Home › Camping on the Atlantic coast of Aquitaine: dunes, waves, pines
Camping on the Atlantic coast of Aquitaine: dunes, waves, pines
Camping on the Atlantic coast in Aquitaine means long sandy beaches, dunes and pine forests right behind the beach. Well-known destinations include the Dune du Pilat, the Bassin d'Arcachon and surf spots such as Lacanau on the roughly 200-kilometre coast of the Gironde.
The list below shows campsites in Aquitaine with a sea, beach or coastal location. Here you can find out what shapes the region, how to swim safely, where there are opportunities for cycling and surfing, and when the season is at its most pleasant. If you want to combine dunes, forest and water, you will find destinations for bike, surfboard and walking boots. The Gironde coast is straight and around 200 kilometres long.
Dune du Pilat and Arcachon Bay
The Dune du Pilat south of Arcachon is about 500 metres wide and roughly 3 kilometres long. Its height varies with wind and weather: 110.5 metres (2017), 106.6 metres (2018) and 102.4 metres (2022). It migrates by up to 5 metres a year towards the forest. From spring to autumn, wooden steps make the climb easier, and from the top you look out over the bay, the Cap Ferret lighthouse and the Arguin sandbank.
At high tide the Bassin d'Arcachon covers around 150 square kilometres and at low tide about 40, and it is connected to the Atlantic by a channel only about 3 kilometres wide. It is designated as a Ramsar wetland. Oyster farming shapes the villages, such as L'Herbe. The Île aux Oiseaux and Banc d'Arguin are home to over 250 species of bird and can be reached by boat trips.
Médoc coast, surfing and cycle paths
Between Montalivet, Hourtin, Carcans and Lacanau lies the so-called Médoc Atlantique coast, with wide sandy beaches, dunes and pine forest. Lacanau-Océan has around twenty surf schools and hosts a surf tournament every August. It is quieter at Montalivet or Carcans; the Lac d'Hourtin is shallow, warm and almost without waves.
For cyclists, the Vélodyssée (EuroVelo 1) runs here, linking France's Atlantic coast from Roscoff to Hendaye over around 1,200 kilometres. Between Carcans and Lacanau, a cycle path of about 32 kilometres leads through pine forest and past lakes. The terrain is mostly flat and quite manageable for families.
The Cousseau and Contaut nature reserves invite you to go walking.
Baïnes and swimming zones
On the Atlantic coast of the Gironde, the Landes and the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, baïnes form: natural hollows in the sand from which water flows back out to sea through narrow openings in the sandbank. These rip currents are often barely visible, the water looks calm, yet they can quickly pull swimmers out.
Swimming is safe only in supervised zones between the blue flags, where there are lifeguards. When the red flag is flying, swimming is prohibited. If you get caught in a current, do not fight against it but swim out sideways and call for help. According to Médoc notes, the strongest currents occur about two hours before and after high water. Other hazards are weever fish and munitions remnants washed up on the beach, which you should not touch.
Especially with children, swim only where lifeguards are visible.
Climate and travel season
The region has an oceanic climate with mild winters and warm summers. In summer, daytime highs on the coast are around 25 degrees, and according to travel portals the sea reaches about 21 degrees towards the end of summer. The swimming season on the Gironde coast accordingly runs from July to September, and mid-May to September is considered the best time to go.
Early morning is the quietest time at the Dune du Pilat. In the holiday weeks, access roads and beaches are very busy. The journey from Germany is a long one; journey times depend on the starting point and are not given here across the board.
Summers are mild, and little rain falls in August and September.
Wildfire notes
The coast is lined with pine forests. According to the ADAC, wildfires near Bordeaux affected 42,000 hectares; campsites, beaches and leisure facilities have since reopened, although individual areas remained closed for a time.
In dry, hot weather, strict fire rules often apply in forest areas. Ask the campsite management about barbecue bans and escape routes, and heed announcements from the Gironde prefecture.
The Landes forest, which extends across three départements, is regarded as the largest man-made forest in Europe. It was planted with maritime pines to stabilise the land and drain marshland.
On outings into the forest, too, follow the notices on site.
What to do: ideas and a day-by-day plan
The Gironde's Atlantic coast combines the Dune du Pilat, the Bassin d'Arcachon with its oyster huts, surf beaches and cycle routes through pine forest. The ideas are sorted by interest and weather. Each day plan stays within one stretch of coast so that beach time doesn't get squeezed.
Nature & beaches
Dune du Pilathalf a dayThe dune near La Teste-de-Buch is around 103 metres high, and from the crest the view takes in oyster beds, Cap Ferret and the Atlantic coast. A trail of about 3 kilometres runs along the dune.
Île aux Oiseaux and the Tchanquéeshalf a dayThe bird island in the basin has around 53 stilt houses, the Tchanquées. You can reach it by boat, pinasse, catamaran or kayak, for example from Arcachon.
Cap Ferret and its lighthousehalf a dayThe peninsula lies between the ocean and the basin, with wooden huts in the pine forest. The lighthouse, rebuilt in 1947, has 258 steps up to a viewing platform about 50 metres high.
Le Teich bird reservehalf a dayThe 110-hectare reserve on the basin is home to more than 260 recorded bird species, around 80 of which breed regularly. A quiet morning for binoculars and a walk.
Culture & sights
Arcachon and the Ville d'hiverhalf a dayArcachon is divided into four districts. The Winter Town has 19th-century Belle Époque villas that can be explored on foot before you head to the promenade or the beach.
Oyster huts and tastings1-2 hoursAround the basin there are almost 1,000 traditional huts, 81 of which offer oyster tastings. In Cap Ferret you can also learn how to open oysters.
Markets in Cap Ferret and the market halls1-2 hoursCap Ferret has a colourful market with boutiques. The market halls on the basin sell fresh produce and seafood, which also makes a fitting activity when it rains.
Active & sports
Vélodyssée from Lacanau to Arcachonfull dayThe easy 80-kilometre section of the Atlantic cycle route runs in four stages between dunes, forest and coast. The stages are 14.6 to 27.9 kilometres long and work well one at a time.
Surfing in Lacanau Océanhalf a dayA surf school offers introductory lessons and courses for advanced surfers, children and families, open all year with extended hours from April to November. Board and wetsuit are included in the price.
Canoeing on the Leyrehalf a dayThe river flows for 115 kilometres through the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park, home to more than 300 species of birds and animals. Shorter stretches suit beginners as a half-day trip.
With kids
Bassin Aventures in Gujan-Mestrashalf a dayThe adventure park has 28 climbing courses with zip lines, monkey bridges and nets, including courses for children from 3 years old. There is also wakeboarding, boats and a picnic area with snacks.
Boat trip on the basin1-2 hoursFlat-bottomed boats sail across the basin all year round to islands and oyster harbours. Children see the stilt houses of the Île aux Oiseaux and the oyster farms up close.
Lac de Cazauxhalf a dayThe lake has supervised swimming areas, an alternative to the Atlantic with fewer waves. It makes a good destination when the sea is too rough.
When it rains
Covered boat trip on the basin1-2 hoursCovered boats run through the basin all year, showing islands and oyster harbours even in bad weather. The trip combines well with an oyster stop.
Maison de l'Huître in Gujan-Mestras1-2 hoursThe Oyster House explains oyster farming on the basin and is in the same town as several other indoor attractions, so a rainy afternoon is easy to fill.
Indoor games and climbing1-2 hoursBowling and laser tag are available in Gujan-Mestras, a trampoline park (from age 3) and escape rooms (from age 8) in Biganos, and a climbing hall (from age 4) in Andernos-les-Bains.
Indoor pools and thalassohalf a dayHeated indoor pools can be found in Arcachon, Andernos, La Teste-de-Buch and Gujan-Mestras. Thalasso centres such as Thalazur offer wellness, which suits a rainy morning after time on the beach.
Sample day plans
Day 1: Dune and Arcachon
Morning
Get to the Dune du Pilat early to climb it before the biggest crowds. The view stretches over the basin and the Atlantic. Then stroll along the roughly 3-kilometre trail beside the dune.
Afternoon
Drive to Arcachon, wander through the Ville d'hiver with its 19th-century villas, then head to the beach or the promenade.
Evening
Try oysters at one of the huts on the basin, around 81 of which offer tastings, and let the day wind down by the water.
Day 2: Cap Ferret and bird island
Morning
Visit the market in Cap Ferret, climb the lighthouse's 258 steps, then walk through the hut villages of the peninsula, set between pine forest and basin.
Afternoon
Take a boat across the basin to the Île aux Oiseaux and see the Tchanquées stilt houses. The tour is also possible as a covered trip when the sky is overcast.
Evening
Back on shore, pick an oyster hut for a simple meal and enjoy the calm of the peninsula.
Day 3: Surfing and cycling
Morning
Drive to Lacanau Océan and book an introduction to surfing or bodyboarding. Board and wetsuit are included in the price, and there are lessons for children and families too.
Afternoon
Cycle a stretch of the Vélodyssée between Lacanau Océan and Le Porge Océan, 14.6 kilometres on a dedicated path between dunes and pine forest.
Evening
Back at the ocean, let the day fade away on the beach and return your equipment at your leisure.
Campsites that match
139 matching campsites in our database, here the 48 best rated (by stars), grouped by location.
The height varies: 110.5 metres (2017), 106.6 metres (2018), 102.4 metres (2022). It is about 3 kilometres long and migrates up to 5 metres a year towards the forest. Wooden steps make the climb easier from spring to autumn.
What are baïnes?
Natural hollows in the sand from which the water flows back out to sea through narrow openings in the sandbank. The current is often barely visible but pulls strongly. Swim only in supervised zones between blue flags.
Where can you surf on the Gironde coast?
Lacanau-Océan is the best-known surf spot, with around twenty surf schools. Quieter alternatives are Montalivet or Carcans. The Lac d'Hourtin offers shallow, almost wave-free, warm water for children.
Can you cycle on the Atlantic coast?
Yes, the Vélodyssée (EuroVelo 1) runs through the region. Between Carcans and Lacanau there is a cycle path of about 32 kilometres through pine forest. The terrain is mostly flat and suitable for families.
When is the swimming season on the Atlantic coast?
Travel portals name July to September, with the sea reaching about 21 degrees at the end of summer. Mid-May to September is considered a pleasant time to travel. Supervised swimming zones are staffed mainly in summer.
