A natural escape | Arcachon Destination

Explore Arcachon through its exceptional landscapes and natural curiosities.

If you like nature and discovering its wealth…

Arcachon is a natural treasure which can be explored through walks or rambles. Guided by local experts, you can explore its biodiversity and its green spaces during captivating guided visits organised by the Arcachon Tourist Office.

As a couple or with family or friends, learn to observe the wildlife and take part actively in its preservation. Conviviality and knowledge sharing are the watchwords!

For further information about nature walks contact the Arcachon Tourist Office, bookings and departure points.

From tree to tree, the squirrel tour through Parc Mauresque

(1-hour guided tour)

The trees are European or species from farther afield, either deciduous or evergreen: you can discover the living collection of the Parc Mauresque’s arboretum in the heart of Arcachon by following the tracks of the squirrels, rodents and garden birds (nuthatches, creepers, green finches, finches, blue tits, corvidae, wood peckers and wood pigeons) which live here all the year round.

Every Thursday afternoon from 3.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. from April to November included.

Réservation

The Parc Péreire mushroom population

(2-hour guided tour)

Creep through the park’s grass and trees like pixies to marvel at its great variety of mushrooms, and learn more about the mystery, dangers and delights of the latter.

Every Thursday morning, from November and December, from 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m.

Réservation

The secret life of the Péreire sand bank

(Guided tour of 2 or 3 hours)

Armed with buckets and spades, get the most out of low tide with your family to explore the foreshore and understand the secrets of its many inhabitants: live shellfish, crabs, prawns, sea urchins and groundfish hidden in the seaweed. Awareness-raising on the topic of fishing regulations and the fragility of the eco-system.

From April to October included, weekly or twice weekly, variable days and times: 10.00 a.m. for mornings, and 2.00 p.m. for afternoons depending on the tides.

Réservation

Excursion in the Camicas Dune woodlands

(2h30 to 3 hour-guided tour)

Along the trails of the wooded dune you will discover the secrets of the forest’s plants. Accompanied by a nature guide, you will walk through the wood looking for its many inhabitants: small birds of prey hunting other birds, inhabitants of dead wood or reptiles lounging around in the sun along the fire breaks.

Every Tuesday morning from April to November included from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.

The garden’s discreet inhabitants, a miniature fairyland

(2-hour guided tour)

Meet the inhabitants of gardens, kitchen gardens and lawns: lady birds, bumble bees, wasps, aphid, ants, and snails. Precious auxiliaries, undesirable pests or crawling invaders, look down with magnifying glass in hand to see “the little populations” of our daily lives!

Upon request from April to November included, with scheduled dates potentially possible.

Recognition of gulls on the sea front

(1h30 guided tour)

Gulls, seagulls, what could be more common for those who visit the coast…but do you know how many different species there are? Have you ever been come across the ring-billed gull, a winter visitor from the Americas? Come and discover the differences between these different sea birds and learn to recognize their plumage.

From December to February included, weekly, days and hours variable depending on the tides.

The song birds in the Park of Les Abatilles

(Guided tour 2 hours)

In the verdant setting of a listed natural heritage site in the middle of Arcachon, come and observe the small winged population of the parks and gardens. These bird species may be “common,” but they are not devoid of interest all the same.

Every Thursday morning from April to June included from 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon.

Wintering birds

(2-hour guided tour)

Winter is without a doubt the best season for observing the sea birds on the Bay of Biscay: water loons, penguins, murrelets, mergansers, cormorants and grebes. They are sheltered from storms and frost and the Bay provides them with tranquillity and plenty of prey. You are all invited to contemplate these travellers who go with the flow.

From December to February included, weekly, days and times variable according to low tide times.

Get inspired

The Île aux Oiseaux (Bird Island)