
Planning a car-free holiday in Arcachon? Great news: the town is perfect for a stay on foot, by bike, or even by boat. With its walkable center and train station connected to Bordeaux in under an hour, Arcachon is easy to explore without a car. From Hotel Le B d’Arcachon, ideally located on the seafront and in the heart of town, discover our best tips to make the most of your stay.
Getting to Arcachon Without a Car
If you choose the train, you can reach Arcachon in just 50 minutes from Bordeaux. The SNCF train station is only a 10-minute walk from Hotel Le B d’Arcachon, making it the perfect option for a car-free stay. For those arriving by car, the hotel also offers private parking so you can leave your vehicle behind and enjoy a stress-free holiday.
Things to Do in Arcachon Without a Car
Exploring Arcachon on Foot
Arcachon is a human-sized town, easy to explore on foot. From the hotel, you can reach in just a few minutes:
- Parc Mauresque and the Sainte-Cécile Observatory (15 minutes’ walk), the gateway to the Ville d’Hiver and its stunning 19th-century villas.
- Thiers Jetty and the seafront (less than 10 minutes), the ideal starting point for a stroll or a boat trip.
- Eyrac Beach (6 minutes), a quiet beach perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Arcachon is made for walking—whether to admire its villas, wander through the lively town center, or enjoy its easily accessible beaches.
Getting Around Arcachon by Bike
Cycling is another excellent way to discover Arcachon and its surroundings without a car. Thanks to our partner Beach Bikes, located close to the hotel, you can rent both classic and electric bikes.
Must-ride cycling routes include:
- Pereire Beach: 15 minutes to reach a long sandy beach with a lovely promenade.
- Le Moulleau: a lively neighborhood with shops and restaurants, only 20 minutes away.
- The Dune of Pilat: just 30 minutes on an e-bike to reach the tallest sand dune in Europe.
- The oyster-farming villages and scenic cycle paths that run along the Bay, perfect for a foodie getaway.
Enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on bike rentals with our partner Beach Bikes.
Beach Bikes
214 boulevard de la Plage, 33120 Arcachon
Website: www.beachbikes.fr
Discovering Arcachon Bay by Boat
No stay in Arcachon would be complete without a boat trip.
Traditional Pinasse Boats
Board a pinasse, the traditional wooden boat of the Bay, from Arcachon harbor. It’s the perfect way to explore iconic sites such as:
- The Cabanes Tchanquées, symbols of Arcachon,
- The oyster farms,
- The Banc d’Arguin with its turquoise waters,
- The Dune of Pilat, seen from the sea.
Crossing to Cap Ferret
From Thiers Jetty, the Bateliers Arcachonnais offer regular 30-minute crossings to Cap Ferret. Once there, don’t miss:
- The Cap Ferret Lighthouse with its panoramic views,
- The charming village of L’Herbe with its colorful huts,
- The Atlantic beaches, perfect for a wild swim or a surfing session.
Some ferries even allow you to bring your bike, so you can continue exploring the peninsula at your own pace.
Bateliers Arcachonnais
Place Thiers, 33120 Arcachon
Website: www.bateliers-arcachon.com
Arcachon: The Perfect Destination for a Car-Free Holiday
With its easy train access, cycling paths, and countless walks and boat trips, Arcachon is the ideal destination for a car-free holiday. From Hotel Le B d’Arcachon, you’re perfectly located to explore both the town and the entire Bay in a relaxed, eco-friendly way.
Book your stay at Hotel Le B d’Arcachon now and enjoy the unique experience of a stress-free, sustainable holiday.