Climb Europe’s highest dune with superb views, discover fanciful 19th-century villas, and finish with a visit and lunch in a typical wooden oyster port.

PRICE: $158
per person

 

We leave at 9:00 a.m. directly from your hotel or apartment in Bordeaux. The vehicle is comfortable, hybrid, and quiet. It is just your group (1 to 4 people); this is not a shared tour. During the trip, you will have the opportunity to get to know each other and hear many local anecdotes about the region.

First stop (about 50 minutes’ drive): the Dune du Pilat. We’ll climb together along a small natural path known to locals, far from the crowds (we’ll climb in the sand, no stairs). At the top, you’ll find landscapes worthy of the Sahara and a 360° view of the ocean, the Landes forest, the sandbanks, the Cap Ferret peninsula, and, of course, the inland sea of the Arcachon Basin. I’ll tell you the history of the Dune, its nature, and its legends. I’ll show you the Dune as only the locals really know it.

Next, we’ll drive through Arcachon’s Winter Town. It’s a neighborhood full of extravagant 19th-century villas. We’ll make several photo stops in front of the Alexandre Dumas villa and the Toledo villa, and admire the neighborhood’s unique architecture.

Then we head to a typical oyster port, known locally as the “port de la coccinelle” (ladybird port). After a short walk through the salt marshes (typical landscapes of the basin), we stroll among the colorful wooden huts, where I explain how oysters are farmed here—a fascinating tradition that is as important as wine in Bordeaux.

Lunch on your own (not included) by the water: oysters, shrimp, or pâté, with a glass of white or rosé wine (or water from the local Abatilles spring). A peaceful setting with a view of the basin and a local atmosphere.

To finish your meal, we can stop at an excellent local bakery for a sweet treat: canelé, pastis landais, croissant or other specialties, with coffee or tea. This is the sweet break (not included).

We will return to your accommodation in Bordeaux around 3pm. This is a 100% private tour for 1 to 4 people maximum, which we will tailor to your pace and preferences.

Discover the exceptional site of the giant Dune du Pilat
Explore a typical oyster-farming village on the Bay of Arcachon
Taste the famous Bay of Arcachon oysters
Admire exotic 19th-century villas
A 100% private tour for 1 to 4 people

Transportation in private vehicle with driver
Guided tours with a local guide
Bottled water
Meals and drinks

 

 

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