Hotel Le B d'Arcachon, 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.

Situated very close to the seaside, this restaurant features the outstanding creations of chef Thierry Renou. He combines fresh and seasonal products from the region of Gironde and the Bassin d'Arcachon with exotic influences, mainly Asian, gathered along his international travels.

With a menu composed of classic French dishes, this restaurant is situated just 200 metres from the beach. In a beautiful location among trees, there is also a large sunny terrace.

Situated just 100 metres from the beach, this restaurant offers a menu full of traditional French dishes made with fresh seasonal ingredients. There is also a small wooden terrace.

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.

An 800m strip of white sand situated between the Theirs and Eyrac piers this beach is very much in the Arcachon basin and sheltered from the strong Altlantic winds on the coast.

A small, peaceful and tranquil beach that is situated at the entrance to the marina and is the most sheltered of all the beaches around Arcachon due to its location within the basin.

This is by far the largest and better known of the Arcachon beaches, stretching some 3km in length with wonderful views over to the chic town of Cap-Ferret and the peninsula beaches.

A wide walkway and promenade borders this beautiful beach. There are numerous things to do including games for children, surfing, beach volleyball and of course it's a great setting near the doors to the Atlantic ocean.

This area offers great views further down the west coast to the nature reserve of banc d'Arguin and the Great Dune of Pyla.

This beach is actually supervised during the busy summer months, although you will find that most of the Atlantic beaches are not.

Situated close to the Port of Arcachon this beautiful church is in the heart of the old town and fishing village area.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Le Porge Ocean becomes a 'local' beach for the Bordeaux summer holidayers.

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.

Part of the Médoc's Lakes which is made up of the municipalities of Lacanau, Carcans, and Hourtin.