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Bordeaux
Bordeaux Escape: Explore Arcachon Bay & Pilat Dune Privately
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private tours
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Sightseeing
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08 hours
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Small Groups ( 1~8 )
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Active
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Multi-languages
Deutsch English Español Français Italiano
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120.00
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Promotion on this Tour !
Use the special code WINTERTREAT and get 10.00% discount
This code is valid for travel dates between
2024/12/20 and 2025/12/31
2024/12/20 and 2025/12/31
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Discover a unique Sea Side Resort on this private day trip from Bordeaux to Arcachon Bay. Climb Dune du Pilat, Europe’s Largest Sand Dune. Reach Cap Ferret by boat or take an optional Pinasse du Bassin Boat ride. Taste Arcachon Oysters.
Highlights
- A Pleasant Day-Trip to the Seaside Near Bordeaux
- Taste Fresh Oysters Directly From the Local Oyster Sheds
- Lunch At Any One of the Local High Quality Seafood Restaurants
- Tour can be customized to suit your interests
What is Included / Excluded for this tour
Program & Itinerary
Arcachon is a popular bathing location on the Atlantic coast 55 kilometers (34 miles) southwest of Bordeaux. It has fine sandy beaches, a mild climate and the town itself is dotted with belle époque architecture making it a popular destination far from the bustle of Bordeaux.The town of Arcachon is only 150 years old. Not long before May 2nd 1857, when Emperor Napoleon III signed its official “birth ...
Drive from Bordeaux to Arcachon
Arcachon is a popular bathing location on the Atlantic coast 55 kilometers (34 miles) southwest of Bordeaux. It has fine sandy beaches, a mild climate and the town itself is dotted with belle époque architecture making it a popular destination far from the bustle of Bordeaux.
The town of Arcachon is only 150 years old. Not long before May 2nd 1857, when Emperor Napoleon III signed its official “birth certificate”, it was just a pine forest, oaks and strawberry trees (arbutus), with no road links, and home – mostly when the weather was expected to be warm, and more in wood huts than in real houses – to fewer than 400 people, mostly fishermen and peasants. In earlier years, when some hygienists began to recommend sea bathing, three sea establishments were laid out by some entrepreneurs especially for the Bordeaux bourgeoisie.
At its southern entrance from the Atlantic Ocean, Arcachon Bay is crowned by Europe’s largest sand dune, the Dune de Pilat (or du Pyla), nearly 3 kilometres long, 500 metres wide, reaching 107 metres in height, and moving inland at a rate of 5 metres a year.
Reach the Bay of Arcachon
Today depart from Bordeaux and head towards this land locked sea known as “The Bay of Arcachon”. Upon arrival, discover the oyster sheds that are laid in rows one next to each other and that belong to the local oyster farmers that make this destination so well known to all French oyster aficionados. Here you will have the opportunity to taste fresh Arguin Banc accompanied with fresh baguette, lightly salted butter and a glass of white wine of course.
For lunch, your guide will certainly suggest one of the many high quality sea food restaurants located along the shore. There are also fantastic restaurants facing the sand beaches that can be booked by your guide in the morning and that really bring out the natural beauty of Arcachon Bay.
In the afternoon a number of options are possible:
Option 1 - Head to Pilat and climb the dune.
After a short drive from Arcachon town, reach the highest sand dune of Europe located in the small town of Pilat sur Mer. During the summer season, a staircase is put in place so that it is easier to climb the Dune without damaging the area. This means you will have to make some effort to reach the top as there are 170 stairs to climb. Once at the top, discover the natural beauty of the landscape and admire one of the most stunning views of the Bay and the pine forest in the back.
Option 2 - A traditional Private Pinasse Boat Tour on the Bay
Book an optional unique boat ride on board a local “Pinasse”, the traditional boats of the Bay of Arcachon. All built out of wood, mention of the boats date back to the 1500’s at a time when they were used only for fishing. This pleasant ride will have you see the numerous oyster farms and admire ‘Birds Island’ with its “Tchanqués” huts built on wooden piles. You can also include some oyster tasting, picnic & wine to enhance your experience.
Any of these options can be chosen during the booking process. Tour returns to the Bordeaux area at the end of our services.
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Meet your Guide at your Accommodation in Bordeaux
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Discover the Oyster Sheds and Oyster tasting
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Panoramic Tour of Arcachon
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Free time for lunch in Arcachon City or along the Sea Side (at own expense)
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Climb the Pilat Sand Dune or enjoy a relaxing Boat Ride
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Drop off at your accommodation in Bordeaux
Gallery
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Know before you book
In regards to the protection of the environment, we will no longer provide plastic bottles of water during our tours. You are kindly advised to bring your own. Water and refills are available at the wineries, museums and attractions visited.
- Day Trip from Bordeaux available all year round (except Dec. 25th and Jan. 1st)
- 8 hour private Arcachon Bay Day Tour from Bordeaux
- Oyster Tasting experience included
- Pinasse Boat Ride can be included during the booking process
- Tour is operated in English, other languages on request
- Tour involves some walking, comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Prices are per person, maximum 8 guests - Larger groups please contact us
- Tour is not wheelchair accessible
Meeting point
Bordeaux
Departure
We will come and pick you up at Train Station, Hotel or Airbnb in Bordeaux or surrounding area, circle of 30 kms (20 miles) around Bordeaux at no extra cost.
Return
Tour returns to original departure point.
Reviews
5.0/5 (1 reviews)
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Kathleen
03, Nov 2017
Bonjour Kim, Thank you for planning such a wonderful trip for me. Everything was perfect! The guides and drivers(Bruno, Chris, Ben ) were charming, well...
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Included / excluded
Included
- Visit of Oyster farm or Oyster shed
- 12 Oysters, 1 glass of white wine, bread & butter
- Panoramic tour of Arcachon
- Dune du Pilat climb if desired
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Travel in premium, spacious vehicles
Excluded
- Entrance fees to monuments or attractions
- Pinasse Boat Rental
- Meals & drinks
- Personal travel insurance & expenses
- Gratuities for the driver/guide
FAQ
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How to get from Bordeaux to Arcachon?
The easiest way to get from Bordeaux to Arcachon is by car or by train. However, once there, it will be difficult for you to travel around especially if you would like to reach the Dune du Pilat. That is why this tour is made for you as we will have you visit the city centre of Arcachon as well as the winter town. We will also take you to the Pilat Sand Dune at the best time of the day. -
What is there to see & do in Arcachon?
The town of Arcachon is a lovely small resort town on the Bay of Arcachon. This is where many families from Bordeaux come for week-ends to enjoy the sandy beaches and the mild climate. If you are not interested in oyster tasting or climbing the Pilat Sand Dune, ask your guide to show you around in Arcachon.
One of the most interesting features of here is the Winter Town. Overlooking the town itself and the Bay, the Winter Town district is composed of more than 300 villas that were built during the 19th century. As Arcachon was a 'new town' all architectural styles were allowed and a stroll through the district will reveal some extravagant ones.
Another great option in Arcachon is to walk along the Promenade facing the Bay. Then, enter the town itself and shop for local souvenirs. The town is also filled with great arts & crafts shops as well for those looking for authentic gifts. -
How difficult is it to climb up the Pilat Sand Dune?
Every year during the summer season between April and November, a special built staircase is installed so as to make the top of the Dune accessible to as many persons as possible. However, this represents a climb of 170 stairs that can be strenuous especially on a hot, sunny day. This activity is not recommended for persons with walking difficulties. Good walking shoes are recommended for the climb of the stairs. -
What is a Pinasse Boat and how long is the tour?
A Pinasse is the traditional fishing boat that was used on the Bay of Arcachon for both fishing and oyster farming. Today, the oyster farmers use more modern boats. Many Pinasse are now being completely renovated and are used for sightseeing boat rides on the Bay of Arcachon. The boats can take small groups of 2 to 12/15 persons depending on the size of the Pinasse.
For the boat tour on the Bay you have several options - 2 or 3 hours or a complete half day that will allow you to reach the Banc D'Arguin. You can include oyster & wine tasting during the tour and it is also possible to have you disembark in the Cap Ferret area for a unique lunch in a local restaurant. -
Do you organize pick up and return at accommodation for Bordeaux private tours?
Yes, absolutely. We will come and pick you up at your hotel or accommodation in Bordeaux or within a 30kms (20 miles) radius at no extra cost. -
What type of vehicles are used during a Bordeaux private tour?
Our company uses only premium cars & minivans that are recent, comfortable and fully equipped including individual A/C, shaded windows and large leg space. -
Who conducts this private tour from Bordeaux to Arcachon?
This private tour from Bordeaux is conducted by one of our local guides that speaks impeccable English.
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