Bucket list experience:
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.
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.
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Destination Guide >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.
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
Bordeaux
€83 | Rating 4.5 / 5 [50 ratings]
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Bordeaux
€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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
A vintage wine and culture destination with delicious tastings, grand architecture, gourmet restaurants and a glorious coastline.
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
Former travel editor of BBC Wildlife Magazine James Fair round-ups the earth’s greatest natural wonders, which will literally take your breath away.
