Sports and leisure activities, fun things to do and must-see attractions in Arcachon and the Arcachon Basin A stay in Arcachon means enjoying an exceptional destination nestled between the Atlantic Ocean, pine forests, oyster harbours, nature reserves and fine sandy beaches. The Arcachon Basin offers a wealth of activities for families, sports enthusiasts, nature lovers and history buffs. 🚴 Sports and outdoor activities The Arcachon Basin is a true paradise for lovers of outdoor sports and leisure activities: Over 220 km of cycle paths linking Arcachon, Le Moulleau, La Teste-de-Buch, Gujan-Mestras, Andernos-les-Bains and Cap Ferret. Cycle rides to the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s highest dune. Hiking in the Landes de Gascogne forest. Walking along the coastal path around the Arcachon Basin. Stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing in the calm waters of the Arcachon Basin. Sailing, catamaran sailing and windsurfing. Surfing and bodyboarding on the ocean beaches of Grand Crohot, Lacanau and Cap Ferret. Kitesurfing and wingfoiling. Jet-skiing, water skiing and tubing. Sea fishing and shore fishing at spring tides. Horse riding on the beaches and in the surrounding forests. Arcachon Golf Club and Cap Ferret Golf Club. Maritime explorations and fun activities The Arcachon Basin can also be explored from the water: Guided boat tours departing from Arcachon. Excursions to Île aux Oiseaux. Viewing the famous stilt huts, symbols of the Arcachon Basin. Boat crossing to Cap Ferret. Trips on a traditional ‘pinasse’. Exploring the oyster beds and meeting the oyster farmers. Sunset cruises on the Bassin. Birdwatching in the nature reserves. Family activities Children and families will find plenty of ideas for days out: Leisure park and tree-top adventure course in Gujan-Mestras. Aqualand Bassin d’Arcachon. Parc de la Coccinelle. Kid Parc Île d’Aventures. Mini-golf courses and leisure centres. Rides on the tourist train in Arcachon. Aquariums and marine life discovery centres. Treasure hunts and treasure trails in the Ville d’Hiver. 🏛 Heritage and must-see tourist attractions The Dune du Pilat An iconic natural site in the Arcachon Basin, it offers an exceptional panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, the Banc d’Arguin, the Landes forest and Cap Ferret. Arcachon’s ‘Ville d’Hiver’ A veritable open-air museum, it is home to magnificent 19th-century villas featuring eclectic architectural styles, bearing witness to the golden age of sea bathing. The Port de l’Aiguillon An authentic neighbourhood where fishing harbours, oyster huts, seafood restaurants and a typical seaside atmosphere come together. The Arcachon Jetties Thiers Jetty Eyrac Jetty La Chapelle Jetty Bélisaire Jetty at Cap Ferret They offer superb views over the Bay. The Cap Ferret Lighthouse One of the region’s most beautiful panoramic views, once you’ve climbed its steps. 🌿 Nature and protected areas The Banc d’Arguin Nature Reserve. Teich Bird Reserve. Certes and Graveyron Estate. Arès-Lège salt meadows. La Teste-de-Buch State Forest. The Leyre Delta, nicknamed ‘Little Amazon’. 🍽 Gastronomy and lifestyle No visit to the Arcachon Basin is complete without sampling: Arcachon Basin oysters; grey shrimps; mussels and shellfish; produce from the markets in Arcachon, La Teste-de-Buch and Andernos; tasting sessions at the oyster huts in Cap Ferret, Gujan-Mestras and Andernos-les-Bains. 📍 Not to be missed around Arcachon Arcachon and the Ville d’Hiver. The Dune du Pilat. The Banc d’Arguin. Île aux Oiseaux. Cap Ferret. La Teste-de-Buch. Gujan-Mestras. Andernos-les-Bains. Le Teich. Arès and its nature reserves.