Dune of Pilat

Just stunning. Hard to believe the size and beauty of it. Very well set up too, good selection of cafes, shade and services before you make the climb. Really well done 👏👏 A must see if the area!

Well worth a visit but you would need to be mobile as it is not an easy walk to the top!!!!! Amazing views from there. Sorry we didn't plan it around sunset which many had Excellent parking facilities. Few food places but we were there later so not sure if open or not

If in area this is a must see! This is one long 2km dune along the coast. It seems so out of place. The view from the top of the dune overlooking the bay is stunning. There is one set of stairs to assist with your climb.

Great views of the surrounding countryside. Be ready for a good climb if you want to reach the top though as there are plenty of steps to navigate, make sure you have some comfy footwear. The parking is €7, but that also covers the cost of the visit for as long as you want, so it was very good value for money. The parking areas are also very shaded so your car won’t be an oven when you return from your travels. It was busy when we visited, but as the fine is so large it didn’t feel overcrowded.

Do I still need to introduce the majestic Dune of Pilat, the highest dune in Europe, which continues to amaze me years after years with its immensity and breathtaking landscapes ? Dominating the entrance to the Arcachon Bay, it stretches over 500 meters wide, reaches nearly 102 meters high and offers a spectacular panorama. From its summit, the view takes in the Atlantic Ocean, the Landes forest, the Cap-Ferret peninsula, the Banc d'Arguin and the bay. This masterpiece of nature, fragile and in perpetual movement, moves each year from one to five meters towards the forest, grain by grain, testifying to thousands of years of history and the incredible dynamics of the elements. Reaching this exceptional site is now facilitated by modern and well-designed facilities. A new cycle path leads to the site's entrance, and a pedestrian axis designed as a promenade crosses the reception area, inviting you to stroll before undertaking the climb. It can also be reached by bus or even by boat, making the Dune a destination accessible to all. Since summer 2023, the completely renovated reception area offers cultural and restaurant shops open year-round, and a seasonal staircase, installed from April to October, allows you to gently climb the dune from the back while preserving this natural site. Once at the top, the magic happens. At low tide, the sandbanks reveal heavenly hues, particularly the Banc d'Arguin National Nature Reserve, which stretches below. In summer, the Dune of Pilat attracts many visitors ; to fully enjoy the tranquility of the place, it is best to come early in the morning or at the end of the day. The golden hours of sunrise and sunset offer unique moments where the light enhances every detail of the landscape ! In summer, sunset walks are particularly popular for experiencing a moment outside of time. Hikes, storytelling walks, and educational workshops also enrich the visitor experience. Listed nationally and included in the Réseau des Grands Sites de France (Great Sites of France), the Dune of Pilat is exemplarily managed by the Syndicat Mixte de la Grande Dune du Pilat, in partnership with the Conservatoire du Littoral (Coastal Protection Agency). These preservation and development efforts ensure a balance between welcoming the public and protecting the natural environment. The revenue from parking is entirely reinvested in the management of the site : waste collection, naturalist monitoring and free environmental education tools ... 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 of Pilat is the assurance of an unforgettable encounter with an exceptional site, constantly evolving, in the heart of the Arcachon basin ...

It’s definitely worth visiting, even though parking might seem a bit expensive at first (€7 for cars, with higher rates for campers and motorhomes). Ideally, bring a backpack with water and snacks, and leave some space for your shoes — it’s really nice to go barefoot!

Just amazing, 7 euros for parking, nice set of bars and a great adventure braving the wind and sand climbing the dune. Must see (and climb) if you are in the area...

Dune du Pilat is a breathtaking natural site and the tallest sand dune in Europe. The climb can be challenging, but the panoramic views from the top are absolutely worth it. Perfect spot for a unique nature experience, with clean facilities and plenty of space to relax or explore. A must-visit if you're in the area!