommend:

• LA LAGUNE, located to the south of the Dune du Pilat, on the road to Biscarrosse, with the first-aid post nearby.
• PLAGE DU "TRUC VERT", reputed to be one of the best surfing spots. There are surfboards for hire and surf schools. It remains guarded in summer.
• PLAGE DE "L'HORIZON" CAP FERRET, this is the central beach of Cap Ferret and is supervised throughout the season. Tirolis, swimming wheelchairs for people with reduced mobility, are available. It's also a great spot for surfing.

All Arcachon's beaches are classified as Zone A, which means they are of good quality.

As well as being a place for people to meet and socialise, the beaches are also very attractive, with many shops. Between two swims you can enjoy a small crêpe or refresh yourself.

A few precautions should be taken when swimming on the ocean beaches: don't swim where you have no foothold, as you risk being swept away by a current.

Some holidaymakers and locals prefer the gentle, sloping, wave-free beaches of the basin, which seem ideal for children. They can only be accessed at high tide. They are also supervised and safe, although the risks are lower than for the ocean beaches. Perfect for relaxing and swimming, each beach has its own character, and you'll discover different aspects and points of view.

Appreciated for their peace and quiet, they also have small foodtrucks where you can relax with a drink in front of the sea. There are also a number of oyster-farming areas in the basin with fishermen's huts, some of which offer tastings.

The village of L'Herbe, in Arcachon, is home to a number of colourful huts on the beachfront. You can admire them as you take a dip. Souvenir shops, fashion boutiques and many other shops are nearby.

The small commune of Andernos les Bains is absolutely safe for children, and its 5-kilometre stretch of fine sand makes it one of the quietest beaches in the basin. Depending on your tastes and expectations, restaurants and shops can be found in the small streets just opposite, providing an opportunity to enjoy yourself and stroll around the outlets.

⭐ On the seafront, the Hotel le B d'Arcachon offers an idyllic setting overlooking the entire basin. Its decor with a very singular style highlights the warm and welcoming side to spend a quality stay. Boat trips are organised to help you discover the beauty and secrets covered by the basin.

⭐ The good value for money of the hotel le Nautic will not know the only aspect of the hotel to seduce you, it is located a few steps from the port of Arcachon. Jet ski rides on the basin are a must-try, and you can watch the Île aux oiseaux and the cabanes tchanquées in the distance.

🍴 The Arcachon 1900 restaurant welcomes you to sample the specialities of the Basin: oysters, mussels, fish and other seafood. Lunch or dinner, indoors or on the terrace facing the sea, quality service and divinely-rated cuisine will ensure you spend a pleasant moment.

⏰ The restaurant is open every day from midday to 3pm and from 7pm to 11pm.

🍴 Le Grand Café Victoria also offers a breathtaking view of Arcachon's great beach, this time Italian cuisine is offered à la carte with the added bonus of a special diet suitable for vegetarians.

⏰ Le Grand Café Victoria is open every day from 9.30am to 10pm.