Top towns and villages to visit in Cap Ferret

Lège Cap-Ferret, the chic resort

The Lège Cap Ferret peninsula is made up of 10 villages with different atmospheres and landscapes. To get to the southern end of the peninsula, visitors come across several small villages: Jane de Boy, Claouey, Le Four, Les Jacquets, Petit and Grand Piquey, Piraillan, Le Canon, L'Herbe, La Vigne and Cap Ferret.

The chic resort of the Arcachon basin

Popular with stars and celebrities, this chic resort attracts visitors from all over the world thanks to its many assets: sandy beaches, the Cap-Ferret headland, sumptuous villas nestling under pine trees, typical oyster-farming villages, boutiques, cafés, restaurants, markets, and entertainment... So many attractions that have made the Gironde peninsula famous!

It also stands out for its exceptional natural environment, its unspoilt charm, and its summer atmosphere. Its location close to the ocean, the Arcachon Basin and the Landes de Gascogne Forest makes it a unique and highly enjoyable place to visit.

 There are a thousand and one ways to enjoy a break on this magnificent peninsula and share good times between the coast and the Basin.

Arès and its protected natural sites

Situated between Lège Cap-Ferret and Andernos-les-Bains, the commune of Arès boasts some exceptional protected natural sites where the diversity of flora and fauna will amaze you. The warm atmosphere invites you to share some superb moments with your family.

The Prés salés nature reserve

The Prés salés nature reserve changes with the seasons and the tides, looking like savannah in summer and forest in winter. On the footpaths at low tide, you will discover a totally unspoilt corner of nature, and might even be lucky enough to spot some small cistude tortoises. Once found all over France, they are now only found in eleven former French regions.

The oyster port

The oyster-farming port perfectly embodies the authenticity and simplicity of the place. In the evening, the port comes alive with restaurants serving seafood. From the panoramic viewpoint, you can see the pignots, pockets of oysters lying on the road and the typical colourful huts, a fabulous place for a convivial moment. On Thursday evenings in summer, local artists come to the harbour to exhibit their creations.

Andernos les bains, the small seaside resort

Andernos les bains is a small seaside resort ideal for families or lovers. If you dream of swimming and lazing around, or if you're a big fan of oysters, don't hesitate to come and spend some time in this charming commune.

France's longest pier and fine sandy beaches

Andernos les bains is home to France's longest pier (232km), with a unique panoramic view of the surrounding countryside, oysters, and boats. For a moment of idleness, you can choose between several fine sandy beaches: the Quinconces beach, the beach at the oyster-farming port, the Bétey beach and the beach at the jetty, where you can enjoy a gourmet break, sunbathe, or swim. Children will love the Bétey beach with its swings and numerous activities.

A rich historical heritage

Take a stroll along the seafront and you'll come across the foundations of a major Gallo-Roman villa, discovered around 1850 and excavated in 1903-1904. The remains resemble a basilica and the archaeological site was listed as a historic monument in 1933.

Just next door is the church of Saint Eloi, which was a stop-off point on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. It is one of the oldest buildings in the Arcachon basin.

The heart of the Basin, a natural heritage to protect

The heart of the Bassin d'Arcachon is made up of 5 communes: Lanton, Audenge, Biganos, Mios and Marcheprime, and lies at the start of the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park. The heart of the basin is a cultural and natural heritage site that needs protecting.

The coastal path

If you want to visit the heart of the basin, the best way is to walk or cycle along the coastal path, which runs along the coastline and links the 6 ports in the basin: the port of Audenge, the port of Biganos, the port of Cassy-lanton, the port of Taussat-les-bains, the port des tuiles and the port of Fontainevieille. You can admire the pretty huts lining the banks of the Leyre, sample some oysters or take a dip in the seawater pool at the entrance to Audenge harbour. 

The Certes and Graveyron estate

At the heart of the basin lies the Certes et Graveyron estate, a unique 530-hectare natural area. There are two routes through the estate: a five-kilometer route and a 14-kilometre route. Whichever route you choose, you'll spot grey herons, swans, egrets, cormorants, black kites and even storks in the dyked estates, fishponds, and wet meadows. The site even offers free tours, accompanied by a naturalist guide. In total, the Certes and Graveyron estate boasts more than 330 plant species, around forty mammal species, more than 250 bird species, more than 10 reptile and amphibian species and around 400 insect species... an ideal place for nature lovers.

Le Teich, a natural town

Le Teich lies at the heart of the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park.

Le Teich marina

Just a stone's throw from the reserve, Le Teich's small marina offers space for 190 boats, picnic tables and a swimming area equipped and supervised from July to August - the ideal place for a relaxing break. The port of Le Tech is also the starting point for many walks, cycle rides and boat trips.

Gujan-Mestras, the town of 7 ports

Gujan-Mestras is also known as ‘the town of seven ports. In each of them, you can watch the daily work of the oyster farmers and sample some oysters. The port of Larros is the best known. There, a visit to the Maison de l'Huître is a must.

Note that every Thursday in July and August, concerts, theatre, cinema, and other events take place in the port of Larros, making for a great time!

La teste de Buch and its jewels

La teste de Buch is one of France's largest communes and the jewel in the crown of the Arcachon Basin. Here you will discover a multitude of sumptuous landscapes, exceptional sites and activities.

The Pilat Dune

Climb Europe's highest dune and you will have one of the best views in France! From a height of 106 metres and a length of 3km, you can admire the Banc d'Arguin, the forest and Cap-Ferret. There are steps up to the summit, and for the more courageous, there is a sandy path. After the climb, treat yourself to a refreshing swim on one of the largest ocean beaches in La Teste de Buch: the Corniche beach.

Every year, experts measure the size of the dune, which is the only one still in motion on the Aquitaine coastline.

Bird Island

You also cannot miss the famous ‘birds island’, a 1,000-hectare wilderness belonging to the commune of La Teste de Buch. Today, it is home to 53 cabins, including the last two cabanes tchanquées. Of these, 11 are privately owned and the rest were allocated to the Conservatoire du Littoral in 2005. The island lives up to its name, with some 250 species of bird that can be observed throughout the year. Most of the island is made up of wetlands, which are also home to many species of plant life.

Arcachon, a seaside town with 4 districts

Arcachon, renowned for its sea air and mild climate, is an upmarket seaside resort that caters for everyone from beach-goers to architecture-loving visitors. The town is home to many late 19th-century villas, ranging from Swiss chalets to neo-Gothic manor houses and English cottages. Among the most sumptuous are the Villa Brémontier, the Villa Craigcrostan, the Villa Teresa, the Villa Alexandre Dumas, the Villa Trocadéro, and the Villa Toledo.

The town of Arcachon is made up of four districts named after seasons. These districts, known as ‘towns’, each reflect a different atmosphere.

Spring Town, a green setting

The spring town is the district that houses the port where you'll discover the famous pinasses. These low wooden boats are used for sightseeing or fishing trips. The spring town is home to the aiguillon district, where you'll find fishermen's and oyster-farmers' huts, as well as delicious little restaurants.

The summer town, the heart of Arcachon

The summer town runs along the seafront and forms the town centre. This busy area is home to cafés, shops, and restaurants, as well as the town hall, the covered market on Place des Marquises and, at its heart, the beach casino, a château dating back to 1853 that provides an exceptional setting for entertainment and socializing.

The autumn town, the fishermen's quarter

The autumn town is home to fishing ports, marinas and a water sports centre offering kitesurfing, sailing, kayaking and paddle boarding. The district also boasts majestic buildings and a belvedere overlooking the town, offering a remarkable panoramic view.

The Winter Town, built on high ground

The winter town is built into the hillside and includes the famous Arcachon villas that have been home to such luminaries as Napoleon III, Marie-Christine d'Aquitaine and Alexandre Dumas, not to mention the Pereire brothers, the founders of Arcachon. The town also boasts the magnificent Parc Mauresque, a delight for lovers of bucolic and botanical walks.