The Bay of Arcachon

Located less than an hour from Bordeaux, the Arcachon Basin captivates with its authenticity, diverse landscapes, and unique atmosphere blending the Atlantic, pine forests, and oyster-farming villages. From the Best Western Premier – Hôtel Bayonne Etche-Ona, set out to discover this natural gem, a true invitation to escape during your stay in Gironde.

A preserved natural setting, between ocean and pine forests

The Arcachon Basin is above all an exceptional natural environment. This lagoon open to the Atlantic Ocean offers a mosaic of ever-changing landscapes with the tides: fine sandy beaches, pine forests, nature reserves, sandbanks, and wild islets.
Among the iconic places, don’t miss the Teich Ornithological Reserve, known for its rich wildlife and flora, perfect for those who enjoy walks and birdwatching.

The villages of the Basin: charm, authenticity, and a gentle way of life

The Arcachon Basin can also be discovered through its picturesque villages.

• Arcachon: an elegant seaside resort, known for its Winter Town, its typical villas, and its lively waterfront. Stroll along the promenade, enjoy the terraces, explore the covered market, and treat yourself to an artisanal ice cream facing the Thiers pier.
• Cap Ferret: a chic and relaxed atmosphere, with its oyster huts, beaches on the bay or ocean side, and stunning views of the Dune du Pilat.
• La Teste-de-Buch: famous for its oyster port, vibrant markets, and direct access to the Dune du Pilat.
• Gujan-Mestras: the oyster farming capital, to explore and discover the secrets of oyster cultivation and enjoy fresh products by the basin.

Each of these villages offers a unique atmosphere, blending authenticity and a way of life, to be discovered during a stay or a day trip.

Must-do activities on the Arcachon Bay

Relaxation on the beaches and swimming
The Arcachon Basin offers many family-friendly beaches, ideal for swimming, relaxing, or water sports. Among the most popular are Pereire Beach in Arcachon, Moulleau Beach, L’Herbe Beach in Cap Ferret, and La Hume Beach in Gujan-Mestras.
Surf enthusiasts will prefer the wilder ocean beaches, such as Grand Crohot or La Salie.

Boat rides and discovery of Bird Island
Experiencing the Arcachon Basin from the water is an unmissable experience. Several companies offer rides on traditional pinasse boats, catamarans, or kayaks to explore Bird Island, the famous tchanquée cabins, oyster farms, and small oyster ports.
You can also rent a boat without a license to explore the basin at your own pace.

Introduction to oyster farming and oyster tasting
It is impossible to stay on the Basin without tasting the local oysters. Many oyster farmers open their huts to the public for tastings by the sea, accompanied by rye bread and white wine.
Take the opportunity to combine an educational visit with a gourmet treat, and understand the different stages of production.

The Dune of Pilat: a spectacular natural site just steps away

Just a few minutes from Arcachon, the Dune of Pilat stands out as a must-see. The tallest sand dune in Europe, it offers an exceptional view of the ocean, the Landes forest, and the entrance to the Arcachon Basin.
The climb (about 110 meters) is accessible to everyone and rewarded with a breathtaking view, especially at sunset.

The markets and local gastronomy

Living the Arcachon Basin also means enjoying its typical markets, full of color and flavor.
The Arcachon market, open every day, offers fish, seafood, local products, pastries, and regional specialties.
The cuisine of the basin highlights seafood, as well as Bordeaux wines, Médoc asparagus, cannelés, and dunes blanches.

Stay at the Best Western Premier – Hôtel Bayonne Etche-Ona to explore the Basin

Our hotel, ideally located in the heart of Bordeaux, is the perfect starting point for an excursion to the Arcachon Bay.
You will enjoy the comfort of a 4-star establishment, personalized service, and tailored advice to plan your day: car rental, train schedules, activity bookings, recommended spots…

After a refreshing seaside getaway, return to the calm and elegance of your room, and enjoy all the hotel’s services to extend your Bordeaux experience.

How to get to the Arcachon Basin from Bordeaux?

• By train: departures every hour from Saint-Jean station, arrival in Arcachon in 50 minutes.
• By car: direct access via the A63, about 1 hour drive.
• By bus: several seasonal lines connect Bordeaux to Arcachon and the villages of the basin.

Prepare your stay on the Arcachon Bay

By staying at the Best Western Premier Hôtel Bayonne Etche-Ona, you combine the discovery of Bordeaux with the exploration of the Arcachon Bay, two complementary and must-see destinations in Gironde.

To prepare for your getaway, check out our news and visit tips or contact our team, who will be happy to assist you in organizing your stay.

To book one of our stays, we invite you to reserve your room beforehand. For more information or to organize your day, the team of the Best Western Premier Hotel Bayonne Etche-Ona in Bordeaux is at your disposal.