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The city of Arcachon is a beautiful coastal town near Bordeaux. It sits at the heart of the Bassin d’Arcachon whose beautiful crystal blue waters open up to the Atlantic and charms every visitor that gets to see it. Every year, thousands of tourists and locals flock to this sunny beachside town to enjoy its pristine waters and amazing wildlife. Its cuisine is also to die for seafood lovers out there because of their popular oysters. More so, there is a lot to the city apart from these because Arcachon has a little for every kind of person to enjoy.

How to Get There

People heading to Arcachon first travel to Bordeaux. Several options are available from there with the first option being the long-distance intercity bus service such as Ouibus or Flixbus. The train is also available from Bordeaux which takes you directly to the central station of Arcachon which is the Gare d’Arcachon. The travel time should just take about an hour maximum.

Getting Around

Like most cities in France, Arcachon is mostly pedestrianized with some areas accessible only on foot. However, there are a lot of options to get around like the EHO and the BAIA Bus. The EHO is a free shuttle service that services most of the neighbourhoods in Arcachon. The line starts at the train station and it operates six days a week. Meanwhile, the BAIA bus serves as a connection to the neighbouring areas of the city as well.

Bike rentals are another option when going around the city. This would provide you a more leisurely way to explore. Bike paths are available so it would not be a lot of trouble to get around. Being a seaside city, transportation via water is also available like the Trans Bassin shuttles, sea buses, and sea taxis.

Top Things to Do

Arcachon is a small location but it packs a lot for a tourist looking for a getaway. The place is always lively no matter what the season you choose to go to. A complete getaway, the city is surrounded by beaches and filled with activities that would take up most of your day.

In the main beach of Plage d’Arcachon, families can rest and lounge since it has the calmest waves that are safe for children. People can relax, lie down, and sunbathe without any problem. It is also surrounded by establishments and restaurants so people will have a lot to choose from. The beach is also near two piers that would take you to other parts of the city. In the pier of Thiers nearby, you can take a boat to get to the Dune di Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune.

For the adventurous, you can climb this and get a great view of the sea and the city. You can also head on to Cap Ferret that hosts the biggest oyster culture facilities in France. Climbing up its lighthouse is also a great activity because you will be rewarded with a great view of the peninsula. Arcachon’s famous Cabanes Tchanquées, timber huts on stilts, can also be seen via boat ride. Different water sports and activities are also available for everyone such as kayaking, sailing, and surfing.

What to Eat

When it comes to food, there is definitely a lot in store for everyone in the city. In the market of Les Halles, you will find plenty of food and local delicacies that you can take out and enjoy by the beach. Cafe Richard inside the market is quite popular with locals because you can enjoy good coffee with croissants.

On the other hand, Chez Pierre is a restaurant near Jetée Thiers where you can enjoy local seafood and shellfish. The place is perfect for people who are budget conscious and for those who want a romantic view of the sea. Le Bikini is another great place found in Plage des Arbousiers and it buzzes with vibrant energy throughout the year. They serve seafood and shellfish fresh from the grill, but it also serves as a cafe-bar at night.

Where to Stay

Seeing that it is a small place, it would not be a lot of trouble to stay anywhere in Arcachon. Almost everything is accessible just by a short walk. If you want to be near the busy beaches, you can stay in the city centre. You will find shops and restaurants in the area while the beaches are just a bus ride away.

Cap Ferret is a quieter option and it is less touristy than the city centre. The area is a lot more quaint which makes it perfect for travelers looking into getting away and experiencing a bit of French life.

The beachside resorts in Plage d’Arcachon will put you right in the middle of the best beach in the city. Not only this, most of the accommodations are equipped with spas that will surely indulge every person looking to relax.

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