From the top of her sand, She contemplates us
It is the unmissable meeting place for all lovers of the Bassin d’Arcachon. Sunny on sunny days, capricious on windy days, mysterious on rainy days… The Dune du Pilat gazes down at us from its height of 107 metres. Proud of her waistline of 500 meters, and her long hair of more than 2,700 meters…
The Great Dune, the highest in Europe, lets its 60 million m³ of fine quartz sand grains slip under your feet…
The origin of the term “Pilat” dates back to Gascon, where “pilot” meant “pile of sand”. As for the final “a”, perhaps it is due to our blissful and happy mouth when we contemplate the magical panorama of the Bassin d’Arcachon from the top of the Dune….
On one side the vast and beautiful pine forest of the Teste de Buch. On the other, the Bassin and the Banc d’Arguin…
During your stay in Arcachon, to pass for an “informed traveler, do not confuse the Grande Dame with the “P”y”la”. The seaside resort “Pyla-sur-Mer” owes its “y” only to a sensible coquetry to delight its visitors.
Where is she from…
The Dune du Pilat is above all and above all a remarkable geomorphological phenomenon . It was born from a complex interplay between sand, winds and tides. This natural monument has the particularity of being in perpetual motion, evolving over the years.
It is a fragile ecosystem that needs to be protected. Many facilities have been put in place to climb the Dune du Pilat in complete safety while allowing you to enjoy an incomparable panoramic view of the Bassin d’Arcachon, the adjoining pine forest and the ocean.
Immerse yourself in the heart of an exceptional landscape. For thrill seekers, the Dune du Pilat is also the take-off point for hang gliders or colorful paragliders.
All around the Dune, many walks will guide you between the pines, in the heart of the forest of La Teste-de-Buch. If you prefer to orient yourself towards the Water, the top of the Dune will naturally guide you towards its side. You can enjoy the delicate fine sandy beaches of the Bassin d’Arcachon. You can also reach by walking at your own pace, along the Dune, the Corniche beach. Located opposite the Banc d’Arguin, towards Arcachon, or go up towards Petit Nice beach, towards Biscarosse.
