One of several piers on the Arcachon beach

Arcachon – Introduction

Arcachon is one of those French places that is pleasant to visit but quite far too reach. It’s on the Southern part of the French Atlantic coast, near all the Bordeaux wineries, and close enough to Bordeaux for weekend people to invade the area (in other words, many folks from Bordeaux come here for the weekend). The city with some 12,000 inhabitants can swell to large portions during the summer months.

Arcachon is divided into several distinct districts, the two important ones are the Summer City (“Ville d’Ete“) and the fabulous Winter City (“Ville d’Hiver“). More on the Winter City further below… The Summer City is where you will find the city centre and beaches.

Arcachon is known for their beaches and their oyster production. Much of the city’s activities and entertainment are centered around the long beach areas.

Former Chateau Deganne   (1853) now a Casino next to the Arcachon beach
Former Chateau Deganne (1853) now a Casino next to the Arcachon beach

The long beaches (a total of 7 kilometres) have several piers, and the most important one (“Jetée Thiers”) has several ferries taking you to either the other side of the bay, or to the sightseeing tours of the oyster farms and wildlife parks.

One of several piers alongside the Arcachon beaches
One of several piers alongside the Arcachon beaches

The most widely used ferries (there are several different operators) take you to the Cap Ferret town with its restaurants and impressive lighthouse.

Arcachon City Centre

The Arcachon city centre is quite lively. The streets have a slight “Disney-esque” feel to them. It’s almost like walking Disney Main street…

One of several shopping streets in Arcachon
One of several shopping streets in Arcachon

The buildings are modern, and again the design feels like Walt Disney was active here:

Buildings inside the Arcachon city centre
Buildings inside the Arcachon city centre

Walking the inner streets of Arcachon is pleasant with a good vibe. The city is young and dynamic, but watch out … in the summer city the city is overrun by tourists and sun worshippers.

Modern buildings inside the Arcachon city centre
Modern buildings inside the Arcachon city centre

The buildings are modern by design, but with a touch of the classical architecture.

Classical building in Arcachon city centre
Classical building in Arcachon city centre

There are many restaurants and cafes in the city centre, and on sunny days, the outside terraces will fill up quickly for lunch and afternoon drinks.

Arcachon's covered market place
Arcachon’s covered market place

The central covered food market place is quite big and lively. Anything food related can be bought here, but fish is the main food staple.

Arcachon city hall (Mairie)
Arcachon city hall (Mairie)

The Winter City

Back in the year 1860 several businessmen decided to make a special area for the wealthy patrons from Bordeaux and from other European cities who would come here for the sea and the therapeutic spas during the winter months. They started building small palaces and villas for the wealthy folks, trying to outdo each other in outlandish designs.

Villas in the Winter City of Arcachon
Villas in the Winter City of Arcachon

The architectural style is a combination of several different styles; from neoclassical to Swiss chalets. In 1943 the city restricted the building of more houses in the area, and in 1985 the restriction was total – the area is now closed for constructions.

One of many villas in the Winter City of Arcachon
One of many villas in the Winter City of Arcachon

Some of the villas, more palaces or castles, are outrageous in design which makes walking the streets here are must-do. The villas are all located in an area dominated by small hills, so remember, you’ll be ascending and descending hills.

But rest assured, when you see one, you’ll be heading immediately for the next one since it will catch your attention … and so forth! Before you know it, you’ll be racing from street to street gasping at some of these architectural marvels.

Enormous palaces in the Winter City of Arcachon
Enormous palaces in the Winter City of Arcachon

It wasn’t only the wealthy French folks from Bordeaux who had their “winter” houses here… many came from the United Kingdom and other European cities. The house in the following photo was from a Scotsman; Laird Mac Gregor.

Laird Mac Gregor's house in the Winter City of Arcachon.
Laird Mac Gregor’s house in the Winter City of Arcachon.

In the middle of the Winter City, on top of the main hill, is a marvelous observation tower which you can climb for an impressive view of the city.

Observation tower in the centre of the Winter City of Arcachon
Observation tower in the centre of the Winter City of Arcachon

The view is worth the climb:

View of Arcachon from the observation tower
View of Arcachon from the observation tower

Protestant temple

Another important landmark of the Winter City is the small, but very cute, Protestant temple:

Protestant church in the Winter City of Arcachon
Protestant temple in the Winter City of Arcachon

In 1878 a chapel was built here, and it was destroyed in 1977 and rebuilt. It was placed in service as a protestant temple in 2016 on request by the many (English) foreigners who live or stayed in the city.

Nestled against the Winter City is the Parc Mauresque, a 4 hectares parc designed in 1863 by Paul Regnauld.

Parc Mauresque close to the Winter City of Arcachon
Parc Mauresque close to the Winter City of Arcachon

The gardens are high up compared to the beaches and city center, but there is an elevator that brings you up.

From the area that houses the elevator, you also have a nice view towards the beaches;

View from the elevators of Parc Mauresque of Arcachon
View from the elevators of Parc Mauresque of Arcachon

Summary

Arcachon is a very nice city; small enough to walk around it, but big enough with enough activities to keep anyone interested.

The inner city has a nice vibe to it, and when you walk around the city to discover it, you can spend hours strolling through the small streets admiring the beautiful architecture.

A visit to the Winter City is a must!

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