The Bassin d'Arcachon, or Arcachon Basin, is an area on the west coast of France, famed for its outstanding natural beauty, outdoor attractions and excellent fresh seafood. Stretching for over 100 kilometres along the Atlantic coastline in the region of Aquitaine, the Bassin d'Arcachon is home to beaches, historic towns, interesting wildlife, fine restaurants and plenty of peace and quiet. Ideal for a family holiday, or for those who prefer to stay active while away, rather than just relaxing by the pool.
The Bassin d'Arcachon is, unsurprisingly, dominated by the sea and the beautiful beaches along its coastline. The beaches here are wilder than in more usual tourist areas, made up of huge sand dunes backed by forests – though there are still a couple of traditional holiday resorts. The Dune de Pyla is the largest sand dune in the whole of Europe, and at over 100 metres tall it's worth making the tricky, slow climb to enjoy the view from the top, and also for the sense of achievement! There are lots of sheltered spots among the dunes for a picnic or a day on the beach, while water sports enthusiasts are well catered for in the seaside towns.
The bay is a great place for sailing, as the waters here are relatively calm compared to the Atlantic Ocean. You can hire boats from the port in Arcachon or take lessons, if you're a complete beginner. The area is also popular with surfers, as the waves outside the shelter of the bay are impressive all year round. Kids will love taking surfing lessons from local pros in the summer months. If you prefer to take things easier, there are several ways to explore not just the coast, but also the beautiful inland scenery, with its forests and varied wildlife. There are hundreds of kilometres of walking and cycling trails, equestrian centres and you can hire a canoe on the River Leyre, which will take you all the way into the Bassin itself.
The Bassin d'Arcachon isn't just about the natural scenery, however, as there are several pleasant and picturesque coastal towns to explore or stay in. Arcachon itself, the main town in the area, is a seaside resort that has remained popular with French visitors. The promenade is the heart of the town, though you should make sure you visit the Winter Town area of Arcachon, to see the ornate and extravagant holiday villas, built by rich visitors during the 20th century. At the other end of the Bassin is Le Cap Ferret, a more exclusive and chic resort, with designer shops, bars and restaurants. If you're a fan of history, head inland to explore the medieval fortified towns of St Emilion and St Macaire.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Bassin d'Arcachon? Then below is a selection of gites in Bassin d'Arcachon and villas in Bassin d'Arcachon that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
