ARGUIN BANK

It's one of the natural jewels of the Bassin d'Arcachon! Have you ever seen this vast blond sandbank at the entrance to the Bassin d'Arcachon, opposite the Pointe du Cap Ferret and at the foot of the majestic Dune du Pilat, the highest in Europe at 103.6 meters high (July 2023)? Bordered by the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, the Banc d'Arguin never looks the same twice, and its face is constantly changing. It is shaped and deformed by winds, waves and ocean currents. At low tide, it is 4 km long and 2 km wide. In fact, it's the largest of the Gironde coastline. A truly exceptional site on the border between the calm waters of the Arcachon Basin and the wild ocean, this oceanic sandy islet has been classified as a nature reserve since 1972, and is recognized as being of international importance for the preservation of natural heritage. Its archipelagos are covered and colonized by a fauna and flora typical of the coastal environments of the South-West, with the presence of protected species. This is true of the birds that nest here and spend the winter. Rare caugek terns (small gulls with black heads) love the area and lay their eggs here, as do several species of migratory birds (oystercatchers, ring-necked plovers, etc.) that feed in the fish-filled waters. You can even observe the birds with a spyglass at the exhibition hut. It's not just migratory birds that find refuge here, but also pleasure boaters and other nature-lovers in summer, as well as oyster-farmers who find shelter here for their oyster beds. Adjacent to the Bay of Biscay, the Banc d'Arguin is a prime site for observing bottlenose dolphins, grey seals and leatherback turtles. The Banc d'Arguin nature reserve can be visited all year round, with tours and activities adapted to the four seasons. Access is by pinasse, barge, maritime shuttle or water cab, after a short trip inside the Basin. The Banc d'Arguin is freely accessible all year round, except within a marked protection perimeter. Dogs, hunting, plant destruction and gathering, bivouacs, garbage dumping and boat parking from sunset to sunrise are prohibited. This is an exceptional place, as grandiose as it is magical.