Dune du Pilat, France

Dune du Pilat

Europe's tallest sand dune, between the ocean and a pine forest.

  • Apr–Oct
  • 1 night
Explore on the map
Nearby hidden places
BordeauxFrance · CityBordeaux57 kmSaint-Jean-de-LuzFrance · Hidden townSaint-Jean-de-Luz138 kmHondarribiaSpain · Hidden townHondarribia143 kmLa RhuneFrance · Nature spotLa Rhune146 kmSan SebastiánSpain · CitySan Sebastián154 kmGetariaSpain · Hidden townGetaria164 kmLa RochelleFrance · CityLa Rochelle175 kmÎle de RéFrance · Nature spotÎle de Ré180 km

Things to do

2 days in Dune du Pilat

Day 1

  1. MorningClimb Europe's tallest sand dune early, before the sand gets hot and the paragliders arrive.
  2. AfternoonWalk down to the ocean beach below the dune and swim; watch out for strong currents.
  3. EveningWatch the sunset over the Atlantic and the Banc d'Arguin sandbank from the top.

Day 2

Visit the oyster village of L'Herbe, or take a boat to the Île aux Oiseaux.

What to eat

Arcachon Bay oysters with a glass of Bordeaux white wine.

Local tips

Make the most of Dune du Pilat

Beat the crowds

Summer afternoons are very busy. Come early or for sunset.

Best photo spot

The view over the ocean and the pine forest from the top of the dune at sunset.

Getting there

Buses run from Arcachon. Trains run from Bordeaux to Arcachon.

Don't miss nearby

Arcachon and its oyster villages.

Good to know

Steps are put in place in summer to help you climb. The sand gets very hot in the afternoon.

Plan your visit

Getting to Dune du Pilat

Getting there

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeApr–Oct
TypeNature spot
Good forNature, Coast
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryFrance

Questions

Dune du Pilat: good to know

Is Dune du Pilat worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like nature and the coast. Europe's tallest sand dune, between the ocean and a pine forest.

How many days do you need in Dune du Pilat?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Dune du Pilat?

The best time to visit is Apr to Oct. Summer afternoons are very busy. Come early or for sunset.

How do you get to Dune du Pilat?

The nearest airport is Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD), about 50 km away. Buses run from Arcachon. Trains run from Bordeaux to Arcachon.

What is there to see near Dune du Pilat?

Nearby hidden places include Bordeaux (57 km), Saint-Jean-de-Luz (138 km) and Hondarribia (143 km).

More hidden places in France (72)