Visit Bordeaux and the Dune du Pilat during the day

Spend a day discovering the old town of Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and then climb the famous Dune du Pilat, the jewel in the crown of the Arcachon Basin.

Bordering the Gironde, the Landes department extends to the banks of the Garonne. This is an opportunity for our campers to visit our neighbours in Gironde, to climb the legendary Dune du Pilat and to stroll around the old town of Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site. And it's a good thing, because thanks to our partner Resasol, the campsite offers you day trips to discover these two INCONTOURNABLES of Gironde!

Visit Bordeaux, a city of water, wine and beautiful stones

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bordeaux is a city rich in history and culture. Amongst the emblematic places of Bordeaux, the Place de la Bourse and its water mirror attracts Bordeaux residents and tourists alike. There you can see the Fountain of the Three Graces and the Palais de la Bourse, which now houses the Chamber of Commerce.

Another must-see attraction is the Esplanade des Quinconces, the largest square in France. It is here that the monument to the Girondins stands, alongside the statues of Montaigne and Montesquieu. A few steps away, the Place de la Comédie is home to the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, the oldest Italian-style theatre in Europe, opened in 1780.

The city is home to many other treasures. Among them are the impressive Porte Cailhau; the Porte de la Grosse Cloche, which was once a prison; the Pey-Berland Tower and Saint-André Cathedral, which marks the boundary between the old and the new parts of the city; and the Basilica of Saint-Michel, whose bell tower offers a unique view of the city.

Let's not forget the Cité du Vin, which has become an emblem of Bordeaux. The Grand Cru Museum is a major architectural achievement and invites you to take a cultural journey around the culture and civilisations of wine.

Climb the Dune du Pilat, the roof of the Arcachon Basin

Less than an hour from Bordeaux, head for the Arcachon Basin to reach the Dune du Pilat and take a deep breath of air! Set between the ocean and the forest, the Dune du Pilat is the highest dune in Europe.

A true emblem of the Arcachon Basin, the immense mountain of sand culminates at 110 metres and stretches over three kilometres. Labelled "Grand Site de France", the Dune du Pilat attracts nearly 1.5 million visitors every year.

It takes about ten minutes to climb the dune. You can choose between the wooden staircase that leads to the top (154 steps) or try to climb it on the sand if you are in a sporting mood! Either way, your efforts are rewarded with a panoramic view of the Bay of Arcachon, the Aquin bank, the Landes forest and even the Pyrenees on a clear day. You can walk the entire length of the dune (2.9 km), returning via the beach.

The Dune du Pilat in figures

• 106.4 metres high
• 2.9 km long
• 500 m wide
• 60 million m3 of sand

Did you know that?

The Pilat Dune is the only dune that is always in motion. Its size varies constantly*. It moves by an average of 1 to 5 metres each year, under the combined action of the winds and the tides, gradually covering the forest massif.

Your trip to Bordeaux and the Dune du Pilat

Have you booked your stay at Camping Le Vieux Port in Messanges, in the Landes? With our holiday partner RESASOL, travel with peace of mind, everything is included: transport by minibus, guided tours, tastings, lunch... Let us guide you, we take care of everything!