THE DUNE OF PILAT

The majestic Dune du Pilat, Europe's highest dune, continues to amaze visitors with its immensity and breathtaking scenery Dominating the entrance to the Arcachon Basin, it stretches over 500 meters wide, reaches a height of almost 102 meters and offers a spectacular panorama. From its summit, you can see the Atlantic Ocean, the Landes forest, the Cap-Ferret peninsula, the Banc d'Arguin and the basin. This fragile masterpiece of nature, in perpetual motion, moves one to five metres towards the forest every year, grain by grain, bearing witness to thousands of years of history and the incredible dynamics of the elements. Reaching this exceptional site is now made easier by modern, well-designed facilities. A new cycle path leads to the site entrance, and a pedestrian walkway designed as a promenade crosses the reception area, inviting visitors to stroll before undertaking the ascent. You can also get there by bus or even by boat, making La Dune a destination accessible to all. Since summer 2023, the fully renovated reception area has offered cultural and food stores open all year round, and a seasonal staircase, installed from April to October, allows visitors to climb the dune gently while preserving this natural site. Once at the top, the magic happens. At low tide, the sandbanks reveal heavenly hues, including the Banc d'Arguin National Nature Reserve below. In summer, the Dune du Pilat attracts many visitors; to fully enjoy the tranquility of the place, it's best to come early in the morning or late in the day. The golden hours of sunrise and sunset offer unique moments when the light sublimates every detail of the landscape.

Throughout the year, themed guided tours enable visitors to discover the natural and historical riches of the site, while fun and educational activities are aimed at families and hikers alike. In summer, sunset walks, led by nature guides, are particularly popular for a timeless experience. Hiking, storytelling and educational workshops also enrich the visitor experience. Classified as a national site and part of the Réseau des Grands Sites de France, the Dune du Pilat is under exemplary management by the Syndicat Mixte de la Grande Dune du Pilat, in partnership with the Conservatoire du littoral. Efforts to preserve and enhance the site ensure a balance between welcoming the public and protecting the natural environment. Revenues from parking are entirely reinvested in site management: waste collection, naturalist monitoring and free environmental education tools... Don't forget your annual pass! Before coming, it's essential to prepare your visit by consulting the regulations and recommendations on the website, so as to approach these wild spaces with respect and serenity. This great lady of sand, witness to history and natural forces, continues to fascinate with its movement, its scale and the diversity of the landscapes it dominates. A visit to the Dune du Pilat is the assurance of an unforgettable encounter with an exceptional site, in constant evolution, at the heart of the Arcachon Basin.