a way to go to the sand dunes Seeing the rare natural phenomena known as Visiting Dune du Pilat is highly recommended. It features spectacular vistas and lovely golden sands. On this website, you’ll find all the information you need to see the tallest sand dune in Europe.
The biggest sand dune in all of Europe is Visiting Dune du Pilat, which is located on the shore of Arcachon Bay an hour’s drive south of Bordeaux. It lies concealed between the furious surf of the Atlantic Ocean and a lush green pine forest, measuring just over half a kilometre in width, around three kilometres in length, and rising to just over 100 metres.
WHAT TIME OF DAY PROVIDES THE BEST VIEWS FROM DUNE DU PILAT?
The best time of year to see the Dune of Pilat
The more than 100-meter-tall Dune du Pilat, which is situated on the coast south of Arcachon, is one of the area’s outstanding natural vantage points. Portable steps are set up from April to November to make it simple for the majority of visitors to ascend from the parking lot.
Keep your feet firmly placed in the softest sand up till the summit to take in the expansive panorama. A pine grove at the base of the dune offers views up to Arcachon Bay, the Cap Ferret isthmus, and the Atlantic Ocean.
SUNSERISE AT DUNE DU PILAT ANY TIME OF DAY
DUNE DU PILAT SUNSET
The sand glistens in the twilight as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean.
Bring a picnic, find a spot in the sand, and watch with the other viewers. We offer suggestions for setting up a delicious picnic from several artisanal vendors in Arcachon later on in this tour.
DUNE DU PILAT SUNSET DUNE DU PILAT SUNSERISE ANY TIME OF DA
As the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean, the sand gleams in the dusk. In ideal conditions, a blazing orange glow unites the sky
Find a location in the sand, pack a picnic, and join the other spectators to watch. Later on in this tour, we provide recommendations for organising a delectable picnic from a number of artisanal sellers in Arcachon.
AT Visiting DUNE DU PILAT, SWIMMING
On a hot day, the glistening turquoise water of the Atlantic Ocean is simply too seductive to ignore. So, get your swimming gear and chill off at the base of the dune.
The best place for safe swimming is Plage de la Corniche, which is close to the northern edge of the Dune du Pilat (see the location on our map below).
South of the dune, there are 15 kilometres of breathtaking beaches if you want to venture a little further. Plage du Petit Nice has amenities, Plage de la Lagune is a beach for nudists, and Plage de
THE BEST DUNE DU PILAT PICNIC SUPPLIES
With such beautiful vistas, a great lunch is in order. Fortunately, there are several places in Arcachon that are conveniently close by where you can load up on delicious French dishes.
Merryl Fromagerie & Charcuterie offers a wide selection of cheeses, primarily from Béarn, a Pyrenees region famed for fine, high pasture cheese. Then, serve it with jams, jellies, cured meats, or extra cheese after selecting one. La Caves des Darons has a great selection of wines, and practically every store in the city sells delectable, fresh French bread.
On a nice day, you won’t exactly have the top of Dune du Pilat to yourself, so get there early to
OVER LOOKING DUNE DU PILAT
The finest vantage point for seeing the dune is from above, when the immensity of this natural amphitheatre is readily apparent.
Pyla Parapente provides tandem paragliding jumps from the southern end of the dune, allowing you to gently float on the thermals between the earth and the sky. You can select for the easier option or choose between a smooth flight and one that tries a few manoeuvres.
The alternative is to take a scenic flight or a helicopter ride above the sand dunes. The Aéroclub du Bassin d’Arcachon can arrange 30-minute private flights in a small plane over the dunes, Arcachon Bay, and Cap Ferret.
Helipass provides pricey but spectacular 30-minute helicopter tours of the dunes.
DUNE DU PILAT’S BEST TIME TO VISIT
The dune is beautiful, but it might also be dangerous. There is no shade, and the summer heat can be uncomfortable. Come during cooler weather, early in the day, or when the sun is setting. On a bright (or even cloudy) day, the light around dawn and sunset is very lovely and perfect for photography.
Additionally, we suggest that you avoid windy days. This is a fantastic time to travel because the steps are open from April to November, giving it a much easier trek to the
ACCESS TO DUNE DU PILAT
The journey to the dune’s peak takes 15 minutes from either the parking lot or bus stop at Dune du Pilat. Before cutting through the border of the forest, the route ascends a short flight of moveable steps.
They are generally in place from April to mid-November. Otherwise, you must ascend the inclining sand slope to get to the summit. The slog is short, but it finishes quickly.
DRIVE TO THE DUNE OF PILAT
The Dune du Pilat parking lot is located approximately 15 minutes from Arcachon and an hour from Bordeaux by car.Cash or a credit card are both acceptable forms of payment. There is no parking allowed between 2 am and 5 am. Peak season can be very busy.
BUS TO DUNE DU PILAT
The Ligne 1 bus, which also passes through Le Moulleau and Pyla-sur-Mer, connects the Dune du Pilat parking lot with the Arcachon station. It runs all year round and travel time is 30 minutes.
In the winter months of October through March, there are roughly 10 excursions each day. From April through September, however, not only does that number increase to 20, but the route is also extended to include stops along the eastern side of the dune before continuing south to Plage de la Salie-Nord.The Ligne 2 and Ligne 6 both depart from La Teste-de-Buch, while the Dune Express offers a faster route from Arcachon.
Unfortunately, getting to the dune before dawn or after dusk is exceedingly challenging when using the bus.
BIKING DUNE DU PILAT
There are many places to hire bikes in Arcachon, and the journey to the dune takes around 30 minutes. It’s a fun journey there.
There are many top-notch hotel options close to Dune du Pilat. The best place to start your journey by public transit is in Arcachon. We have the following suggestions. If you want to travel to Arcachon in July or August,
DUNE DU PILAT VISITING ADVICE
1. Pack everything you take a picnic up to the top No amenities are present.
2. There are facilities and a small office with maps in the parking area.
ADVICE FOR VISITORS TO DUNE DU PILAT
1. If you plan to take a picnic up to the top of the dunes,all of your trash back down.
2. Because the sand is so soft, other shoes that are easy to take off are the best to wear.
3. In the parking lot, there are amenities and a small office with maps. Construction on the visitor centre remodelling is presently underway.
