The bay of arcachon and picturesque villages

215 'bourgeois style' villas and chalets owing their names to famous artists such as Shakespeare, Richelieu, Descartes etc.. are the architectural heritage of Arcachon, dating from the 19th century.

The Europa's highest sand dune rises to 110 m over the foam of the waves. A breath-taking view at the entrance of the Basin and the pine forest of the 'Landes'

Two houses on stilts built over the water can be seen from all around. Behind them, the Bird Island, the canals called 'Esteys' with paths covered with Salicornia.

An authentic little island in the middle of the Basin, a refuge between land and water that owes its name to the maritime birds that come here to rest and feed.

The basin keeps its tradition as a private space for pleasure boats. From the beginning of yachting, the Arcachon harbour has welcomed all yachting lovers: from the beginner to the old master mariner.

With 2500 boats permantently afloat and moored in lines on tracks, the harbor regroups yachts, sailboats, speed boats, and 'pinasses' (the traditional, wooden boat of the Bay).

With it's immaculate sand and limpid waters, the Arguin sandbar, a natural reserve, is a deserted island anchorage.

Access to the bar is free, except for signaled zones where the birds can nest in peace.

The village of the Moulleau, at the doorstep of Pyla is a recent place that has maintained spacious areas between habitations, each of them having their own garden or parc.

The main axe of the Moulleau village is located at the foot of the 'Notre Dame des Passes' church built on a dune, which is a very lively pedestrian street that is very popular in the summer time.

Today owned by the Conservatory of Coastlines and Lakesides, the Headland is a protected natural area. It is a seabeaten sand wall, whipped by the wind and sun baked site.

The harshness of the elements makes this untamed area home to an extremely vulnerable wildlife.