The Bassin d'Arrachon & Arrachon | Aquitaine Region | South West France
The Bassin d'Arcachon is a haven for outdoor-lovers. Over 100km of coastline from south of Arcachon to Cap Ferret, beaches for everyone from toddlers to championship surfers; pine forests, sand dunes, chic towns, historic oyster-farming villages, and cycle trails to discover it all by. Every water-sport imaginable. An abundance of nature, especially for bird-watchers. And, in common with the rest of this part of France, it's very family-friendly.
Dune de Pyla - the largest sand dune in Europe, standing at over 100 metres. A journey to the summit (try it without the staircase provided!) is a must; sunrise and sunset are the best times.
Arcachon ; Hugging the seafront boulevard promenades, Arcachon beach stretches over 800 metres. Flanked by two jetties, the Thiers and the Eyrac, it is where numerous boat excursions depart from. Already famous in the XIXth century, Arcachon beach has the advantage of being in the town centre, near the shops and seafront restaurants. In season, it is also a beach volley court.
2nd May 1857, Arcachon becomes a town under the imperial decree of Napoleon III. On the same day, the railway line between Bordeaux and La Teste is extended to Arcachon. In order to make this investment profitable, the Pereire brothers, Emile and Isaac (rich bankers and the main shareholders of the Railway Company of the Midi) buy 96 ha of forest and create the Winter Town, for themselves and for the Company. From Spring 1862 onwards, avenues and roads are planned; the casino and villas appear out of the sand. Opulent villas of different styles appear in a maze of small «alleys curved so as to be protected from the wind». The Winter Town has been registered and listed as a historical building since 1985.
In 1858, a new municipal legislation in Arcachon: "when sea-bathing, be fully dressed from the neck to the heels, if you please!"
In 1863, the short stay by Napoleon III and its media coverage, puts Arcachon in the ranking of the great health resorts.
Back to Aquitaine | South West France
Other towns in the Aquitaine region:
The Dordogne
Bordeaux
The Bassin d'Arcachon and Arrachon
Lacanau
Biarritz
Bayonne
Saint Jean de Luz
Dax
Pau
Pays Basque