Gare de La Teste walks

Walking around the Arcachon Basin is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a variety of natural environments, landscapes, towns and activities. This route follows the entire western, northern and eastern perimeter of the basin, from Cap Ferret to Biganos. It can be done in any season and can be adapted to suit individual preferences and the pleasures of each season.

The first stage of the tour of the Arcachon basin begins with a crossing of the maritime pine forest along the Atlantic coast. It follows a cycle path for a long distance. However, there are various possibilities for reaching the beach, particularly before or after the Maison Forestière du Truc Vert, in order to vary the route a little.The arrival at the Arès Salt Meadows Nature Reserve and the crossing of it are very pleasant and rich in birds and landscapes typical of these salty environments.

The third stage of this tour of the Arcachon Basin leads from Audenge to Biganos station. The option chosen is to travel by train from Biganos to Arcachon because crossing the marshes is not possible during the chosen season (December).The route is entirely on roads, with a pleasant stretch through a forest of various deciduous trees. Biganos is a larger town than the villages we passed through earlier and has no particular charm except for its harbour.

This is a walk in the salty air of the Arcachon basin, where land and water intermingle and enrich each other, in a vast area made up of former fish ponds and salt marshes. We did it in 2013, on a beautiful cold and sunny day in December, but don't hesitate to come back in all weathers and all seasons, because the face of these places is endlessly changing.

The second stage of the tour of the Arcachon Basin is very varied: crossing villages, walking along wild shores, arriving at the Domaine de Certes and Graveyron, where other hikes can be done, and the pleasant town of Audenge. If you only do one stage, this is the one to choose.