Visit Cap Ferret : 6 Must-see Spots & Itinerary

Let’s go visit Cap Ferret in the beautiful Arcachon region : to me, this name conjured up images of escape, pine trees, and a gentle way of life. So I dreamed of discovering this magnificent peninsula… And Cap Ferret lived up to my expectations: I discovered a little corner of paradise, unspoiled, exotic, and full of charm.

I loved the atmosphere there, which was gentle, peaceful and warm… There are stark contrasts between the wealthy owners of second homes and the passionate and open-minded local oyster farmers. Yet everyone mixes harmoniously and everyone enjoys this little piece of paradise, whether they are there for a few hours or permanently.

What to do in Cap Ferret ? A sunny day or weekend is ideal for discovering all the gems of Cap Ferret. So come with me on a one-day itinerary to visit Cap Ferret, among pine forests, dunes, and oyster-farming villages!

 

Read also : 5 top things to see in Arcachon

 

   

VISIT CAP FERRET  – PRACTICAL TIPS

 

 

• How to get to Cap Ferret ?

There are two ways to get to Cap Ferret: either by car (then by bike) or by boat from Arcachon.

By car: you can drive to the north of the cape, but traffic becomes extremely limited and even impossible on weekends and in summer. I therefore recommend leaving your car in Claouey or Grand or Petit Piquey, then renting a bike to explore the rest of Cap Ferret by bike. Please note: parking is free in Cap Ferret!

To get to Claouey by car, allow 55 minutes from Bordeaux and 1 hour from Arcachon. 

Compare car rentals to find the best price!

By boat: you can take the regular shuttle boats from Arcachon (30 minutes by boat) to Cap Ferret and take your bike with you (additional charge for the crossing). You can also rent a bike when you arrive at Cap Ferret.

 

• Where to stay to visit Cap Ferret ?

 

3 recommended hotels to visit Cap Ferret

Find your accommodation to visit Cap Ferret !

   

   

• Organize your time to visit Cap Ferret

The Cap Ferret peninsula is about 20 kilometers long from north to south. So there’s plenty to cycle! There is a main road with a main bike path in the middle of the peninsula and branches all around to serve the main sites.

Allow around 1.5 hours by bike from Claouey to Cap Ferret (southern tip), without stopping. In one day, you’ll get a good overview if you’re not afraid of cycling around 40 kilometers! But two days are really ideal for exploring Cap Ferret by bike and enjoying the villages and beaches. Taking the time to live is also what Cap Ferret is all about!

 

• What to bring back from Cap Ferret?

On the gastronomic side, the white dunes of Chez Pascal (cabbage stuffed with a light cream) will delight the taste buds of all food lovers. And for the little ones, there are some lovely classic souvenirs (cards, magnets, etc.) at the lighthouse shop!

   

 

VISIT CAP FERRET : THE OYSTER VILLAGES

   

The first stop on your bike ride towards the cape is the pretty oyster villages! You can’t visit Cap Ferret  without strolling through these charming hamlets… On the east coast of the peninsula, more than a dozen small oyster farming villages face the basin. These are the gems of Cap Ferret: the atmosphere is warm and friendly, in contrast to what the exorbitant prices of their cabins might suggest.

The best known—and most charming—villages in Cap Ferret are Le Canon and L’Herbe. With their white wooden houses and colorful shutters, they look out over the bird island opposite. Take the opportunity to stroll through their narrow streets and enjoy their peaceful atmosphere…

 

• Le Canon

What I liked most about these villages was definitely their lively atmosphere: the cheerful mix of oyster farming, pretty, photogenic huts and the daily life of the locals. These are not villages that have been spruced up for tourists, but charming houses that are actually lived in. So don’t be surprised to discover a small terrace tucked between three walls or pots of flowers, buoys, and other odds and ends piled up in the corners. That’s what gives the village its charm!

 

• L’Herbe

Next to Le Canon, L’Herbe is a small village that is just as charming and has a more peaceful name! Here, oyster farming is in full swing and you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to tasting delicious platters of oysters and seafood, fresh from the water! Don’t forget to climb to the top of the stairs for a beautiful view of the village rooftops, the Bassin, and the Île aux Oiseaux in the distance!

 

I invite you to stroll through the narrow streets and then continue along the main street to the Chapelle Algérienne. This astonishing Moorish building was commissioned by the wealthy entrepreneur Léon Lesca, who, on his return from Algeria, wanted a chapel where his employees—both Catholic and Muslim—could pray together. The architectural style resulting from this dual worship is surprising to say the least, with a cross intertwined with a crescent.

     

 

VISIT CAP FERRET : THE LIGHTHOUSE

   

If you’re visiting Cap Ferret in one day, don’t miss the lighthouse! A symbol of Cap Ferret, the famous red and white lighthouse can be seen from far away! It acts as a guide for sailors navigating the perilous waters of the ocean and entering the basin. But you can also discover it for yourself by going to its base and even climbing the 250 steps to reach the top. A magnificent view awaits you at the top! In the distance, you can see the Dune of Pilat, the Arcachon basin, the pine forests of Cap Ferret, and of course, the ocean stretching as far as the eye can see.

A visit to the lighthouse also includes a lovely exhibition on nautical charts and the complex navigation in the basin.

 

On your way back down, don’t forget to take a look at the lighthouse blockhouse at the entrance! This astonishing concrete monster was part of the Atlantic Wall and was built during World War II by the German Navy. A touch of history that you might not necessarily expect to find here!

 

Practical information – Cap Ferret Lighthouse: opening hours vary depending on the season – admission: €7 per adult and €4 for children under 13

 

• The “44 hectares” district

Not far from the lighthouse, I also recommend venturing to the “44 hectares” district. This amazing, wooded, and wild neighborhood represents the spirit of Cap Ferret in my eyes. Some of the owners are movie stars and CEOs of CAC40 companies, yet here everything is natural and discreet, far from the glitz and glamour one might imagine.

At the 44 hectares, only a few dirt roads serve the huge old villas scattered across the land, hidden behind pine trees. Even the mail and garbage collection are done collectively at the edge of the 44 hectares! It’s an unusual and exotic place, where the lucky owners enjoy their property in complete peace and quiet.

     

VISIT CAP FERRET : THE CAP AND ITS VIEW OF THE DUNE DU PILAT

   

Let’s now head down to the southern tip of the peninsula, to Cap Ferret! This is where you’ll find the entrance to the basin, the Dune du Pilat, and the ocean! You’ll see, the view is exceptional. You can admire the waves in the distance and stroll along the coastal path to the beautiful beach at the tip. I really liked the wild feel of the place, with its fine, light-colored sand dotted with tall grasses trying to make their way through…

     

 

VISIT CAP FERRET : THE WILD BEACHES

   

Since we’re talking about beaches, we have to admit that they’re one of the most beautiful things to discover in Cap Ferret! On the west coast, a long strip of sand borders the peninsula. I loved the atmosphere of these immense stretches of sand. The colors of these landscapes are soft, and it feels a bit like being in an impressionist painting.

There’s also a striking contrast between the softness of the fine sand that gets everywhere and the roar of the waves breaking on the horizon. You can really feel the power of the ocean as it engulfs the sandbanks at the entrance to the basin.

 

     

VISIT CAP FERRET BY BIKE THROUGH THE PINE TREES

   

Visiting Cap Ferret by bike is the best way to discover it, in my opinion. On the one hand, because the roads, or rather the only major road, make access by car very difficult as you head south. And on the other hand, because cycling in Cap Ferret is particularly enjoyable. I find that cycling adds to the change of scenery you expect from the peninsula, and everything is designed for cyclists!

A bike path runs through Cap Ferret from top to bottom, almost continuously, along some beautiful scenery. Part of it winds through a pine forest, which makes for a really pleasant ride. At regular intervals, small side paths branch off from the main path to take you to the ocean or the lagoon, to a village or a remarkable site. The signs are also designed to make navigation easy, so you can just follow the route!

On other sections of the bike path, the pine trees become sparser and the sky is more open. But there is still vegetation all around, including magnificent yellow bushes filled with broom. It’s a real pleasure to cycle in Cap Ferret!

 

Bike rental in Cap Ferret: there are bike rental shops all over the peninsula! Half-day or full-day rentals, regular bikes or electric bikes… You’re sure to find what you’re looking for! Prices are around €15 per day for a regular bike. I rented mine from Vélo Loc 33, which I highly recommend…

   

 

VISIT CAP FERRET : TASTE THE DELICACIES OF CAP FERRET

   

 

In Cap Ferret, you can enjoy life! Bon vivants and lovers of good food… You absolutely must try the local specialties! As I mentioned earlier, in the oyster farming villages, you can enjoy oysters everywhere! And I must say that tasting good products with a beautiful view of the basin greatly contributes to making the experience unique!

Two great places to remember: Chai Bertrand and Mimbeau, with a superb view of the Dune du Pilat.

And for dessert, head to Pascal’s to try the delicious Dunes Blanches. These melt-in-the-mouth choux pastries will blow you away!

   

 

VISIT CAP FERRET : EXPLORE THE SURROUNDING AREA

   

Here are my various articles to help you plan your getaways:

   

Arcachon (30 minutes by boat): a renowned seaside resort, Arcachon is worth a visit for the stunning villas of the Ville d’Hiver! It is also the starting point for exploring the basin by boat, a must-do in the region!

Lacanau (30 minutes from Lège-Cap Ferret): a must-visit surfing spot, this is the ultimate seaside resort on the ocean!

Biganos, Gujan-Mestras (45 minutes from Lège): these small oyster ports in the Arcachon Basin are well worth a visit! Gujan-Mestras is also known as the town with seven ports!

Bordeaux (55 mins): capital of Nouvelle Aquitaine, Bordeaux is a beautiful city renowned for its architecture, museums and relaxed lifestyle. Located in the heart of wine country, it also has a lot to offer in terms of local produce!

 

   

Coming soon on La Marinière en Voyage…