Arcachon & Cap Ferret, France

Freshly caught oysters, Europe's largest shifting sand dune and charming Belle Époque-style architecture, just an hour from Bordeaux: all this makes the Basin of Arcachon one of France's hottest luxury beach resorts. Read everything you need to know about it here.

Just an hour from Bordeaux lies the basin of Arcachon - a true dream bay on the Atlantic and an absolute must-see, not only for oyster lovers. The former fishing village of Arcachon has secretly, quietly developed into one of the hottest luxury seaside resorts in France. Dream villas, a beautiful sandy beach and the freshly caught oysters, for which the place became so famous, provide carefree moments of well-being. Unusually, the town is divided into four quarters named after the seasons: The city centre is the Ville d'été (summer), the yacht and fishing harbour is the Ville d'automne (autumn), the area slightly above with beautiful colourful villas is the Ville d'hiver (winter) and the area near the beach is known as the Ville de printemps (spring). A walk through the city is mainly worthwhile because of the enchanting houses in the Belle-Époque style. Besides, numerous boutiques invite to stroll. You should not miss a visit to the market "Marché d'Arcachon", where you will find a huge selection of local delicacies. A bike ride along the coast, accompanied by the sound of the sea and the scent of pine, is also an experience that will stay in your memory for a long time. A few kilometres from the town is the Dune du Pilat. With a length of almost 3 kilometres, it is Europe's largest shifting sand dune and one of the highlights of the region - closely followed in terms of popularity by the romantic peninsula of Cap Ferret, which can be seen from Arcachon. Note: we're talking about Cap Ferret - not to be confused with Cap Ferrat, a peninsula on the Côte d'Azur best known for its celebrity guests such as Charlie Chaplin and Beyoncé. Visitors to the lesser-known Cap Ferret particularly enjoy the beach, which is sheltered from the Atlantic wind by pine forests and overlooks the bay. If you're not afraid to climb 258 steps, pay a visit to the lighthouse and you'll be rewarded with a gorgeous sunset and views of the bay and oyster farms. The almost 30 km long coastline protects the valuable oyster beds in the Bay of Arcachon safely from the force of the ocean. Sink your feet into the fine sand of the dune and let your eyes wander over the endless horizon. Enjoy freshly caught oysters, farmed in the "basin", as the locals say, and sold directly from the traditional wooden huts, the cabanes, in the village's own oyster fishing ports. A boat trip into Arcachon Bay not only allows you to learn more about oyster farming and the local ecosystem, but also to admire the entire bay between Arcachon, Cap Ferret and the Dune du Pilat. Water sports fans rent a sailboat, try kite surfing or explore the surroundings by kayak or stand-up paddle. Typically French and very enjoyable - this is probably the best way to describe this almost untouched destination with its wild and authentic nature.

HOTEL TIPS

Hotel Ha(a)ïtza, Pyla-sur-Mer

REBIRTH OF A LEGEND

The Ha(a)ïtza was one of the most popular retreats of the eccentric and cosmopolitan cultural hustle and bustle of the 1930s - even the famous fashion designer Jeanne Lanvin regularly visited the hotel in the villa district of Pyla-sur-Mer. Deeply rooted in the memory of locals, the house, built by visionary Louis Gaume, is synonymous with neo-Basque architecture and still evokes the golden age. In 2016, new owners Sophie and William Techoueyres breathed new life into the Ha(a)ïtza, completely renovating it with the help of renowned designer Philippe Starck. The Dune du Pilat, on which the Ha(a)ïtza nestles, is reflected in the design of the five-star hotel. Philippe Starck described the sand of the dune as a paradox of strength and mobility. Thus, nature inspired the stylish interior design, where marble meets natural wood and raw pickled concrete, complemented by delicate glass and mirror elements as well as soft, flowing fabrics. The dreamlike ambience creates a noble and sublime retreat, where the physical well-being is not neglected either. It is not without reason that the restaurant "Le Skiff Club" in the Hotel Ha(a)ïtza was awarded a Michelin star in 2017.

Double room from € 195 / night | haaitza.com

La Co(o)rniche, Pyla-sur-Mer

SECRET DUNE COOKIE

La Co(o)rniche was built in the 1930s by Louis Gaume in the neo-Basque style. Under the pine trees of Pyla-sur-Mer, the former hunting lodge attracted the aristocracy and upper class at that time - especially due to its location in the picturesque nature reserve "Banc d'Arguin". No wonder that after the renovation of the Hotel Ha(a)ïtza in 2010, William Techoueyres decided to bring La Co(o)rniche back to life as well. Today, the house is even more luxurious, modern and authentic - and yet the charm of times gone by has been retained. Cleverly placed elements of glass and dark wood evoke memories of that era when ladies and gentlemen strolled elegantly through the rooms. The rooms and suites at La Co(o)rniche are decorated in stylish pastel colours. The panoramic terrace of the hotel's restaurant is a great place to enjoy some top class dining. The infinity pool with panoramic views of the Dune du Pilat also makes your stay at the hotel a unique, truly luxurious experience.

DZ from € 275 / night | lacoorniche-pyla.com

La Maison du Bassin, Lège-Cap-Ferret

HIP HOTEL IN FISHING VILLAGE

On the edge of the fishing district of Lège-Cap-Ferret, the historic La Maison du Bassin is hidden in the woods. As soon as you enter the house, you feel the intimate atmosphere and warmth of the hosts. With only eleven rooms, it is a special kind of hideaway where your every wish is catered for. Beautiful vintage furniture and subtle tones create a unique harmony and coziness. Last but not least, loving details and the combination of natural linen and dark wooden floors create an incomparable romance. In the hotel's own restaurant "Le Bistro du Bassin", conviviality and quality take centre stage. A sophisticated gourmet menu and à la carte dishes featuring fresh seasonal produce are available. Chef Franck Le Bourlay cooks with heart and talent and particularly enjoys serving his guests fish dishes and exquisite seafood. The Cap Ferret is much appreciated by those seeking peace and quiet and nature lovers. At the same time, the 25 km long beach on the dunes of the peninsula lends itself to a variety of activities. Not only on the water with surfing and water skiing, but also on foot or by bike it never gets boring. Especially recommended is a ride on horseback on the headland, where you can enjoy the landscape in its full beauty from a different angle.

Double room from € 260 / night | lamaisondubassin.com

HIGHLIGHTS

1. Chez Hortense

Locals and international celebrities agree that the best moules frites (mussels with chips) are served here. The location in Cap Ferret with a view of the dunes is also impressive. Make sure you book a table in good time!

2. chai Bertrand

If you want to taste oysters, this is the place to go. Here you can taste different oysters and compare them with each other - directly on the terrace on the beach with a view of the basin.

3. chez Boulan

At Chez Boulan you can enjoy freshly caught fish and seafood in a relaxed atmosphere, right on the water. The restaurant has a small menu and focuses on the essentials: Delicious food and an excellent wine pairing.

4. ville d'été

You should not miss the city centre of Arcachon. Here you will not only find the largest sandy beach and numerous shopping streets for strolling, but also a casino in the Château Deganne from the 19th century.

5. plage du Moulleau

The Moulleau beach is the southernmost beach of Arcachon. It offers the best view of the Dune du Pilat as well as Cap Ferret and is therefore our clear favourite.

Picture credits: Le Ha(a)itza; Matthieu Salvaing; La Maison Du Bassin; Unsplash (Caleb George, Carlo Knell, Julien Paoletti)