We returned our rental car in Bordeaux on a very hot day and took the 1 hour train to Arcachon on France’s Atlantic coast. The train was full of young people escaping the heat by heading for the beach. Like our home, it’s much cooler by the ocean in summer.
The completion of the Trainline in 1857, was the beginning of this town becoming a tourist destination It began with Health Tourism as Doctors of the era promoted sea bathing, Atlantic Sea air and pine-tree phytoncides as a cure for ailments like tuberculosis. It later became a destination for the elite and artists, but more on that later.
Arcachon train station
Lots of curbside restaurants and pleasant shops
Le Grande Dune de Pilate
It’s off to see the tallest sand dunes in Europe, 160 meters above sea level and growing. We rented some bikes and start off for the dunes. The ride was harder than we expected as the bikes felt awkward compared to our own, it was hilly and more of the route shared the road with cars than we believed. Along the way we took in some great views and a unique church.
Church architecture caught my eye
We have been riding and frankly walking the bikes up hill, but we are close. We lock up the bikes, take our shoes off and head for the final ascent pictured below. Above my head there is a stairwell of 130 steps that takes you to the summit. We spent over an hour on the top taking in the view. We enjoyed watching the young kids run and squeal in delight.
Large sand bars off shore, closer in the dots are people
The dune is slowly burying the forest
Villa d’Hiver “Wintertown”
I’m not sure if this area's name of “Wintertown” is a reference to early snowbirds or some other reason. Two wealthy men led the development of this community for the elite of Europe. The wealthy built extravagant villas mixing Swiss, Moorish, Gothic and neo-classical styles. Below are a few of the homes we saw. It was good to see that several more were undertaking major renovations to restore them to their glory.
We booked a tour of the bay on a very large sailing catamaran. There is wind, so we get to enjoy some sailing as we cruise around this large protected bay. Seeing the dunes we hiked up from sea level reinforced how tall they are. We debated exploring Cape Ferret with its oyster farms and wealthy homes, but seeing from the sea was better.
Left dark spot is forest dwarfed by the dunes we hiked
Cape Ferret lighthouse with oyster farming in front
Sister boat to ours on left, with a fun whale tail
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