Ref. : F36733
Aquitaine and Basque Country
(France)
8 persons - 3 rooms -
Rates: From €8190 to €11560
Enjoying a secluded beachfront location, Cap-Ferret Original is one of the few properties in the unspoilt 44 Hectares area on the tip of the Cap-Ferret peninsula. With direct access to a clear-water beach, views of Arcachon Bay and the Dune du Pilat, and total privacy, there's no better place to truly switch off and unwind. Take a deep breath and settle into the relaxing local lifestyle! 
As one of the first properties ever built on the headland, Cap-Ferret Original got first dibs on the top spot. Today, its prime location is it biggest perk. This unassuming secluded villa is designed to enjoy fabulous views and unspoilt scenery. Settle in, switch off and unwind for a getaway that’s all about reconnecting with nature and the elements, with all the amenities of a sought-after location within easy reach.
This little slice of paradise is all about sand, sea and majestic shady pine trees. The sights and scents here are as heavenly as they are uplifting. This is where the history of Cap Ferret began – the secluded spot that fisherman sailed to from the other side of Arcachon Bay. Known as “The 44 Hectares”, this area at the tip of the peninsula is still off the beaten track today, accessed only by an off-road track. Celebrities come here to escape the crowds, swapping the spotlight for sunsets. The simplicity and homely feel of this authentic holiday villa by the sea turns the focus to the stunning natural beauty outside. From dawn to dusk, enjoy sweeping views of the bay and the tallest sand dune in Europe that lies on the other side.
No matter where you are in the house or garden, unhindered views of Arcachon Bay and the Dune de Pilat will provide the backdrop for your holiday in south-west France.
Cap-Ferret Original is a welcoming family home on the water’s edge. Recently renovated, the style here is eclectic and inviting.
The house has a single-level layout, with French windows leading out to the terrace and garden. The main area comprises an open-plan living and dining room with a cosy fireplace and a separate kitchen. The owner is an antiques dealer, which explains the choice of cleverly combined styles and materials. Wooden furniture from various periods give each room its own personnality, while nautical prints and artwork are featured throuhout.
This beach villa can sleep eight guests. There is a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, another double bedroom and a twin bedroom which share a bathroom, and a little nook with bunk beds. All the rooms open onto the terrace and the garden which look out over the bay.
The focus here is the outdoors, where various seating and dining areas are set up to enjoy the sun, shade and sea in a picture-perfect setting. Time-keeping is superfluous here – the tides and sunsets are all you need to pace your day, from leisurely breakfasts by the beach to balmy evenings watching the sun go down !
A little white gate at the end of the garden leads straight out onto one of the best beaches in the bay. The unspoilt sandy stretch here is sheltered from the wind and the crowds. Along with clear waters and a low-key family-friendly atmosphere, it is also one of the few beaches in the bay where you can swim (in high tide). The ocean beaches are just one kilometre down the road. This corner of the world is renowned for its surf spots, however the beaches here are not supervised, so require care when swimming. The nearest supervised beach is four kilometres away, about twelve minutes by bike and there is also a surf club there. Closer to the bay, less than two kilmetres from the villa towards the Conche du Mimbeau, the waters are quieter and paddle boarding is a popular pastime. Cycle paths make it easy to hop on your bike and head to the nearby towns. Guests and locals here tend to park up when they arrive and leave the car at home. Do as they do for a totally relaxing stay !
Single-storey villa.
Indoors:
- 30 m² living area comprising a lounge with a feature fireplace and a dining area. Access to a shaded terrace with a view of Arcachon Bay and the Dune du Pilat
- 14 m² kitchen
- Bedroom 1 (15 m²) with a 1.6 m double bed and 7 m² en-suite bathroom with shower and toilet
- Bedroom 2 (15 m²) with a 1.6 m double bed
- 5m² bathroom with a shower, used by bedroom 2
- Bedroom 3 (11 m²) with two single beds 0.9 m
- Bedroom 4 (6 m²) a small nook with bunk beds
Outdoors:
- Mature garden and lawn
- A shaded awning along the side of the house
Having the beach at the end of the garden ensures entertainment and relaxation on the doorstep. But venturing further afield, here are some of the best things to see and explore in the surrounding area.
An absolute must during a stay in Cap-Ferret is a visit to the fishing villages. The nearest one is less than a two kilometres bike ride away along the cycle path – a definite perk in high season ! Admire the colourful and character-packed huts, take in the panoramic views of the bay and the Dune du Pilat, and taste the oysters straight from France’s largest oyster supply. Arcachon Bay is the largest producer of baby oysters and supplies most of the oyster farms in France. Oyster farming and fishing tourism is a huge part of the local economy and way of life here. Hop onboard with a local oyster farmer who will teach you everything you want to know about their environment. You can cycle to the villages of L'Herbe and Le Canon in around thirty minutes along a cycle path that has goes through the forest.
There are two highly-acclaimed restaurants close to your villa : Chez Hortense, a fish restaurant with the sea view you’ll be accustomed to, and Le 44 Hectares, a tapas bar that spans all generations. You’ll either love it or loathe it, but the owners head over there every time they come. Check it out and make up your own mind!
If you’d rather cook at home, then head to the market in Cap-Ferret three kilometres away, to stock up on great local produce. The market is on every morning from mid-June to mid-September with a wide array of local and seasonal products. Wander round the local shops and designer boutiques such as Jane de Boy to immerse yourself in the Cap-Ferret art of living.
Take a cruise around the bay to learn more about the history and sights. The meeting point is at the Bélisaire Jetty, a 15-minute cycle ride. There are several tours to choose from, all of which are commentated to learn about the bay's natural environment, the fishermen's villages, oyster farming and the traditional Tchanqué huts on the Ile aux Oiseaux. You can choose to stop off in Arcachon or take a taxi boat over there at any other time. However, if you choose to visit the area, Arcachon, its promenade and the Dune du Pilat are great places to explore.
You can also visit the Cap-Ferret lighthouse, less than three kilometres away, which is an eight-minute bike ride or 30-minutes’ walk.
- Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station 70 km
- Bordeaux-Mérignac airport 50 km
- A63 motorway 60 km
Location, for information purposes only
