The town of Arcachon is located in the Gironde department, close to Bordeaux, Mimizan and La Teste de Buch. Renowned for being a seaside and oyster-farming town , it allows tourists, visitors and locals to take full advantage of its benefits. Let's discover the activities to do in this oceanside town.
Written by Anto
03 May 2025
read in 1 min
Summary
Top 10 things to do in Arcachon
1 - Stroll around the Winter City district
The town of Arcachon is full of places to discover, such as the winter town district . This district, at the top of the seaside town in the Gironde, can be explored on foot, by small train, on a guided tour, or by playing a puzzle game. You will appreciate the calm of the narrow streets and the beauty of the many 19th-century villas.
From April to October, the Arcachon Tourist Office offers guided tours to immerse yourself in history.
2 - Go to the Moorish Park
The Parc Mauresque is the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Located between the winter and summer districts of Arcachon, you can enjoy children's areas, shaded trails, an outdoor theater, and breathtaking views of the Arcachon Bay.
Take the elevator on Rue du Maréchal-de-Lattre-de-Tassigny , which will take you to the heart of the park. Feel the sweet scent of relaxation.
3 - Visit the Sainte-Cécile Observatory
Third stop in the discovery of the winter city of Arcachon , the Sainte-Cécile Observatory. To access it, you must cross the Saint-Paul footbridge and climb a few steps. After this climb, you can discover this magnificent iron building built in 1863 by the architect Paul Régnauld and assisted by the famous Gustave Eiffel.
It will offer you a magnificent view of the Arcachon basin , the districts of the winter town and the unforgettable oyster huts.
4 - Go to the markets
The markets in the basin are full of local and regional products for locals and tourists to enjoy all year round.
Seafood, Mediterranean produce, sunny vegetables... There's something for everyone.
5 - Enjoy the beaches
The Arcachon basin is surrounded by jetties that will allow you to breathe the fresh air of nature with family or friends. We recommend the Eyrac jetty , the Moulleau jetty or the Thiers jetty .
What could be better than a warm day to enjoy the fine sandy beaches of the bay? Beach club, thrill courses, children's areas, so many water and fun activities in Arcachon .
6 - Discover the Domaine de Certes and Graveyron
In the communes of Audenge and Lanton lies a natural area in the heart of the Arcachon basin . The Domaine de Certes and Graveyron offers walking trails and water sports such as canoeing and kayaking .
You will discover nature and preserved natural spaces during an idyllic stroll in the salt marshes .
7 - Go by boat on the Arcachon basin
The town of Arcachon is also beautiful at sea. Grab your beach accessories and head out for a catamaran ride on the bay. Numerous shipping companies welcome you along the pier to share their love of sailing with you.
During this excursion, you will discover a breathtaking view of the city and you will participate in various activities: paddleboarding, diving with fish or even relaxing.
Other excursions will take you to visit Bird Island and the huts on stilts.
8 - See the Cap Ferret lighthouse
Heading a little further, head to Lège-Cap-Ferret to visit the famous symbol of Arcachon Bay : the lighthouse. To get there, boat shuttles run year-round from the coast to the lighthouse. The many steps offer a glimpse of this historic building, built in 2009.
It contributes to the maritime safety of the basin and allows tourists and locals to visit it and enjoy the wonderful landscape.
Open every day, hours vary depending on the season
Prices: from 4 to 6€
9 - Visit the oyster ports
What would Arcachon be without its oyster ports ? They have made the area famous for years.
To name a few, the oyster village of Mimbeau in Cap Ferret overlooking the Dune of Pilat, the oyster village in La Teste de Buch or the village of l'Herbe in Lège-Cap Ferret . In this ideal setting, a tasting of fresh oysters is unforgettable.
And for history buffs, head to the Oyster House in the port of Larros. There, you'll discover the techniques and secrets of oyster farming.
10 - The Banc d'Arguin National Nature Reserve
Head for the Banc d'Arguin . To get there, you must take a boat. You can enjoy your day at the foot of the Dune of Pilat. Admire the various protected species of migratory birds and swim in the crystal-clear water.
There are so many activities to do in the Arcachon basin . Still running out of ideas? Discover the Gironde