In la Teste de Buch in the bay of Arcachon is the largest sand dune in Europe, Dune du Pilat.
The dune is surrounded by the green Landes forest and the blue Bassin d’Arcachon. From the top of the dune on a clear day you can see all the way to the Pyrenees mountains at the France-Spain border.
We took a bus from Arcachon to the dune. During season wooden steps with a rope railing are set up making the climb up easier. The stairs are very crowded and I kept thinking if one person slips we all do! It really wasn’t that bad, quite fun with people from all over the world. Once you get up the stairs there is still a ways to go to the top. I sprained my foot and did not get to the top but high enough for gorgeous views.
In my photos, the first one is from a boat in the Bassin. We were on our way to Cap Ferret from Arcachon in the water taxi. The second picture was from the highest point that I reached that day. You could easily spend hours taking in the view. The third and fourth pictures are from the absolutely gorgeous restaurant at La Co(o)rniche lacoorniche-pyla.com. The dune is a great picnic spot, but if you would prefer an amazing lunch in a fairy tale setting check out La Co(o)rniche! Definitely do not miss the Dune du Pilat!
When we returned home to my imaginary French village unpacking my shoes I discovered tons of sand from the dune. I had enough to fill a bottle that is now on a shelf.
Á bientôt,
Jane
Amazing to see such a large sand dune, nothing I expected on the shore of France. Looks like quite a hike to make it to the top even with steps part of the way.
ReplyDeleteWhile a picnic would be great from the top, there may be some sand in your lunch. The restaurant you note sounds magical, a definate place to dine.
À la prochaine.