{"id":74448,"date":"2023-09-01T10:00:59","date_gmt":"2023-09-01T10:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.campinglajaougotte.com\/non-categorise\/what-are-the-tchanquees-cabins\/"},"modified":"2025-10-15T08:20:01","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T08:20:01","slug":"what-are-the-tchanquees-cabins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.campinglajaougotte.com\/en\/landes-campsite-news\/what-are-the-tchanquees-cabins\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the Tchanqu\u00e9es Cabins?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Two isolated stilt cabins in the middle of the sea<\/strong> off \u00cele aux Oiseaux, in the heart of Arcachon Bay. These are the Tchanqu\u00e9es cabins. They are essentially monuments of the Bay<\/strong>, as they are among the region’s flagship tourist attractions<\/strong>. Moreover, photography enthusiasts enjoy taking shots of these two unique little houses. The best results are photos taken at sunset. <\/p>\n

To see the Tchanqu\u00e9es cabins, go on a cruise towards \u00cele aux Oiseaux<\/strong>. Seeming to float on the water, their stilts appear and disappear with the tides, making them easily stand out from the landscape. <\/p>\n

\"Tchanqu\u00e9es<\/p>\n

Good to know:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The term “tchanqu\u00e9e” literally comes from the Gascon “chancada,” which means “mounted on stilts.” The Tchanqu\u00e9es cabins literally live up to their name. <\/em><\/p>\n

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\u00cele aux Oiseaux’s first tree house<\/h2>\n

The history of the first cabins<\/strong> on \u00cele aux Oiseaux dates back to 1860<\/strong>, the period during which Arcachon Bay<\/strong> saw the first oyster farm developments on the island. In practice, these wooden constructions allowed oyster farmers to avoid multiple trips<\/g>. Today, there are a total of 53 cabins, of which the 2 stilt cabins remain the most famous. <\/p>\n

The first Tchanqu\u00e9e 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<\/strong>, 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<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

In 1945<\/strong>, Mr. Landry, a carpenter-joiner from Arcachon, erected a new cabin in the image of the first. This is cabin N\u00b0 51<\/strong>, brown in color, with a hipped roof and red shutters. Due to its poor condition, the reconstruction of this cabin is planned for 2024.<\/strong> <\/p>\n

In 1948<\/strong>, Julien Longau, deputy mayor for public works of La Teste-de-Buch, built the third Tchanqu\u00e9e cabin<\/strong>. It would be numbered 53 and adorned with white shutters and a balcony. Renovated in 2018<\/strong>, it now looks splendid and attracts the most visitors. <\/p>\n

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When and how to Visit the Tchanqu\u00e9es Cabins of Arcachon Bay?<\/h2>\n

To see the Tchanqu\u00e9es cabins, embark on a short sea trip<\/strong> to tour \u00cele aux Oiseaux aboard a ‘pinasse’ (traditional boat) or another boat that you can find at the port of Arcachon or Le Moulleau<\/strong>. From your vessel, you can admire and photograph the structures from afar, or get closer to better immerse yourself in their poetic aura<\/strong>. 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. <\/p>\n