Europe’s Most Beautiful Sand Dune

If you ever find yourself passing through Bordeaux, I highly recommend making a stop at the Dune du Pilat, a place that left me speechless. It’s literally a series of sand dunes nestled in greenery, right by the ocean. Located at the entrance to the Bay of Arcachon, it is surrounded by the beautiful Landes Forest and is the tallest sand dune in Europe, with a height that varies between 100 and 110 meters, constantly reshaped by the wind and tides.

For me, it was the second time I had seen the ocean, and yet each time it feels like a completely different experience from seeing the sea. When you reach the top of the dune—after walking through the forest and tackling a rather steep climb (in the summer, they even install a temporary staircase to make it easier)—you’re greeted by a breathtaking view.

On one side, the Atlantic Ocean stretches out endlessly, and on the other, the vast forest seems to go on forever. Even though the climb can be tiring, it is absolutely worth it. My tip: stay until sunset. Lying on the sand and watching the sky change colors is truly an unforgettable experience.

If you’re up for some adventure, the Dune du Pilat is also perfect for activities like paragliding or sandboarding. I didn’t try these myself, but watching people glide off the top of the dune was exciting!

The Dune du Pilat is easily accessible from the town of Arcachon, which I visited in a day. We took the train from Bordeaux, which was really affordable and convenient. Once there, you can take dedicated buses or taxis from the train station directly to the dunes. Although I managed to visit both Arcachon and the dunes in a single day, I have to admit that if I had more time, I would have loved to stay at least one night to explore the area more thoroughly.

Arcachon and the charm of seaside life

Arcachon is a beautiful seaside town that won me over with its relaxed atmosphere and quaint local shops. The Winter Town (Quartier d’Hiver) is filled with charming, colorful 19th-century villas—a true throwback to the Belle Époque. One of the highlights of my visit was having lunch at the market, where I ate at the oyster bar.

If you love seafood as much as I do, this place is a little paradise. The oysters were incredibly fresh, and I enjoyed them with a bottle of Entre-Deux-Mers, a local white wine. Unfortunately, shortly after, I discovered that I had developed an allergy to oysters and can no longer eat them. A real shame, as the experience had been perfect!

Cap Ferret and the beaches

In addition, if you can, I recommend extending your stay to visit Cap Ferret, a peninsula just across from the Bay of Arcachon. I didn’t manage to visit it this time, but it’s famous for its fishing villages and oyster farms. It’s also a popular destination for surfers, thanks to its ocean-facing beaches. The ferry from Arcachon is the easiest way to get there, although you can also drive. However, in the summer, parking can be challenging due to the influx of tourists.

Conclusion

Finally, the Dune du Pilat gave me an experience I won’t soon forget. It’s a magical place where nature shows its full force and beauty. Whether you decide to hike to the top to watch the sunset or simply stroll through the forest below, this corner of France truly deserves to be discovered and enjoyed at your own pace. A unique gem of the world. 

 I wonder if the ocean smells different on the other side of the world.

J.A. Redmerski.