Camping in Arcachon

The popular seaside resort of Arcachon in the bay of the same name on the French Atlantic coast is the perfect place for relaxed camping by the sea. Fine sandy beaches and the swell are perfect for water sports. High-quality accommodation promises a comfortable stay. And nature lovers will be delighted by the proximity of the campsites to Europe's largest shifting sand dune.

Camping in Arcachon: all the important information at a glance

The Bay of Arcachon has been a popular seaside resort on the Atlantic coast for decades, and the selection of campsites is correspondingly large. The campsites in Arcachon are spread around the bay and are generally located in the immediate vicinity of the beach.

In addition, the region's main attraction, the huge travelling dune Dune du Pilat, is easily accessible from most of the campsites. There are several campsites right next to the dune, including the highly recommended Pyla Camping and Camping La Forêt.

The campsites in Arcachon range from simple, natural campsites to comfortable 4-star campsites with a pool, restaurant and extensive leisure and wellness facilities. Surfers and beach holidaymakers are definitely in the right place when camping in Arcachon. There are also sports grounds on many of the pitches. Families with children benefit from the children's playground, karaoke evenings and children's entertainment for all ages.

The campsites generally offer pitches for motorhomes, caravans and tents. There are also various types of rental accommodation on offer, such as tent lodges, mobile homes, chalets and holiday flats. In the high season in summer, the campsites fill up quickly, so it is advisable to book well in advance.

Camping in Arcachon with your dog

Dogs are allowed on many campsites in Arcachon. However, you should find out what the rules are at each campsite before travelling. In the high season, dogs must often be kept on a lead on the campsite grounds. Dogs are also allowed on the Dune du Pilat, provided they are kept on a lead. The same applies to the beaches, although dogs are sometimes not allowed here at all in the summer months.

The best campsites in Arcachon

Pyla Camping

Beautiful 3-star campsite in the immediate vicinity of the famous Dune of Pilat and with access to the beach. The site also has a heated swimming pool with paddling pool for children. Numerous sports activities such as paragliding, fitness and an aquagym are available, and several cycle paths start from the campsite.

Camping Le Marache

In the middle of a pine forest halfway between the village of Arachon and Cap Ferret, Le Marache campsite offers peace and relaxation in the most beautiful natural surroundings. The pitches are in a shady location and there is also a lovely restaurant and bar right on the site. Campers can take part in numerous sporting activities such as kayaking, canoeing and cycling. In high season, the entertainment team regularly organises themed evenings and other entertainment.

Arcachon Nature Camping et Location

Just a short walk from Arcachon and the beaches, this beautiful nature campsite is located in the heart of an ancient pine forest. In addition to pitches for tents and motorhomes, there are also a number of attractive rental accommodations, each with its own terrace, where you can spend your camping holiday surrounded by greenery. Guests can hire bicycles and there is also an entertainment programme in high season.

The most beautiful destinations in the Bay of Arcachon

The Bay of Arcachon is not just a great destination for nature lovers. Gourmets will also get their money's worth here, as oysters are cultivated on the sandbanks in the Bassin d'Arcachon, which are famous far beyond the borders of France. In addition, beautiful, sometimes deserted beaches, extensive salt marshes and the pretty little harbour towns and villages of the oyster farmers await visitors.

Dune of Pilat

The Dune du Pilat is the main attraction in the Bay of Arcachon. Almost 3 kilometres long and over 100 metres high at the top, the dune is the highest moving dune in Europe and an impressive sight. An excursion to the crest of the dune is rewarded with an incredible view over the Bay of Arcachon. There are also perfect conditions for paragliders and hang-gliders.

Arguin sandbank

The impressive sandbank of Arguin lies off the coast and protects the dune of Pilat from the rough waves of the Atlantic. The area is a nature reserve, as numerous birds breed here. It is also home to the oyster parks, which rise out of the water at low tide. In high season, you can take a boat from the dune to the sandbank and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Ile aux Oiseaux (Bird Island)

The protected bird island in the bay of Arcachon is a true paradise for birdwatchers. Visitors can see over 150 different species of birds nesting in the island's salt marshes all year round. The most famous photo motif on the island are probably the two "Cabanes Tchanquées", pile dwellings on stilts, which can be admired up close on a boat trip.

Lège-Cap Ferret peninsula

The picturesque Cap Ferret peninsula lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Arcachon and is home to the region's oyster farmers. The most striking point on the peninsula is the 52 metre high Cap Ferret lighthouse, which can also be visited. You should definitely try some oysters in the numerous villages.

Le Teich bird sanctuary

In the south-east of the Bay of Arcachon lies the bird sanctuary near the village of Le Teich. This unspoilt landscape of lagoons, reed beds, salt marshes and small woods is home to numerous wild birds such as cranes, black-winged stilts and plovers. Visitors can explore this paradise on a 6-kilometre circular trail.

Maison de l'huître (oyster museum)

Oyster lovers and those who want to become one should definitely visit the town of Gujan-Mestras, which is considered the oyster capital of the Bay of Arcachon. Right next door in the harbour town of Port de Larros is the Oyster Museum, where visitors can find out lots of fascinating background information about the local speciality.

Activities and excursions

The numerous natural beauties in the bay make great excursion destinations for cyclists or walkers. The main town of Arcachon with its fashionable 19th century villa neighbourhood is also a popular destination for visitors to the region.

City walk through Arcachon and the winter town

Arcachon is the main town in the bay and is located on an extensive seafront promenade. The nightlife district of Le Moulleau is well worth a visit, with its fine sandy beach that is perfect for swimming and surfing. The winter town (Ville d'Hiver d'Arcachon) is the most beautiful, however, where visitors can admire numerous magnificent villas and the Notre Dame church. From here, you also have a beautiful view of the Parc Mauresque, which is a great meeting place for the whole family thanks to its playground and several boules courts.

Cycling excursions

The entire city centre of Arcachon can also be easily explored by bike. There are also over 220 kilometres of cycle paths in the bay that connect the small villages along the coast. Cycling along the Atlantic coast is a great way to discover a whole new side to the region. Many campsites offer bike and e-bike hire directly on site.

Best time for a camping holiday in Arcachon

Camping in Arcachon is possible on most sites from April to the end of September. The weather in the bay is particularly inviting in high summer. In July and August it can be up to 25 °C and holidaymakers can enjoy up to 9 hours of sunshine a day. The water temperatures are also very pleasant, warming up to 21 °C in summer.

Winter in the Bay of Arcachon is quite mild, with temperatures of at least 3 °C in December and January. Swimming is of course no fun then, as the water temperature drops to 8 °C. It is also quite rainy and can rain up to 17 days a month. The sun usually only shines for 2 to 6 hours a day in winter.