Let’s visit Dune du Pilat together this week !
I had been dreaming of visiting the Dune du Pilat for several years! It had been described to me as magnificent, breathtaking, and so difficult to climb; it amazed me even more than I had expected.
The Dune du Pilat is one of those places in France that transports you to the other side of the world, to the enigmatic desert of a distant country. Tourists are not mistaken, and every year crowds flock to discover it.
To help you get the most out of your visit, here are all my practical tips to visit the Dune du Pilat! How and when to get to Dune du Pilat, where to park for free, how to climb it, what to do in the surrounding area, where to stay… You’ll learn everything there is to know about the most beautiful dune in Europe!
See also:
Weekend in Bordeaux around the Cité du Vin
HOW TO GET TO DUNE DU PILAT: BUS, PARKING, DISTANCES, PRICES
How to visit Dune du Pilat from Bordeaux ?
The Dune du Pilat is located on the Gironde coast, south of the Arcachon Basin. It takes just 15 minutes by car from Arcachon and 50 minutes from Bordeaux to get to the dune.
It is also possible to reach the Dune du Pilat by bus if you don’t have a car. To do so, take the Baïa Line 1 bus from the Arcachon SNCF train station towards Plage de la Salie and get off at the Dune du Pilat stop (25 min ride) – be sure to check the timetable, as there are not many buses.
Compare car rentals to find the best price!
Where to stay to visit Dune du Pilat?
Accommodation (hotels, campsites, etc.) right next to the Dune du Pilat and Arcachon are naturally in high demand, so it’s difficult to find good prices in high season! Don’t hesitate to check out Biganos and Gujan-Mestras for more affordable accommodation, while still staying close to the Arcachon basin!
3 recommended accommodation to visit Dune du Pilat
GRAND HÔTEL RICHELIEU
- On the beach front
- In Arcachon center
- From 120€
HÔTEL LA CO(O)RNICHE
- The closest to the dune
- Breathtaking view
- From 230€
VILLA MARY
- Peaceful place in Andernos
- 9,7/10 on booking.com
- From 190€
PRACTICAL TIPS TO VISIT DUNE DU PILAT
Is Dune du Pilat free ?
Access to the Dune du Pilat is free, but the main car parks are paid (€7 for 4 hours – €10 for motorhomes, and lower rates in the off-season). From there, it is about a 400-meter walk to the foot of the dune. This is the most popular access point, which is of course very crowded on sunny days and weekends.
Where can I park for free near Dune du Pilat?
There are many parking lots at the Dune du Pilat, but they are all paid.
However, there is another free parking area located near the Co(o)rniche restaurant. There aren’t many spaces, but you can park along Avenue Louis Gaume. You can then reach the dune by going down some stairs and walking five minutes along the seafront.
How do you climb Dune du Pilat ?
The dune is 107 meters high, and your legs will feel it! Its extremely fine sand flows under your feet, making it very difficult to climb to the top!
A staircase has been installed on the paid parking lot side to allow visitors to visit the Dune du Pilat more easily. Access is free.
If you arrive by sea from the free parking lot, don’t hesitate to climb a little further to avoid the crowds of visitors who tend to gather at the top of the famous stairs. The slope is also gentler than on the paid parking lot side.
And if you’re wondering what shoes to wear to climb the Dune du Pilat, don’t hesitate to bring your sneakers for comfort! Once in the sand, many people choose to continue barefoot. The sand is very fine, so it feels particularly pleasant!
A BRIEF HISTORY OF DUNE DU PILAT
How was Dune du Pilat formed?
Here is a brief history to know if you come visit Dune du Pilat. A link between land and sea, the Dune du Pilat seems to rise out of nowhere and is unlike anything else. It is also the highest dune in Europe, measuring 107 meters in 2018! And it is just as impressive in length, stretching for nearly 3 kilometers…
I was surprised to learn that the dune formed quite late, following the accumulation of several generations of dunes… the largest of which date back only to the 16th century! It was in the 19th century that it reached its current height!
The most beautiful view of the Atlantic coast
From its crest, you will discover just how unique the Dune of Pilat is, with its extraordinary panoramic views! On one side, the sand plunges steeply into the pine forest of the Landes, while on the other it gradually slopes down to the ocean.
Opposite the dune, you can see the Banc d’Arguin, a huge sandbank that is best seen at low tide. Navigation in the area is very dangerous, particularly at the entrance to the Arcachon basin. And in the distance, you can also admire the Pointe du Cap Ferret, which seems to be reaching out towards the dune. Another little corner of paradise that I invite you to visit by bike!
WHEN TO VISIT DUNE DU PILAT?
Which season should you choose?
You’ll enjoy the dune most during the off-season! As soon as the warm weather arrives, it gets very crowded, especially on weekends. However, as soon as you move away from the access points—that is, as soon as you venture south—the crowds thin out and it’s easy to enjoy the dune in peace!
Please note that the access staircase is removed before winter to prevent it from becoming covered in sand.
In summer, it is best to visit the dune early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds and traffic jams!
How long does it take to visit Dune du Pilat ?
The Dune du Pilat is well worth a visit and I would strongly recommend spending several hours there. Why? Because there are a thousand ways to enjoy the Dune du Pilat!
You can walk to the top of the dune, then follow its crest for several kilometers to discover its changing landscapes between forest and ocean. But you can also enjoy the beach at the foot of the dune for swimming, or even take a nap on its slopes!
One of the most beautiful experiences at the Dune du Pilat is undoubtedly discovering it at sunset. I therefore recommend that you arrive at the dune in the afternoon, so you can enjoy it for as long as you like before waiting patiently for dusk to fall. Don’t forget to bring a picnic, as it’s the perfect place for a romantic dinner or a meal with friends!
VISIT DUNE DU PILAT AT SUNSET
If you are lucky enough to visit Dune du Pilat, don’t miss the sunset!
The colors of the ocean at sunset are absolutely stunning, and the breathtaking view from the top of the dune allows you to admire it until nightfall. But even more than the sunset itself, the Dune of Pilat under the setting sun is a spectacle in its own right!
I have wonderful memories of these impressionist colors… The white sand is tinged with shades that change from one minute to the next, revealing the full range of colors that nature can produce! It’s a sight not to be missed, even if you can’t wait for sunset.
VISIT DUNE DU PILAT: WHAT TO DO IN THE SURROUNDING AREA?
Visit Arcachon
A renowned seaside resort, Arcachon is worth a visit for its sumptuous winter town, which hides unexpected treasures! The villas perched on the hill are each more beautiful than the last and offer a superb architectural stroll that is not to be missed! You can find my article with tips for spending two days in Arcachon on the blog!
Explore the Arcachon Basin by boat
The best way to discover the Arcachon Basin is undoubtedly by boat! Two-hour trips are available from Arcachon, with a stop at Cap Ferret. This is an opportunity to sail between the sandbanks, catch a glimpse of the famous cabanes tchanquées (fishing huts) and sail along the oyster farming villages of Cap Ferret. You can also admire the Dune du Pilat from afar!
Discover the oyster farming villages
The Arcachon Basin is dotted with numerous oyster farming villages that have made its reputation. I particularly recommend exploring the southern coast of the basin to discover the port of Biganos with its colorful huts and the seven ports of Gujan-Mestras.
Visit Cap Ferret by bike
I fell in love with this charming peninsula when I discovered it by bike. It’s the best way to explore it while enjoying its relaxed lifestyle and oyster-farming villages. The cape itself, at the southern tip, also offers a magnificent view of the Dune du Pilat. Visit Cap Ferret with this article.
Discover the unmissable Bordeaux
Capital of New Aquitaine, Bordeaux is a beautiful city renowned for its elegant architecture, museums, and relaxed lifestyle. Located in the heart of the wine-growing region, it also has a lot to offer in terms of local produce!
To find out more, check out my article “Best Things to Visit in Bordeaux”!
I hope you enjoyed this getaway and that it has made you want to (re)discover this exceptional place! See you soon for more adventures!
Coming soon on La Marinière en Voyage…
A getaway to Sélestat in Alsace, Amiens in the Hauts-de-France region, and more of my adventures in the Arcachon Basin… So to make sure you don’t miss a thing, subscribe to the newsletter!
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