The Secluded Bay In France Known For Beaches, Tasty Seafood, And Europe's Largest Sand Dune

Most travelers familiar with coastal towns in Europe have probably heard of places like Nice, Saint-Tropez, or Cannes. Known for their beautiful beaches, delicious food, and upscale resorts, these places see millions of visitors grace their shores each year. One underrated tourist destination in France has all of these amenities, without the maddening crowds. Bassin d'Arcachon, or Bay of Arcachon, is a beautiful area about an hour-long drive from Bordeaux. The 10 towns and villages that comprise the area offer visitors a unique blend of outdoor activities, tasty seafood, and luxury. 

One town is more popular than the rest, known for its oyster farming practices, beautiful beaches, and larger-than-life sand dune. Arcachon is a larger city on the bay that is divided into 4 regions based on the four seasons, with each part offering visitors something different to explore. The aptly named Summer Town (aka Ville d'été, in the north) is where travelers can enjoy shopping, restaurants, bars, and water sports. The Winter Town (aka Ville d'Hiver, in the south) is considered the most elegant, particularly because of its architecture. If you're looking for picturesque boats on the water, the Autumn Town (aka Ville d'Automne) is where you'll find the main port in the east. And the Spring Town (aka Ville de Printemps) is where visitors can find the most beautiful beaches in the western portion of the bay. No matter your ideal destination, Arcachon has a bit of everything for vacationers to enjoy. 

Known as the tourist center of Arcachon, the Summer Town is the most popular destination for vacationers. It's the closest of the areas to the sea and is where visitors can find the most popular things to do in Arcachon. With a long promenade for pedestrians to enjoy, a Ferris wheel with views of the city, and numerous restaurants and boutiques, it's the perfect spot for family vacations. A beautiful covered market offers visitors the chance to taste local delicacies, such as freshly caught fish and oysters, a local specialty.

After enjoying the delights of the summer city, a visit to Arcachon would not be complete without heading over to the Winter Town. Take the lift to Parc Mauresque, which offers beautiful views of the city below and great picnic spots. A stroll through the historic winter city enables visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with more than 300 19th-century villas.  A few that shouldn't be missed are Villa Toledo, Villa Teresa, Villa Alexandre Dumas, and Villa Bremontier, but the tourism office offers a map of the best preserved as well. Located next to the park is the Observatoire de Sainte Cécile, a beautiful structure built in 1863 offering beautiful panoramic views of the city below. 

For the best beaches, head to the Spring Town. The most famous of the beaches here is Plage Pereire, a beautiful 1-mile-long strip of white sand with a stunning view of the Cap Ferret peninsula just on the other side of the bay. Equipped with a bicycle path, picnic spaces, and sporting facilities, a trip here is the perfect way to spend a day outdoors. If you're interested in beaches or just spending time outdoors, travel expert Rick Steves suggests the best time to visit Southern France is in May.

One of the best things to do on a trip to Arcachon is visit the Dune du Pilat, Europe's tallest sand dune. At about 360 feet (110 meters) high and over 1,600 feet (500 meters) wide, visitors will have plenty of space to explore this magnificent natural wonder. Stairs are available to climb to the top from the end of May until early November. If visiting during another time, be sure to wear comfy shoes as the only way to the top is by climbing the dune itself. A stunning panoramic view awaits those who venture to the top of the dune. Visitors can access the dune from Arcachon via car, bike, or public transport.

Thrill seekers rejoice as paragliding, skydiving, and helicopter tours are all available for incredible views of the bay and dune below. Spending the day picnicking, sliding down the dune, swimming in the clear blue water, or walking along the sand, are just some of the countless adventures you can have in this part of France. With all its outdoor adventures and luxurious places to eat and shop, Arcachon has something for every traveler's needs. Before you go, be sure to learn some essential words and phrases to know for your trip to France.