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Subprefecture and commune in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Photo: Anonymous (1900-1910), Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Arcachon is a beach resort near Bordeaux in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of Southwestern France. It has a fine beach and a mild climate said to be favourable for invalids suffering from pulmonary complaints.
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Europe's tallest sand dune. More than one million tourists each year. You can climb the side or the stairs to its 107-m-high peak. The long side faces the Atlantic, and there is a small cafe on the beach. Be careful if you are barefoot or in sandals, the sand gets pretty hot in the sun.
Bird Island
One of the landmarks of Arcachon Bay. Guided tours are possible by boat.
The Summer city
This is the heart of Arcachon, with its waterfront boulevards lined with palm trees and its busy streets filled with boutiques, cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops. Of note is the covered marketplace selling food from local producers.
The Winter city
One of the historical districts of the town, atop a small hill, and famous for its Arcachonnaise wealthy villas. The area offers scenic views over the entire bay.
A 19th-century Catholic church built in a neo-byzantine architectural style and dedicated to local sailors
This is the main beach, centrally located next to the town centre. Usually very busy and overcrowded.
By bus
Long distance intercity bus service is provided by major European bus companies such as Flixbus, at least during summer.
By train
Arcachon's train station (Gare d'Arcachon) is right at the center of the town, and most beaches and points of interest are quite accessible by foot or bicycle from there.
By boat
Boat shuttles are operated year round between Arcachon and the neighboring town of Cap-Ferret. Tickets can be bought online in advance and until 15 minutes before departure.
Lovely surroundings of Arcachon becomes horrendous in summer if you try to drive anywhere — it takes nearly 3 hours to get from Arcachon to Andernos Les Bains in the early evenings.
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Bordeaux · International · BOD
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