Europe's Largest Sand Dune Is The Best And Most Beautiful Camping Destination In France

Sand dunes often provide the backdrop for a scenic beach vacation, but few dwarf their neighboring stretch of coast as much as the awe-inspiring Dune du Pilat in France. It is the tallest of its kind in Europe and around 2 million visitors each year come to the south of France to experience this vast bank of sand for themselves. That makes it is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the region. While many just visit for the day, several campsites have sprung up around it for those who wish to soak in the beauty of this unique spectacle longer.

Overlooking the Bay of Biscay about a 90-minute drive from Bordeaux, the Dune of Pilat dominates above the surrounding area. Almost two miles long and reaching heights of up to 400 feet, the immense dune contains around 60,000,000 cubic meters of sand. The view from the summit affords spectacular views across azure Atlantic waters and the Banc d'Arguin sandbanks. Inland, you'll find the equally impressive Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park, the largest artificial forest on the continent. It was here in the early 19th century that Napoleon Bonaparte ordered the planting of trees to help protect villages and farms from the encroaching sand monster, which advances each year and is said to have engulfed houses, a hotel, and a section of Hitler's Atlantic Wall. With plenty to explore and more outdoor activities in the area, it is one of the must-do adventures on your trip to France.

Dune du Pilat's status as a major tourist destination combined with the region's fine weather, beaches, and beautiful natural surroundings make it an unforgettable place to camp on your trip to France. There are several campsites in the immediate vicinity of the star attraction to choose from. La Foret Du Pilat is a pleasant shady resort with good facilities about halfway along the dune on the forest side. The site does have one small drawback: If you want to hit the beach, it's a 2-mile hike or drive unless you want to go up and over the mountain of sand itself. 

More sites are clustered toward the southern end of the dune. Pyla Camping is a more luxurious four-star option with air-conditioned cottages and rustic but still well-appointed lodges, as well as the usual camping pitches. It also offers a pool, a stylish restaurant, and live entertainment. Perhaps the best all-round option can be found at the southern tip of the dune. Camping Village Panorama du Pyla is closer to the beach and has cozy, air-conditioned digs with wooden terraces overlooking the sea. The site has good options for families, too, with two swimming pools and a fun Aquasplash area for the kids. All these camps have easy access to the dune and trails through the Landes de Gascogne forest, which is a great place for hiking, biking, and kayaking. Twitchers will also enjoy looking out for the park's birdlife, including the protected common crane.

You've come this far, so it would be a shame not the venture out onto the Dune du Pilat itself. There is no entry fee or restrictions, so you can explore it at your leisure, although it is quite a strenuous climb to the top due to the constantly shifting sand beneath your feet. If visiting during the summer months, be sure to take water and a hat because the temperature out on the sand can get very hot, and there is no shade. You'll be rewarded by spectacular views as you walk along the ridge, although it can get pretty dusty if the wind whips up the fine, loose sand. To make things a little easier, a flight of steps with a rope handrail is provided between April and mid-November. 

If you are visiting for the day from Bordeaux, you can take a private tour with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide. The standard price includes a meal and wine at a local restaurant, with an option to add a trip on a traditional fishing boat with fresh oysters onboard. Another wonderful way to see the dune is from the air. Dune du Pilat is a renowned spot for paragliding, and the strong winds will whisk you up in the air high above the sands for an unforgettable experience. Once you've been out on the dune, you can get a different perspective from the water with paddle board rentals nearby.