Tourist Train
Narrow gauge railway that connects the Arcachon basin with the west coast
Running from the ferry terminal at Belisaire on the Arcachon Bay side of the peninsula this small train link passengers to the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast.
The train is set on a 600mm narrow gauge track and was first operated in 1879 and was originally pulled by a horse. It became engine powered in 1925 and service was stopped in 1935. It was reinstated once more in 1952 and eventually in 1989 the train was acquired by the commune and has been run by them ever since.
It travels a distance of 2km and takes around 12 minutes for each journey between Plage de l'horizon on the Atlantic coast with the jetty at Jetée de Bélisaire on the Arcachon Bay.
It operates during the summer months between April and early November and runs around every 30 minutes or so. Generally the service is only run in the afternoons, however during peak times the trains are more frequent and there are some morning services.
Although the line is largely situated along the road side, the trains are operated by open-sided coaches hauled by diesel locomotives, so it feels like a real treat and a fun way to travel across the peninsula.
What to see
Sights in Bordeaux
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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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La Chapelle de la Villa Algerienne, l'Herbe
In 1863 Leo Lesca and his brother bought a large estate on the edge of Arcachon basin. When they returned from Algeria, they built a fabulous home, the "Villa Algerian" which was surrounded by a park with the most exotic flora.
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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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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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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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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.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Bordeaux
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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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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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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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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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Thierry Arbeau Restaurant, Medoc (North Gironde)
This classic French restaurant serves traditional dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. It is located among the vineyards of the Médoc region, in a pleasant park with pine trees.
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Le Loup Restaurant
Established in 1932, this family owned restaurant offers a menu full of classic French dishes with special emphasis on foie gras. The art déco dining area provides a quiet romantic atmosphere.
What to do
Things To Do in Bordeaux
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La Foret de Robin, Soulac-sur-Mer
Come and experience the ancient art of thousands of years... archery!
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Tuk-Tuk Tour (Wine Tour), Saint Emilion
100% electric and 100% silent, the infamous tuk-tuk comes to Saint Emilion to take you on a tour or the town and the vineyards that surround it.
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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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Teich Bird Reserve & Nature Park, Le Teich
Teich Bird Reserve is 110 hectares of wooded area, reed beds, meadow, saltmarsh and water that has been made into a protected nature reserve, and managed with a view to attracting wild birds so that they can be seen at closer quarters by the public.
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Le Petit Train de Bordeaux, City of Bordeaux
As it passes through the oldest parts of Bordeaux, making the most of the landscape, the train takes you past the most famous places and monuments of the city.
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Magic Surf School, Lacanau
Each session is tailored to the requirements of the participants.
