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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 15 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

Europe’s biggest sand pile, the Dune du Pilat (or ‘du Pyla’) towers near the mouth of Arcachon Bay.

Standing 107m high, stretching 6km in length and with a volume of 20 million cubic metres of sand, it’s an extraordinary sight.

The view from the top is breathtaking, too – on a clear day you can see all the way to the Pyrenees. After, cool off on Pyla-sur-Mer’s golden-sand beach.

While you’re there 

The Waggas School at Pyla Camping rents equipment and offers paragliding lessons and tandem flights. If you’ve ever wanted to try it – this is as spectacular a place as any.

The nearby Bassin d’Arcachon is famous for its oysters – stop and try them at one of the shacks in Gujan-Mestras, the area’s oyster capital.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 6+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The dune is an hour’s drive southwest of Bordeaux – or take the train to Arcachon station and the shuttle to the beach. There are snack bars and picnic spots near the dune – pick up a bottle of water for the climb.

When to do it

The dune is accessible all year round, but obviously the quality of your experience will be highly weather dependent. The views from the top are far less impressive on a rainy day, and the climb up is tough when its swelteringly hot. Pre-Covid, it attracted a million visitors a year, so expect crowds. Try to go out of peak season (July and August) or mid-week.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Arcachon Half Day Trip from Bordeaux with Pyla Sand Dune Climb & Oyster Tasting

Arcachon Half Day Trip from Bordeaux with Pyla Sand Dune Climb & Oyster Tasting

Bordeaux

Spend a morning away from Bordeaux on this half-day trip to the Bay of Arcachon. On this small-group tour, visit Pyla Dune (Dune du Pyla), t...

€83 | Rating 4.5 / 5 [50 ratings]

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Dune du Pilat and Oysters Tasting in only 1 hour away from Bordeaux ! What else?

Dune du Pilat and Oysters Tasting in only 1 hour away from Bordeaux ! What else?

Bordeaux

I offer an unique excursion at the Arcachon Bay. A Professional guide and the driver are at your service. You are all the time with a guide ...

€120 | Rating 4.93 / 5 [16 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Le Burdigala Hotel

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France[56.7 miles]

This comfy, chic boutique hotel is within walking distance of the city’s historic centre, with excellent food and drink.

Official star rating:

Yndo Hotel

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France[57.2 miles]

This small, exquisite, art-filled design hotel combines classic spaces with contemporary interiors, steps away from Bordeaux’s Golden Triangle.

Official star rating:

L’Hotel Particulier Bordeaux

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France[57.3 miles]

Once a cardinal’s luxurious townhouse in the heart of Bordeaux, now a charming little hotel with characterful guestrooms and apartments. An excellent base for first-time visitors.

Official star rating:

Hotel de Tourny

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine , France[57.5 miles]

This stylish but friendly and unfussy boutique hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Bordeaux. Perfect as a base for sightseeing, and great value for the location too.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Bordeaux

Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

A vintage wine and culture destination with delicious tastings, grand architecture, gourmet restaurants and a glorious coastline. 

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