Nestled along the Atlantic coast in Southwestern France, often overlooked by the tourists for the more popular Paris, French Rivera or the Champagne region, lies the small but magnificent beach town of Arcachon. Famous for its expansive beaches, fresh oysters, the majestic Dune du Pilat, Arcachon truly captures the essence of coastal France. Whether you want to experience slow-living and spend a leisure day at the beach or whether you want to improve your surfing and sailing skills and finish the day at the casino well into the wee hours of the morning, Arcachon offers a unique blend of experiences that is both tranquil and invigorating.
In April 2024, my trip to France brought me to Paris and Bordeaux, where I had the opportunity to explore numerous tourist attractions including the world-renowned vineyards of Saint-Émilion. And then I decided to visit Aracachon, a place I had never heard of before, but a place whose elegance and radiance is now etched in my memory for a lifetime.
From Bordeaux, Arcachon is less than an hour train ride away and the Gare d’Arcachon (train station of Arcachon) is less than 100 metres away from the main beach (Plage d’Arcachon) and the city centre. And these, are a sight to behold!! From the beach volleyball players, chic boutiques and people savouring seafood delicacies, I knew I was in for a delight.
My first destination was the ‘Dune du Pilat.’ The bus Baïa, ligne 3 (line 3) goes directly to the dune from the station (and back for €2/- one way), or you can bring your bikes with you from Bordeaux, OR you can walk the 9 km route along the beautiful city or the beach and get your steps in with the refreshing breeze on your face- which is exactly what I chose to do!!
The journey finally began with a walk along the beach, where the ocean’s waves generally kissed the shore. The water was chilly in April but I did not seem to mind the calming feeling of my feet touching the sand and the water. In corners of every rock, combed algae lay meticulously arranged, adding a touch of natural artistry to the landscape. The contrast between the smooth, expansive beach and these tiny intricate details was captivating. The beach was absolutely pristine, with only footprints of humans and other fauna when I started noticing a very unusual sight- several dead jellyfish lay across the beach. This was not a onetime sight, and as I continued my walk towards the dune, I came across this startling sight multiple times where I would see a shoal of dead jellyfish. This raised questions in my mind and I tried asking the local people. When that was unsuccessful due to the language barrier, I reached for my phone and read that, firstly, during this season, there are jellyfish that wash on the shores due to the water current, however, in recent years, their amount had increased multifold, due to the rising temperatures of the water. This was a reminder of how quickly nature is changing due to human activities and I made a mental note to be more mindful with my actions towards the environment.
Not letting it dampen my spirits, I continued on my quest towards the tallest sand dune in Europe, passing joyful tourists on their way. Standing at the base of this natural wonder, I felt a mix of excitement and challenge. The climb to the top was not just a physical test, but a playful competition among the tourists. As I ascended, I could hear laughter and friendly banter all around me, as people egged each other on, trying to be the first to reach the summit. The climb was steep, but the experience was exhilarating.
Reaching the top of the dune was a moment of triumph. From the summit of the sand dune, you can see the vast ocean on one side and dense pine forests on the other which really makes you appreciate the diversity of nature. The fun wasn’t over yet as getting down the dune was an adventure in itself. Everyone was either running or rolling down, catching their moments on video, revelling in the thrill of the descent. It was a carefree, joyous experience that brought out the child in everyone.
As I made my way back to the train station, I decided to walk by the city- yes, the whole route of 9 km again, but it was the best decision ever. I was struck by the quaint houses that lined the streets. The carefully manicured gardens in each home, the fragrant orange blossoms on the walls, created a mesmerising landscape. It was as if each house was a part of a living, breathing postcard, perfectly capturing the essence of Arcachon’s charm. Along my way, I stumbled upon locals engaged in a game of pétanque, a popular French pastime involving metallic balls to see who can throw their balls closest to the target ball.
I am not much of a seafood lover myself, but Arcachon Bay is the heart of the oyster farming industry in France, which highlights another aspect of the town’s rich maritime heritage. All across the local market, I observed lots of fresh oysters and I highly recommend the foodies to also delve into this experience.
Arcachon is a charming town, with a distinct character that reflects its history as a 19-century seaside resort. It is divided into four districts, each named after a season: Ville d’Été (Summer Town), Ville d’Hiver (Winter Town), Ville de Printemps (Spring Town), and Ville d’Automne (Autumn Town). As you walk through Arcachon, you come across these districts, each bringing a unique personality. The district that stood out the most for me was the Ville d’Hiver (winter town) with its Belle Époque architecture, grand villas, winding streets lined with palm trees and lush fauna that looked right out of a Disney movie. In the district, I also stumbled across an antique market, offering a treasure trove of vintage items, local crafts and unique souvenirs which was put up by the senior citizens of the area. The chatter and the commotion between the vendors and sellers were a reminder to live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment.
Before I knew it, I was back at the station, holding a few souvenirs and reflecting on the day’s adventures. My visit to Arcachon was truly unforgettable. From the majestic dunes to the charming streets and lively markets, every moment was filled with beauty and wonder. It was a place that seemed to capture the very spirit of France—where nature, culture, and community come together to create an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left.
