Grab your camera! The Bassin d’Arcachon never ceases to amaze… Every viewpoint here looks like it belongs on a postcard. On one side, the endless ocean. On the other, forests, beaches, cabins, and islands that make up this timeless landscape. To fully enjoy this grand natural show, we’re guiding you to the best panoramic views around the Bassin d’Arcachon. Climb up, take a deep breath… and don’t forget to open your eyes wide!
1. The Dune du Pilat: perfect for watching the sunset
There’s no better place to start: the Dune du Pilat is the iconic spot in Arcachon that you absolutely must visit during your stay! As the tallest sand dune in Europe, it rises 107 meters high and offers breathtaking views of the Bassin. On the horizon, you will see the vast Landes de Gascogne forest. But what truly catches the eye is the stunning view over the Banc d’Arguin Nature Reserve and the tip of Cap Ferret. Even better: go at sunset, when the sun dips into the water and the sky lights up with color. A suspended moment and a 360° view of the ocean that will leave you speechless.
2. Pointe aux Chevaux: with the Île aux Oiseaux in your sightline
One of Cap Ferret’s hidden treasures, the Pointe aux Chevaux is a rare gem. Likely one of the peninsula’s most beautiful spots, and surely one of the most well-preserved. The show is constant here, especially at high tide when the water mirrors the sky. As you wander between pine-shaded villas and charming oyster huts, keep an eye out: a small path winding up the dune is hidden nearby… At the top, just a few dozen meters above ground, an incredible view awaits you. And off in the distance, the Île aux Oiseaux beckons...
3. Observatoire Sainte-Cécile: Arcachon from above
Perched 25 meters high, the Observatoire Sainte-Cécile is a symbol of Arcachon’s heritage. Accessible via the Saint-Paul footbridge, this 19th-century metal lookout tower offers a 360° panoramic view: from the Winter Town to the beach, passing through Mauresque Park. Up there, everything feels calm. You are above the rooftops, the trees, the sea… It’s Arcachon between ocean and pines, with the rare and precious feeling of having the whole city at your feet.
4. Atop the Cap Ferret lighthouse: a 360° panorama
Climb the 258 steps of the Cap Ferret lighthouse and let yourself be amazed by the view that greets you! At 52 meters high, the lighthouse overlooks the entire peninsula. In front of you: the Atlantic Ocean, white sandy beaches, the Banc d’Arguin, and in the distance, the Dune du Pilat. Before heading back down, take a moment to explore the ground-floor exhibition about the lighthouse’s history and the evolution of nautical maps… fascinating viewpoints that offer new ways to admire and understand this remarkable territory.
5. The Corniche staircase: a striking view at every level
Just a few steps can completely change your perspective. From the Corniche staircase, the view over the Bassin is simply spectacular. Out at sea: the Banc d’Arguin, the Passes, and the tip of Cap Ferret. It’s the perfect place to lose yourself in the horizon and watch how the light dances with the tide. While you are there, take a walk down to the seafront promenade, and reach the Dune du Pilat from its ocean-facing side. And who knows? You might even spot a fisherman enjoying this little slice of paradise.
The Bassin d’Arcachon is a peaceful haven where nature puts on a show just for your eyes. So don’t hesitate to rise above it all, in every sense of the word. Here, nature is revealing its very best!