Dune du Pilat Beach
Dune of Pilat is located at the entrance to the Bay of Arcachon
Belonging to the coastal dunes of Aquitaine, it's a single dune that is always moving and is in fact the tallest sand dune in Europe.
Between ocean and forest, it moves from between one and five metres towards the east per year under the influence of prevailing winds and tides, gradually covering the adjoining forest.
Consisting of about 60million m3 of sand, the Dune du Pilat measures between 100 - 115m high, depending on the year. The dune is 2.7km in length and 500m wide.
There is an information point where you can discover more about the area which also hosts free events and exhibitions and offers guided tours. A picnic area with benches, water fountains and litter bins is also available.
During the summer months from April until early November there is also a staircase (160 steps) installed to allow easier access to the summit.
Access to the dune is free. You can park here but parking is paid.
The reception area is available for people with reduced mobility. There are eight disabled parking spaces, toilets, a reception building and tourist information which have all been adapted for disabled access.
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Watersports Nearby
Villas nearby
Villas in Bordeaux
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Lacanau Ocean Villa, Lacanau
Nice villa for 10 persons located 4.5 km from the beach and 4 km from the shopping street.
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Maison de la Cote Villa
Beaches and ocean, forest and lakes meet in perfect harmony in this much sought after area south of Bordeaux, known as ‘Bisca Grands Lacs’. Golden sandy beaches line the Atlantic coast as far as the eye can see, walking and cycling trails criss-cross the tranquil verdant pine forests whilst the three ‘Grands Lacs’ offer that tantalising combination of water sports, beaches and swimming alongside vibrant villages and small marinas.
Price: £1,450
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Canon Villa, Lege-Cap-Ferret
Beautiful villa of 300m2 living space located on the heights of the Canon in the heart of Cap Ferret with a nice view of Arcachon Bay.
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Lacanau Ocean Villa, Lacanau
Close to city centre this villa is located 600 metres from the beach and shopping area and 3 km from the golf.
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La Brugère Villa, Baleyssagues
A fine example of the French ‘Maison de Maitre’, La Brugère is an impressive and elegant property, surrounded by a spacious, attractive garden with an eye catching pool area, and only a 5 minute drive from the charming town of Duras, home to cafes, restaurants, and shops. In short, La Brugère is a superb haven for groups of any size to reunite and enjoy a memorable holiday.
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Gaume Villa, Pyla-sur-Mer
Villa Gaume is located on the front line a few steps from the famous Dune du Pyla and the Corniche.
Hotels nearby
Hotels in Bordeaux
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Clos Marcamps, Prignac-et-Marcamps
In the heart of the vineyards of Bordeaux, half an hour from Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion, or also one hour and half from the Arcachon Bay, Clos Marcamps welcomes you in a chartreuse of the 19th century, entirely renovated with the charm and the comfort of today.
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Mama Shelter Bordeaux
Right in the centre of Bordeaux, you'll find Mama Shelter on Place Saint Christoly, not far from the Mollat bookshop and the town hall. Barely 10 minutes from the Saint Jean railway station and 30 minutes from the airport, in the blink of an eye you can find yourself in this other world bordered by the Garonne river.
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Hostellerie de Plaisance, Saint Emilion
The Hostellerie de Plaisance is an unusual and unique place, offering surprising perspectives on the village’s architecture and the edges of the vineyard landscapes.
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La Maison du Bassin
In the shade of the wisteria, La Maison du Bassin offers its guests a complete change of scene and the charm of a family home. An ocean paradise, where nothing seems to have changed since the beginning of time.
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La Grande Maison de Bernard Magrez Hotel
The six luxury guest rooms combine charm, elegance and sophistication: with a reworked Napoleon III style, decked out in floral pinks, greens and violets, and sparkling raspberry, they are absolutely charming, and showcase French master craftsmen, with Braquenie embroidered fabrics by Pierre Frey in silk taffeta, Houles soft furnishings, Moissonnier furniture and Hermes products in the bathrooms.
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Hotel Burdigala
Located in the heart of Bordeaux, the Burdigala Hotel was completely refurbished in summer 2011, and its elegant yet relaxed atmosphere provides a welcome sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Price: €3,996
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Bordeaux
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Magic Surf School, Lacanau
Each session is tailored to the requirements of the participants.
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Le Train des Grands Vignobles (Vineyard Train) Tour, Saint Emilion
After discovering the city of Saint Emilion this train tour takes you out into the countryside and surrounding vineyards to discover more about the history and culture of wine in this region.
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Margaux Garden Golf Course, Margaux
Situated within the ground of the hotel Relais de Margaux Golf & Spa this beautiful course sits on the banks of the Gironde estuary.
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Les Petits Chevaux Horse Riding, Soulac-sur-Mer
Whatever your age or level of riding, you will be welcome at the equestrian centre to share their passion for horses.
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La Ferme Exotique Animal & Nature Park, South Bordeaux
With over 1000 animals to meet, from around 75 different species, from the very smallest, all the way up to the largest breeding camels in France.
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Arcachon International Golf Course, Arcachon
The course, whose tree lined fairways are set in natural forests of maritime pines, mimosas, oaks and evergreen strawberry bushes, is hilly on the front nine and flatter over the back nine with several water hazards.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Bordeaux
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Pierre Gagnaire Restaurant
Situated in a gorgeous white stone townhouse built in the classical style of the late 19th century, this restaurant is part of the joint project of Bernard Magrez, owner of various wineries in the Bordeaux area, and Pierre Gagnaire.
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La Grand'Vigne Restaurant, Martillac
Chef Nicolas Masse offers in this restaurant a combination of traditional French cuisine, made with fresh seasonal ingredients from the southwest sourced from local producers, with unusual influences from all around the world. His creations can be paired with a large selection of wines, by the counsel of head sommelier Aurélien Farouil.
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Hostellerie de Plaisance Restaurant, Saint Emilion
This elegant and sophisticated two Michelin star restaurant offers creative dishes designed by chef Cédric Béchade, who plays with colours and textures in his cuisine.
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Le Pressoir d'Argent Restaurant
Situated in the luxurious surroundings of Le Grand Hotel de Bordeaux, this restaurant offers diners an elegant yet intimate restaurant styled in a palette of mauve and orange with a handcrafted marquetry floor.
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Auberge de l'Ancienne Poste Restaurant, Podensac
Situated near the river Garonne, this restaurant has a selection of classic French dishes. Set in an 18th-century house, one of the three rooms is dominated by an imposing open fireplace where the chef grills regional produce.
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Le Coin Des Copains Restaurant
Enjoying an enviable location by the quay on the river Garonne, this small restaurant displays a light and warm dining area complete with a sunny terrace. Its menu comprises simple dishes made with fresh ingredients.
Nightlife nearby
Bars & Clubs in Bordeaux
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Casino d'Arcachon, Arcachon
The beautiful building of Chateau Deganne was converted in 1904 into a casino. In the early twentieth century Paris and Bordeaux bourgeoisie came to spend the summer in Arcachon. Thus the town had to create distractions - a casino.
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Bar a vin
One of the best places to taste wines from the Bordeaux region. Located on the ground floor of the headquarters of the Conseil Interprofessionel du Vin de Bordeaux, the bar's team is very knowledgeable and passionate. They give tasting advice, extensive information on the grapes and suggestions for matching food and wine.
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Aux Quatre Coins du Vin Bar
Centrally located, this bar offers a large selection of wines, especially French but also from other parts of the world. Customers can taste them through a self-service method, and they can be accompanied by regional delicatessen.
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Le Caillou
A diverse music programming that showcases some of the best local and national talent in jazz, music of the World, blues and many other expressions.
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La Conserverie-Converserie Bar
This bar has an old-fashioned decoration that creates a very warm atmosphere. Their wine list includes many French references, as well as from other parts of the world. They can be enjoyed in their cosy interior or the patio, accompanied by selections of local delicatessen.
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La Ligne Rouge Bar
Situated at the foot of the historical Porte Cailhau, this bar has a list of more than 100 wines. They are focused on international products as well as some lesser-known wines from Bordeaux.
Sights nearby
Sights in Bordeaux
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Dune du Pilat Beach
Belonging to the coastal dunes of Aquitaine, it's a single dune that is always moving and is in fact the tallest sand dune in Europe.
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Notre-Dame des Passes, Arcachon
Founded in 1864 this stunning church was built in a Byzantine and Tuscan style and it houses one of the rarest statues of the Virgin of the Advent (the pregnant Virgin) in France.
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Zoo Bassin d'Arcachon
With more than 800 animals, spread across an area of 22 hectares, the zoo offers you the chance to discover extraordinary and rare animals.
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Le Phare du Cap-Ferret Museum
Situated a little inland on the peninsula to protect the building from erosion, it was placed there to monitor and protect the numerous vessels entering the basin from the strong ocean currents.
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Notre Dame Basilica - La Chapelle des Marins, Arcachon
The Shrine of Our Lady of Arcachon was founded by a Franciscan, Father Thomas Illyricus. On January 16, 1624, the chapel Thomas Illyricus was overthrown by a storm.
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Eglise Saint Ferdinand, Arcachon
Situated close to the Port of Arcachon this beautiful church is in the heart of the old town and fishing village area.
Golf-clubs nearby
Golf Courses in Bordeaux
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Lacanau Garden Golf Course, Lacanau
Situated in the heart of the forest between the lake and the ocean, the 18 hole Ardilouse ensures a quiet round in some stunning scenery
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Margaux Garden Golf Course, Margaux
Situated within the ground of the hotel Relais de Margaux Golf & Spa this beautiful course sits on the banks of the Gironde estuary.
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Golf du Medoc Golf Courses, Le Pian Medoc
Created in 1989, the Golf du Médoc offers 2 remarkable 18-hole courses: Les Châteaux and Les Vignes.
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Arcachon International Golf Course, Arcachon
The course, whose tree lined fairways are set in natural forests of maritime pines, mimosas, oaks and evergreen strawberry bushes, is hilly on the front nine and flatter over the back nine with several water hazards.
Towns nearby
Towns & Villages in Bordeaux
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Cap Ferret
This 'spit' separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Arcachon bay and basin. Best known perhaps for its lighthouse, it's also an upmarket resort with many of France's rich and famous having holiday homes here.
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Arcachon
Traditionally the town of Arcachon was popular weekend retreat for those needing to escape the big city of Bordeaux. It has also been associated with a place of health and recovery where people were sent to 'take the air' and recuperate from various ailments at the turn of the 19th century.
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Ile aux Ouiseax
During low tide the island stretches to 16km in circumference but is a mere 5km at high tide. Known for its birds, (hence the name) and also the presence of 'Les Cabanes Tchanquées' - houses on stilts.
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Le Porge
Le Porge Ocean becomes a 'local' beach for the Bordeaux summer holidayers.
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Lacanau
As well as being a surfers paradise, Lacanau is also a golfers paradise, with three golf courses in the beautiful setting of the forest close to the sea and to the lake.
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Carcans
Part of the Médoc's Lakes which is made up of the municipalities of Lacanau, Carcans, and Hourtin.