The town of arès

The city of Ares will keep you busy during your holiday. Whether you are in the forest, natural reserves or the beach, by foot or by bike, enjoy the richness of the exceptional wildlife.

The natural reserve of the Salt Fields is an exceptional site thanks to its various wildlife that only lives here and nowhere else in the region.

Listed as 'exceptional site' by scientists, this marsh was classified as natural reserve since 1983. The Salt Fields are open to the public all year round. The access is free and easy since the harbour of Ares.

This is an unusual site with colourful sheds where one can walk along the inner harbour on a dirt road.

At the end of the dyke, you can see the 4.30 m high statue the 'Femme Oceane'.

Discover the oyster farming together with oyster farmers who will explain everything you should know about this delicate industry.

The 'tower' of Ares is a former water mill then was a wind mill built in 1840 on the castle domain.

An interpretation panel is located near the jetty and is useful to visualize different sites such as Arcachon, the Island of Birds, the Pilat Dune, the lighthouse of Cap Ferret and many more. 

the cannons were used during the Revolution, now they have been restored and installed around the jetty in 1992.

Crédit photo : Henry SALOMÉ (Wikipedia), licence CC-BY-SA-3.0

Walking visit "Marine fauna and flora at low tide". You'll enjoy an introduction to the natural richness of this atypical place, whith our guide. Price: 4 ?/person. Free for children under 12 years old. Walk in the moonlight. When everything seems asleep around you, discover the secret wildlife. The magic of sound-and-lights of the ?Arésienne night? will amaze you. Price: 4 ?/person. Free for children under 12 years old. Guided visit of the ?Conche de Saint Brice?. You'll discover the different waters and the influence of irrigation on the fauna and flora. Price: 4 ?/person. Free for children under 12 years old. Visit of the Natural Park of «Prés Salés». Sometimes you just walk in good company and discover the small wonders of the natural wildlife. Price: 4 ?/person. Free for children under 12 years old.

Down to the pond, discover the famous places from Arès to Arcachon through the ?Ile aux Oiseaux? and the ?Banc d'Arguin? (provide picnic, drinks and hats). Booking until the eve of departure at the Tourism Office of Ares (No phone registration).