Finally, a long weekend to enjoy nature, sunshine, and the oysters of the Arcachon Basin ! We'll be staying in Arès , near Cap Ferret, for three days to discover one of the most beautiful regions of France (for its natural beauty). Of course, it will be impossible to see all of the Arcachon Basin in just three days … That's why I've chosen to focus my activities and visits on the northern part of the Basin, going as far as the tip of Cap Ferret . Here's the plan for my stay and our three-day long weekend exploring the Arcachon Basin (itineraries, visits, hikes, restaurants, accommodation).

How to visit the North of the Arcachon Basin in 3 days?

The location of the hotel or campsite is essential so as not to waste time on the roads… Indeed, even out of season, I knew that driving on certain axes is complicated because of traffic jams. So the priority is to choose accommodation that is fairly central to the tour schedule.

I chose to stay in Arès because of its location on the Arcachon Basin , very close to Cap Ferret and many protected natural sites , for its salt marsh nature reserve , for its oyster port and its famous huts where you can taste the best oysters in the basin.

My discovery program in 3 days

• Arès Beach
• Salt meadows nature reserve
• Piraillan reservoirs
• Oyster port of Ares
• Cabin 44
• Cap Ferret Lighthouse
• Point of Cap Ferret
• Cap Ferret dunes primer trail
• Ornitological Reserve of Teich
• Leyre Delta

North Arcachon Basin Circuit - Day 1

North Arcachon Basin Circuit - Route map - Day 1

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North Arcachon Basin Circuit - Day 1 Program

Arès Beach

What a wonderful moment to discover Arès beach in the morning ! At low tide, the beach transforms into a mosaic of shimmering mirrors dotted with the silhouettes of white boats… We stayed there for a good hour, doing absolutely nothing, simply taking it all in. The spectacle was simply magnificent! Faced with this dreamlike setting, we decided to take our first drone flight, and here are a few photos.

Salt meadows nature reserve

From the far end of the beach, a path leads towards the oyster port of Arès . From there, another footpath heads towards the Arès and Lège-Cap-Ferret Salt Marsh National Nature Reserve. Established in 1983, it covers an area of ​​almost 500 hectares, including 200 hectares of salt marshes. It comprises mudflats, salt meadows, a dune fringe, and a beautiful wooded area.

Piraillan reservoirs

In the afternoon, we decided to drive to the Piraillan reservoirs . This nature reserve is located north of the village of Piraillan. The 39-hectare site, including 6 hectares of reservoirs, is divided into four islets. From the top of the dune, you can sometimes see Bird Island. We enjoyed a wonderful walk that took us about two hours.

Oyster port of Ares - Cabin 44

Back in Arès, we headed to the oyster port . Oysters being the specialty of the Arcachon Basin , we decided to try them this evening at Cabane 44. Oysters, whelks, tapas, and white wine were enjoyed on the terrace of a typical oyster shack in a relaxed atmosphere. A truly delightful moment!

North Arcachon Basin Circuit - Day 2

North Arcachon Basin Circuit - Day 2 itinerary map

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North Arcachon Basin Circuit - Day 2 Program

Dunes of Cap Ferret - Abécédaire trail

We set off very early (8:00 am) so we could start our hike in peace and quiet, without anyone else around, and so we could fly the drone. We arrived in Lège-Cap Ferret on the Allée des Dunes and set off for 5 km along the dunes to the Pointe du Cap Ferret . Stunning!

Point of Cap Ferret

It is an incredibly beautiful place. We were there in the early hours of the morning before reaching this beautiful place again via the Abécédaire trail. The colors at sunrise are amazing with magical mirror effects!

Then in the late morning, the light is perfect for observing the Ocean on one side and the Arcachon Basin on the other.

Cap Ferret Lighthouse

What a “bad surprise”… I thought I would find a lighthouse in the middle of nature, but when I got there, disappointment: it is a lighthouse that is surrounded by streets. So his surroundings really didn't appeal to me. Otherwise, it is a beautiful lighthouse point barre. Finally, I found it much more beautiful seen from above, thank you the drone !!!

North Arcachon Basin Circuit - Day 3

North Arcachon Basin Circuit - Itinerary Day 3

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North Arcachon Basin Circuit - Day 3 Program

Ornitological Reserve of Teich

This reserve is a must-see in the Arcachon Basin . We went right when it opened at 10 am, as that's the best time for birdwatching. The reserve's highlights include a 6 km loop trail and its elevated hides and viewpoints dedicated to birdwatching.

Leyre Delta Nature Reserve

Right next to the Teich Ornitological Reserve is another natural site that we discovered during a hike of about 2 hours (9 km loop). The landscapes are more or less the same as on the Reserve but the site is much less frequented and just as interesting for bird watching.

If I had had 1 more day… Bird Island and Cabanes tchanquées

If I'd had the chance to spend an extra day, I would have added a visit to Île aux Oiseaux ( Bird Island) and the famous stilted cabins to my itinerary . A two-hour boat tour from the Cap-Ferret pier offers views of the oyster beds, Île aux Oiseaux , and the two wooden cabins on stilts, typical of the Arcachon Basin. They have become the emblem of the Basin. But perhaps next time…

North Bassin d'Arcachon - Recommended hotel

Here's a guesthouse I recommend for a short stay in Arès. With a lovely terrace and a pretty pool, Villa Elisaia offers fully equipped studios. A breakfast made with fresh products is served each morning at the villa (delivered in a basket to your doorstep). This beautiful villa is a true haven of peace, ideally located in Arès and therefore perfect for exploring the northern Arcachon Basin and Cap Ferret. See this accommodation on Booking.com

North Arcachon Basin - Recommended campsite

Here's my favorite campsite in Arès: Camping Pasteur . For those on a budget, it's a great option because its location is ideal (400m from the beach and the center of Arès). Tourists receive a very warm welcome in a friendly, family atmosphere. What did I appreciate about this campsite? Its peacefulness, its swimming pool, the friendliness of the staff… but especially its price: only 55 Euros per night in a 2-3 person bungalow! Check the campsite's website or Booking.com if it's fully booked…

North Arcachon Basin - Airbnb recommended

Still in Arès, here's a one-bedroom apartment (T1) available for rent on Airbnb that's simply perfect for a pleasant stay in the Arcachon Bay. Located close to the center of Arès, the oyster port, and the beaches of the Bay, it also has private parking. See this apartment on Airbnb.

North Arcachon Basin Circuit - My tips

For those on a budget who want to enjoy a good restaurant at an unbeatable price, I recommend L' Olivier restaurant (30 rue du 14 juillet in Arès). We've tried their €18 set menu twice, which includes a main course, a portion of homemade fries, a glass of wine, and a coffee. The dishes are simple, delicious, very generous, and the service is very friendly!

For those who want to buy oysters , I recommend choosing them directly from "Huîtres des Gourmets" Gaec Duvignacq Frères (34 rue du 14 juillet in Arès): direct sales from the producer. We tasted the four-season oysters (€6 per dozen) and came back before returning to Toulouse to bring some back for the whole family…

Any idea for a visit to add to this program?

Here's how to visit Bordeaux in 1 day

or spend a weekend on the Bordeaux wine route

Or a short tour in the Landes region

Camping in the Landes

Another idea for a circuit in France?

4-day road trip in Brittany

Weekend in the Basque Country