Excursion in the Arcachon Bay
Boat trip
Exploring the Arcachon Bay with the “passe marée”
The “passe marée” offers this day trip to discover the must-see sights of the Arcachon Bay. We have tested this excursion for you.
Trip programme
We set off from the port of Andernos-les-Bains. Then we sailed past Île aux Oiseaux and its famous Cabanes Tchanquées. Next, we passed off the coast of Arcachon. The captain dropped us off at Cap Ferret for four hours so we could enjoy the beach and the village. After this break on land, we continued our excursion to Banc d’Arguin and Dune du Pilat. Finally, we began our return journey as the sun set over Andernos-les-Bains.
Île aux Oiseaux and its Cabanes Tchanquées
Île aux Oiseaux
A small isolated island in the middle of the Arcachon Bay, Île aux Oiseaux is famous for its two Cabanes Tchanquées (fishing huts on stilts). But what is less well known is that this island is home to no fewer than fifty huts, some of which are inhabited during the holidays, and others almost all year round. These small wooden huts are difficult to access and have no running water or electricity, and the nearest grocery store is several kilometres away by boat when the tide is favourable. All the inhabitants agree on one thing: they are aware that they live in a little corner of paradise.
The Cabanes Tchanquées
History
Historically, the first wooden huts on stilts were built by oyster farmers in the Arcachon Bay to monitor their oyster beds without being dependent on the tides.
The first Cabane Tchanquée on Île aux Oiseaux was built on a sandbank by oyster farmer Martin Pivert in 1883, close to the oyster beds.
In 1943, it fell victim to a storm and succumbed to the whims of the weather and the elements. The remains of the wooden foundations are still visible today at low tide.
Today’s Cabanes
Today, there are two huts on the Île aux Oiseaux site. The first hut was built in 1945. Brown in colour with red shutters, it bears the number 03.
In 1948, a second stilt hut was built. This is hut 53 with white shutters, which still amazes visitors today.
Arcachon
Arcachon was founded in 1857 when it was separated from the municipality of La Teste-de-Buch. It became a town for all four seasons with the creation of its four districts.
The original district, the ‘Ville d’Hiver’ (Winter Town), consists of opulent villas. It was designed to provide shelter from the harsh winter weather.
The three other neighbourhoods, the ‘Ville d’Été’ (Summer Town), the ‘Ville d’Automne’ (Autumn Town) and the ‘Ville de Printemps’ (Spring Town) were built in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Banc d'Arguin
At the foot of the Dune du Pilat and face to Pointe du Cap Ferret, The Banc d’Arguin constantly changes shape depending on the winds and sea currents. Arguin is home to a multitude of birds that nest in the sand, which is why you must not enter the ‘integral protection zone’ which is marked out by a rope.
The Dune du Pilat
The Dune du Pilat is located at the entrance to the Arcachon Bay. It is the highest dune in Europe, with an altitude of 104.2 metres and a length of 3 kilometres.
Moving inland, it advances inexorably.
This spot is one of the region’s must-see attractions. From the top of the dune, you will have a breathtaking view of the Arcachon Bay, the town of Arcachon, and the Banc d’Arguin.
