Dune du Pilat, Bassin d’Arcachon
The Highest Sand Dune in Europe
This amazing sand dune on the Bassin d’Arcachon is the highest in Europe at 114 m/374 ft high, 2.7 km/1.5 miles long and 500m/550 yds wide.
The Dune slopes gently down to the Atlantic on the west side but is quite steep on the east side and even has a staircase with 154 steps (in summer only) but you can scramble up the flank (see the image) if you are up for the challenge!
Getting to the top of this the highest Dune in Europe is well worth the effort though to enjoy the views over the blue of the Ocean, the beauty of the islands and the green of the Landes forest to the east.
The Bassin d’Arcachon
The Bassin or Bay is located in the Pays de Buch between the Côte d’Argent to the north and the Côte de Landes to the south. The Bassin covers 150 square km at high tide and 40km at low tide - the water provides an excellent environment for fish and attracts many fishermen from the surrounding area. Oyster fishing is also important to the local economy.
The best way to explore the Bassin is is by boat or for the really adventurous try a hang-glider or paragliding if you prefer. Failing that there are well established cycle paths around the Bay too!