Dune du Pilat and other Arcachon, France Things to Do Tips

The big sand dune of Pilat is said to be the highest of its kind in Europe. The brochures which I got from the tourist office in Arcachon state an elevation of 117m, but that varies of course. The dune is not only quite high, but also long (2,7km) and wide (500m).
Access to the dune is not restricted and you can climb it from any point. It's a bit of an effort to go up, but the view is definitely rewarding.
During the summer months some staircases are build into the dune which makes it a lot easier to get up there.

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Directions: A few kilometres South of Arcachon behind the small resort of Pyla sur Mer. Take bus No. 1 from the train station in Arcachon.

Arcachon is a town divided by seasons. There's a spring, summer, autumn and winter town. The architecturally most interesting part is the winter town (ville d'hiver) where you can wander around through narrow streets and look a beautiful grand villas from the 19th century.
There's an obervation tower in that part of Arcachon which which you have splendid views over the whole town.
During summer the tourist office offers guided walks around ville d'hiver.

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Directions: up on the hills
Website: http://www.arcachon.com

You definitely have to take a boat tour in the bassin around the Ile aux Oiseaux (island of birds). You'll get to see the oysterfarms in front of the islands with their picturesque cabanes tchanquées (cabins on stilts) which were built for the guardians of the farms.
The size of the island which is home too many native and migratory birds varies between 300 and 1000 hectar depending on the tide. So you can imagine that the difference between low and high tide is quite large in the bassin, between 3 and 5m.
The trip I took also went along the Northern shore of the Bassin until Cap Ferret. It lasted 1h45min and the ticket was 13,50EUR.

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Directions: Departures from Arcachon all year around

The fishing port and the marina (second in size on the French Atlantic Coast) are located in the Ville d'Automne, about a 15 minute walk along the beach from the centre.
Here you can hire sailing boats, take sailing classes or book fishing trips.

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The Banc d'Arguin is a sand bank located right in the entrance of the Bassin d'Arcachon. It's a nature reserve and a nesting and hiberanation place for many birds.
During the summer months you've got a ferry connection from the Dune du Pilat to the Banc d'Arguin, at other times you'll need your own boat.

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Le Moulleau is très chic quarter of Arcachon. Here you'll find lots of expensive shops and restaurants. The beach is great aswell!
It can be reached easily by walking along the beach for about 45 minutes or take the free electric bus from the train station.

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Website: http://www.arcachon.com

If you continue past the Dune du Pilat towards Biscarosse you'll come to some great beaches which are very popular with surgers. Due to their length you'll be able to find a stretch just for yourself. Some of the beaches have bars/restaurants and toilet/shower facilities.
Some of the beaches can be reached by the baia (no.1) bus in July/August.

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Directions: road to Biscarosse