Like a piece of the Sahara, the Dune du Pilat asserts itself with its 55 million cubic meters of sand between the forest and the ocean, in a magnificent coastal destination in France. It is located in the
Discover the Dune Du Pilat
The Dune du Pilat is located in Pyla-sur-Mer, a charming seaside resort, part of the commune of La Teste-de-Buch, in Gironde, on the edge of the Landes forest and at the mouth of the Arcachon Bay. The contrast formed by the golden color of the sand, the green of the forest, the blue of the ocean, and the white of the clouds is striking.
Its dimensions are impressive: 110 meters high, 600 meters wide, and 3 kilometers long. Each year, these measurements grow by a few meters.
Despite its desert-like sand, the Dune du Pilat is home to impressive biodiversity. Many animal and plant species have adapted to this jewel of Gironde. This is due to the resurgence of fresh water at its base, as well as its immediate proximity to the Landes forest and the Arcachon Bay.
Algae, plant debris, and animal remains (coming from the forest or brought by the tide) feed small creatures, which in turn feed larger ones.
Its fauna consists of insects, crustaceans, birds, and reptiles (sea flea, Eurasian oystercatcher, nuthatch, ruddy turnstone, two-striped lizard…). Its flora consists of resilient plants (sea holly, sea bindweed, Lloyd’s wormwood, thyme-leaved toadflax, dune everlasting…).
Things to do
The Dune du Pilat in Pyla-sur-Mer is a prime tourist destination in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Travelers from all over the world come to France to admire this wonder of the Southwest. You can access the Great Site of
The main activity is to walk the sand to enjoy a breathtaking panorama at its summit (110 meters high): the ocean to the west, the Cap-Ferret lighthouse opposite, the Arcachon Bay to the north, and the Landes pine forest to the east.
From Thiers Jetty, you can take a boat for a getaway across the Arcachon Bay and go to Cap-Ferret. You can also take the reverse route, to go to the Dune du Pilat from the cape.
Teste-de-Buch offers many activities. Admire the Cabanes Tchanquées, these pretty stilt huts in the middle of the sea. Explore the Marine Natural Park of Arcachon Bay. Stroll through Pyla-sur-Mer and visit its market. Swim in the beautiful fine sandy beaches around
Pyla-sur-Mer: Pereire beach, Moulleau beach, Abatilles-Arbousiers beach.
Practical Guide
Visiting the Dune du Pilat is free, but parking is charged after 30 minutes.
The Dune du Pilat is an hour and a half drive from Camping La Jaougotte in Vielle-Saint-Girons.
This trip is well worth it as it takes you through many wonders of Aquitaine.
The A63 takes you to Teste-de-Buch, Arcachon, and the Dune du Pilat from Vielle-Saint-Girons.
From Bordeaux, take the A63, then the A660 exit at Gujan-Mestras.
For your stay, the campsite is ideally located for visiting 3 departments in France: Les Landes, Gironde to the north, and Pyrénées-Atlantiques to the south.