Two isolated stilt cabins in the middle of the sea off Île aux Oiseaux, in the heart of Arcachon Bay. These are the Tchanquées cabins. They are essentially monuments of the Bay, as they are among the region’s flagship tourist attractions. Moreover, photography enthusiasts enjoy taking shots of these two unique little houses. The best results are photos taken at sunset.
To see the Tchanquées cabins, go on a cruise towards Île aux Oiseaux. Seeming to float on the water, their stilts appear and disappear with the tides, making them easily stand out from the landscape.
Good to know:
The term “tchanquée” literally comes from the Gascon “chancada,” which means “mounted on stilts.” The Tchanquées cabins literally live up to their name.
Île aux Oiseaux’s first tree house
The history of the first cabins on Île aux Oiseaux dates back to 1860, the period during which Arcachon Bay saw the first oyster farm developments on the island. In practice, these wooden constructions
The first Tchanquée cabin was built in 1883 on the Public Maritime Domain by Martin Pibert, an oyster farmer. As it was located high up, it allowed him to monitor the imperial oysters and protect them against thieves, but also served as a shelter when the weather turned bad. This first cabin succumbed to a storm in 1943, and only a few remains of its pillars are visible at low tide.
In 1945, Mr. Landry, a carpenter-joiner from Arcachon, erected a new cabin in the image of the first. This is cabin N° 51, brown in color, with a hipped roof and red shutters. Due to its poor condition, the reconstruction of this cabin is planned for 2024.
In 1948, Julien Longau, deputy mayor for public works of La Teste-de-Buch, built the third Tchanquée cabin. It would be numbered 53 and adorned with white shutters and a balcony. Renovated in 2018, it now looks splendid and attracts the most visitors.
When and how to Visit the Tchanquées Cabins of Arcachon Bay?
To see the Tchanquées cabins, embark on a short sea trip to tour Île aux Oiseaux aboard a ‘pinasse’ (traditional boat) or another boat that you can find at the port of Arcachon or Le Moulleau. From your vessel, you can admire and photograph the structures from afar, or get closer to better immerse yourself in their poetic aura. If you are sporty, opt for a 2 to 3-hour kayak trip in the sea. At low tide, reach the steps of the perched cabins after walking barefoot through the mud.
Please note that it is not possible to visit the interior of the Tchanquées cabins.
The ideal time to visit the Tchanquées cabins is autumn or spring. During the summer, which is high tourist season, the place loses some of its original charm with the crowds of visitors passing through Arcachon Bay. However, during the low season, you will better experience the magic of this heritage.
In any case, for a quality stay near the town of Arcachon or Cap Ferret, you can book accommodation or a campsite pitch at La Jaougotte, a 3-star campsite 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from the Tchanquées cabins.