Travel Guide of Dune du Pilat in France by Influencers and Travelers
The Dune of Pilat, also called Grande Dune du Pilat is the tallest sand dune in Europe. It is located in La Teste-de-Buch in the Arcachon Bay area, France, 60 km from Bordeaux.
Download the Travel Map of France on Google Maps here
Pictures and Stories of Dune du Pilat from Influencers
13 pictures of Dune du Pilat from Steven Roussel, Iker Urteaga, Simon Buchou and other travelers
- paragliding on la dune du pyla ...click to read more
- Experienced by @yann behr | ©Unsplash
Plan your trip in Dune du Pilat with AI 🤖 🗺
Roadtrips.ai is a AI powered trip planner that you can use to generate a customized trip itinerary for any destination in France in just one clickJust write your activities preferences, budget and number of days travelling and our artificial intelligence will do the rest for you
👉 Use the AI Trip Planner
Reviews of Dune du Pilat from Travel Influencers
- There is a car park at the bottom of the dune for convenience
- Bring plenty of water as it can be hot and tiring to climb
- Enjoy the sunset from the top of the dune for a truly amazing experience
Travelers' favorite tours and activities:
- Dune du Pilat and Oysters Tasting in only 1 hour away from Bordeaux ! What else? - from $128
- Bordeaux to Arcachon Half-Day Trip with Pyla Dune and Oysters - from $84
- Arcachon, Dune of Pyla, & Oysters Private Tour from Bordeaux - from $319
- Pilat Sand Dune and Arcachon tour from Bordeaux - from $107
- Bordeaux to Arcachon Oyster Tasting, Lunch and Médoc Wine Tour - from $169
How to visit Dune du Pilat ?
Why traveling there?
The Dune du Pilat, located in the Arcachon Bay area of France, is Europe's tallest sand dune, standing at 110 meters high. It offers spectacular views of the surrounding forests, Atlantic Ocean, and the bay itself. Travelers visit this natural wonder to enjoy the unique experience of climbing the dune, soaking in the breathtaking scenery and engaging in various outdoor activities such as paragliding, picnicking, and hiking.
How to get there?
The Dune du Pilat is easily accessible from the city of Bordeaux, which is well-connected via flights, trains, and buses from major European cities. From Bordeaux, you can take a train to Arcachon, which takes approximately 50 minutes. Once you arrive at Arcachon, you can either take the local bus (line 1) or a shuttle service (during the summer season) to the Dune du Pilat. The bus ride takes around 30 minutes, and the shuttle service stops right at the entrance of the dune.
What to book in advance?
While visiting the Dune du Pilat does not require any bookings or entrance fees, it's essential to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the high season (from June to September). If you plan on engaging in activities such as paragliding, it is wise to book your session ahead of time to ensure availability.
What are the costs?
Visiting the Dune du Pilat is free of charge. However, you'll need to factor in the costs of transportation (train tickets from Bordeaux to Arcachon and bus tickets to the dune), accommodations, meals, and any activities you may be interested in. Expect to spend around €50-€100 per person per day, depending on your activities and accommodation choices.
What are the best things to do?
- Climbing the dune to enjoy the incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding landscapes
- Paragliding over the dune for an unforgettable and thrilling experience
- Exploring the nearby pine forests and coastal trails by foot or bike
- Relaxing on the beach and swimming in the ocean
- Watching the sunset from the top of the dune
Where to eat?
1. La Co(o)rniche: A stylish restaurant with terrace seating offering stunning views of the dune and ocean. Enjoy delicious seafood and French cuisine.
2. Chez Boulan: A popular oyster bar known for its fresh seafood and local oysters, located on the waterfront in Cap Ferret.
3. Le Moulleau: A charming village with numerous cafés and ice cream shops, perfect for a casual lunch or snack.
Where to stay?
1. Hôtel Les Bains d'Arguin: A luxurious 4-star hotel nestled in the pine forest, offering spa facilities, a swimming pool, and easy access to the dune and beach.
2. Hôtel La Co(o)rniche: A chic and stylish hotel with stunning views of the dune and ocean, featuring a gourmet restaurant and cocktail bar.
3. Camping Panorama du Pyla: A family-friendly campground located at the foot of the dune, offering various accommodation options such as tents, mobile homes, and chalets.
Off the beaten path
For an unusual travel experience, consider renting a bike and exploring the surrounding area of the Arcachon Bay. Cycle through picturesque villages, oyster-farming ports, and pine forests, and visit the lesser-known beaches and natural reserves along the way. This allows you to immerse yourself in the unique landscapes and local culture of the region, away from the crowds.
Book your Travel Experience at Dune du Pilat
Discover the best tours and activities around Dune du Pilat, France and book your travel experience today with our booking partners
Map of Dune du Pilat
View Dune du Pilat on a map with the the closest popular places nearby
Download On Google Maps 🗺️📲
More Travel spots to explore around Dune du Pilat
Click on the pictures to learn more about the places and to get directions
Discover more travel spots to explore around Dune du Pilat
🏖️ Beach spots ️🏜️ Desert spots 🌊 Ocean spots Paragliding spots 🏖️ Sailing spotsLearn More about Dune du Pilat
The Pilata Dune is a dune located on the edge of the Landes de Gascogne forest, on the Côte d'Argent at the entrance to the Arcachon basin, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. It is the highest dune in Europe.
Located at the southern entrance to the Arcachon basin, it extends 616 m from west to east and 2.9 km from north to south and contains approximately 55 million metres of sand, in Pyla-sur-Mer, which is administratively dependent on the municipality of La Teste-de-Buch, near Arcachon, in the heart of the Landes de Gascogne.
This exceptional viewpoint offers a unique panorama. Over the millennia, nature has created this extraordinary dune, which is one of the most beautiful and more than two million visitors climb the Dune every year, it's the most visited natural sites in France.
Escape for a walk. You will discover endemic plants such as the sand immortelle which perfumes the air. From April to September, numerous nature activities are offered for young and old.
Or, for thrill-seekers, take to the skies on a paraglider.
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Dune du Pilat
To climb the stairs to the top of the Dune, it's about 15 min.
More than 2500 years ago, the Dune du Pilat was inhabited. The Dune du Pilat is the subject of archaeological excavations which show that the highest dune in Europe was inhabited for centuries.
From Arcachon station, line 1 of the Baïa network will take you to the foot of the dune in 25 minutes. Only in summer, you can also take line 6 from Le Teich and arrive at the Dune du Pilat in about 40 minutes.
Where to Stay near Dune du Pilat
Discover the best hotels around Dune du Pilat, France and book your stay today with our booking partner booking.com
Popular destinations near Dune du Pilat
Disover the best Instagram Spots around Dune du Pilat here
Arès
20 km (12.7 miles) away from Dune du Pilat
Arès is a commune in the Gironde department in southwestern France.
Travel guide of Arès
Le Porge
33 km (20.4 miles) away from Dune du Pilat
Le Porge is a commune in the Gironde department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine in south-western France.
Travel guide of Le Porge
