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Natural landscape · Bordéus, Nova Aquitânia
Dune du Pilat
The highest sand dune in Europe, over 100 metres tall, between the pine forest and the entrance to the Arcachon basin.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Dune du Pilat
The Dune du Pilat lies at the entrance to the Arcachon basin on the Atlantic coast, about 65 km from Bordéus. At 100 to 115 metres high, depending on the year, it is the tallest dune in Europe. It contains roughly 60 million m³ of sand and moves 1 to 5 metres per year to the east, gradually covering the Landes pine forest.
From the top you can see, on one side, the Atlantic Ocean, the Arguin sandbank and the entrance to the basin; on the other, the green sea of the forest. The ascent can be made up the sand or via a staircase of about 160 steps, installed from Easter until the end of October. The forest side is steep; the sea side slopes down to the Corniche beach.
The dune is a Grand Site de France, protected, and a visit is the highlight of a day in the Arcachon basin. The town of Arcachon, a seaside resort created in 1857, has a waterfront with 19th-century mansions in the Ville d'Hiver, and the area is known for its oysters.
The landscape changes with the seasons: in European summer, June to August, it is warm and very busy; in winter the wind is strong and there are few visitors.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1½ to 2 hours to climb, walk along the top and descend.
Best time
In the late afternoon, with low light over the sea, or early in the morning before it gets hot. From Easter to the end of October the staircase makes the ascent easier. Avoid very windy days.
How to get there
By car, about 1 hour from Bordéus. Without a car, take the regional train from Gare de Bordeaux-Saint-Jean to Arcachon (about 1 hour) and a local bus to the dune. Paid parking is available at the base of the ascent.
Tip
Bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses and shoes that can get full of sand. Don’t descend the sea side if you don’t have the breath to climb back up. Combine the visit with an oyster lunch in Arcachon.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Dune du Pilat
What is the height of the Dune du Pilat?
Between 100 and 115 meters, depending on the year, because wind and sea change the shape of the dune. It is the highest in Europe.
How to reach the dune without a car?
Take the regional train (TER) from Bordéus to Arcachon, about 1 hour, and a local bus to the dune. Check schedules as they change by season.
Is the climb difficult?
By the stairs, with about 160 steps, it's tiring but short. Across the sand requires more stamina. The stairs are usually in place from Easter until the end of October.
Can you swim in the sea at the foot of the dune?
At the praia da Corniche, yes in summer. The Atlantic Ocean is cold and has currents: respect the flags and prefer areas with lifeguards.