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Europe France Bordeaux Do & See Arcachon Bay & Dune du Pilat

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Arcachon Bay & Dune du Pilat

The guide was updated: 2025-07-16

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Arcachon Bay Full Day Trip from Bordeaux with lunch and Pyla Dune

About an hour from Bordeaux, Arcachon Bay is known for its calm waters and wide sandy beaches, shaped by oyster farming that still thrives here. You can cycle along quiet paths, spot birds on the nearby Île aux Oiseaux, and stop for fresh oysters at one of the local seafood shacks. Just next door is the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune, rising over 100 metres. Climbing it rewards you with wide views across the bay and the Atlantic beyond. Together, the peaceful bay and the towering dune make a great day out, whether you’re after nature, fresh air, or just some impressive scenery.

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Address: Bassin d'Arcachon, France

From EUR 155

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Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

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Place de la Bourse & Miroir d'eau

Place de la Bourse & Miroir d'eau

Probably the most photographed spot in Bordeaux—and for good reason. The 18th-century buildings around Place de la Bourse are part of the city’s UNESCO-listed historic centre, and they reflect perfectly in the shallow pool of the Miroir d’eau just across the road. It looks great early in the morning, but the reflections are just as striking in the evening when everything’s lit up. Kids run through the mist when it sprays every 15 minutes in summer, and photographers camp out for that symmetrical shot.

Place des Quinconces

Place des Quinconces

Place des Quinconces is one of the biggest squares in France, laid out in the early 1800s where a château used to stand. At its centre is the Monument aux Girondins—a tall column topped with Liberty, surrounded by bronze fountains mid-splash. It was built to honour the Girondin deputies executed during the Revolution. The square is wide open, lined with trees, and often hosts something: funfairs, antique markets, food stalls, or temporary exhibitions.

Porte Cailhau

Porte Cailhau

Built in 1495, Porte Cailhau was one of the main gates into medieval Bordeaux and still stands nearly unchanged. It’s about 35 metres high and part of the old city walls. Climb to the top for a good view over the river, the Pont de Pierre, and the city rooftops.

Saint-Emilion Day Trip with Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tastings from Bordeaux

Saint-Emilion Day Trip with Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tastings from Bordeaux

Spend a day sipping French reds and whites in the Saint-Emilion and Pomerol wine region on a day trip from Bordeaux. Visit two chateaux to taste the region’s famous wines and then stroll through the charming streets of the medieval town of Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Arcachon Bay & Dune du Pilat

Arcachon Bay & Dune du Pilat

About an hour from Bordeaux, Arcachon Bay is known for its calm waters and wide sandy beaches, shaped by oyster farming that still thrives here. You can cycle along quiet paths, spot birds on the nearby Île aux Oiseaux, and stop for fresh oysters at one of the local seafood shacks. Just next door is the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune, rising over 100 metres. Climbing it rewards you with wide views across the bay and the Atlantic beyond. Together, the peaceful bay and the towering dune make a great day out, whether you’re after nature, fresh air, or just some impressive scenery.

Opéra National de Bordeaux - Grand-Théâtre

Opéra National de Bordeaux - Grand-Théâtre

Opened in 1780, the Grand-Théâtre is one of Bordeaux’s standout buildings — all columns, symmetry, and old-world grandeur. It was built on the site of a former Roman temple and still feels like a place where something serious is about to happen. Inside, the auditorium is known for its acoustics and classical style, and it hosts opera, ballet, and orchestral concerts throughout the year.

Basilique Saint-Michel

Basilique Saint-Michel

Basilique Saint-Michel is a Gothic church dating back to the 14th century, and it stands out for its separate, 114-metre bell tower — the tallest in southern France. You can climb the tower for great views over Bordeaux. Inside, there are plenty of chapels with old artwork, and the whole place is part of the UNESCO-listed Routes of Santiago pilgrimage.

Museum of Aquitaine

Museum of Aquitaine

Set in a former 16th-century convent, this museum dives deep into Bordeaux and Aquitaine’s history, with more than 70,000 items on display — from prehistoric tools to objects linked to the city’s past as a busy port.

Grosse Cloche

Grosse Cloche

One of Bordeaux’s oldest landmarks, the Grosse Cloche is a medieval belfry that once served as a gate and even a prison for young offenders. The two towers on either side are about 40 metres tall and frame the central bell tower. The current bell, cast in the 18th century, weighs nearly 8 tonnes and still rings on special days.

Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts

Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts

The Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts sits in a grand 19th-century building just off the main shopping street. Inside, you’ll find a collection of European paintings and sculptures, from the Renaissance through to the 20th century, including works by Rubens, Delacroix, and Picasso.

Place de la Victoire

Place de la Victoire

This busy square sits at the southern end of Bordeaux’s Old Town and is a popular hangout, especially among students. The 18th-century Porte d’Aquitaine marks one of the city’s old entrances, while a tall obelisk and two bronze tortoises — added in 2005 by Czech sculptor Ivan Theimer — celebrate Bordeaux’s wine culture. Look closely and you’ll spot grape clusters and appellations carved into the sculptures. Around the square, you’ll find casual bars, kebab shops, and small boutiques. It’s more a spot to grab a drink or soak up the atmosphere than a must-see, but it’s a good place to get a feel for local life.

Saint-Émilion

Saint-Émilion

About 35 km from Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion is a medieval town set in the heart of one of the world’s oldest wine regions — and the first to be listed as a living UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s small, walkable, and packed with history, from old stone streets and monolithic churches to underground catacombs carved into the limestone. Of course, the wine is a big draw. You can visit nearby châteaux for tastings or just grab a glass in the town square.

Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux

Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux

Saint-André is Bordeaux’s main cathedral — parts of it date back to the 11th century, though most of what you see now is from the 13th to 15th centuries. It’s a classic Gothic structure and has seen a fair bit of history, including the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Just next to it is the Tour Pey Berland, a separate bell tower you can climb for panoramic views over the city and the cathedral roof.

Wine School

Wine School

Bordeaux’s wine school, L'École du Vin, offers courses on wine and the Bordeaux vineyards, as well as on the topic of pairing wine with cheese and other foods. Of various durations and existing both in English and French, these short training classes will allow you to act like a true connoisseur. To perfect the practice, each course also features several wine tastings.

Cinéma Utopia

Cinéma Utopia

Hosted within the former St Simeon's church, Utopia is a unique fusion of a film theatre, café, lunch spot and cultural hub. Specialising in alternative films shown in their original language with French subtitles, Utopia offers a memorable movie experience in a comfortable and nostalgic setting. Even if you're not in the mood for a film, the building itself is a noteworthy French cultural landmark worth exploring. Aside from its cinematic offerings, Utopia features a charming bar and restaurant with indoor seating and a street terrace. Enjoy a variety of delicious lunch options and drinks in this cool, atmospheric space.

La Cité du Vin

La Cité du Vin

La Cité du Vin is a modern and interactive wine museum featuring immersive exhibits, audio guides in multiple languages, and lots of screens, sounds, and smells. The building itself is striking and hard to miss, shaped like a swirl of wine or a decanter, depending on who you ask. Inside, there are 19 themed areas exploring wine’s history and culture around the world, plus tastings, workshops, a rooftop wine bar, and a panoramic restaurant.

Bordeaux by Bike

Bordeaux by Bike

Embark on a bike tour to explore the expansive city of Bordeaux in a unique way — this experience follows a meticulously planned route that takes you to all the must-see spots. Guided by a local, you'll traverse a 14 km path discovering street art, lush green spaces, and historical sites, all while unravelling Bordeaux’s rich history and hidden gems. This bike tour not only allows you to cover more ground than walking, but it also helps you uncover sights and picturesque spots that could easily be missed when exploring alone.

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