The Atlantic coast of Aquitaine combines golden sand, Atlantic waves, pine forests and unspoiled dunes. The beaches of Aquitaine stretch from the Bassin d'Arcachon to the Côte Basque and offer a rare variety of atmospheres. In this guide, we present the 5 most beautiful coves in the region, each with its own atmosphere and practical information. With our help, you can plan your stay at a campsite in France in complete peace of mind and find the perfect beach for your family.
Plage du Petit Nice: the nature experience at the foot of the Dune du Pilat
The Plage du Petit Nice is located at the southern end of the Dune du Pilat and is one of the wildest beaches in the Gironde. Long stretches of sand, powerful Atlantic waves and a dense pine forest form an untamed backdrop here. If you want to discover the Dune du Pilat, you can descend from the summit directly into the sand of the Petit Nice, a unique natural experience between the highest shifting sand dune in Europe and the ocean. Important information for your visit:
- The address is Route de Biscarrosse, 33115 La Teste-de-Buch.
- Access is free of charge via a wooden walkway from the parking lot.
- Beach surveillance takes place daily in high summer from July to August.
- A paid parking lot is available on site from €6 per vehicle.
Our favorite tip: Climb the dune crest late in the afternoon and then glide straight down to the Plage du Petit Nice. The sun bathes the sand in warm golden tones, the crowds die down and your children will never forget the descent in the soft sand.
Plage Pereire à Arcachon: the family pearl of the Bassin
Plage Pereire is the most family-friendly bay in the Bassin d'Arcachon. A shady promenade of pine trees accompanies the fine sandy beach, and the calm waters are perfect for our little ones. Unlike the open Atlantic, the waves here are gentle, which is why Plage Pereire is particularly popular with families looking for a relaxing seaside campsite in France. In summer, a supervised area provides additional safety, and activities such as pedal boats or kayaks round off the day right by the water. Among the beaches of Aquitaine, this bay offers the perfect counterpoint to the open Atlantic: less wind, smaller waves, but a postcard view of the basin. Practical tips for your day at the beach:
- The address is Boulevard de la Plage, 33120 Arcachon.
- Access is free all year round.
- In summer, beach surveillance is active every day from 11am to 7pm.
- The boulevard is lined with ice cream parlors, fish restaurants and playgrounds.
Plage des Casernes à Vielle-Saint-Girons: pure Landes style
In the Landes, the Plage des Casernes invites you to enjoy an experience away from the crowds. Nestled between vast pine forests and fine dunes, this beach embodies the authentic spirit of the south-western Atlantic coast, ideal for a peaceful stay on a campsite in western France. The sand often stretches for miles, with no high-rise buildings on the horizon, while the Atlantic waves crash in the background. Surfers appreciate the regular swells, and families enjoy the spacious stretches of beach and the nature reserve behind the dunes. Those looking for quiet days away from the dunes of Pilat will find their favorite spot here. What to expect on site:
- The address is 40560 Vielle-Saint-Girons, Avenue de l'Océan.
- A signposted wooden walkway takes you directly to the sand free of charge.
- In summer, lifeguards monitor the central section from July to August.
- Parking spaces and bicycle stands are available directly at the beach entrance.
Plage de Montalivet in the Médoc: the wild Atlantic side
The Plage de Montalivet is synonymous with authentic Atlantic charm in the Médoc. Long sandy beaches, powerful surf and a lively beach resort characterize this place, which attracts both surfers and families. In the center of Montalivet-les-Bains you will find a market, beach cafés and a skate park, perfect for rounding off the day with the little ones. If you want to experience the Médoc in Sunêlia style, combine beach days with a tour of the region's famous vineyards. The atmosphere is relaxed, almost like a long weekend on an island. What you should know for your visit:
- The address is Avenue de l'Océan, 33930 Vendays-Montalivet.
- You can access the sand free of charge via a wooden walkway through the dunes.
- Beach surveillance takes place daily from 11 am to 7 pm in high summer.
- A weekly market opens in the town center every Monday and Thursday during the season.
Plage d'Erretegia in Bidart: the elegance of the Côte Basque
On the Basque coast, the Plage d'Erretegia stands out with its rocky bay and charm. Framed by green cliffs, it combines two atmospheres: a small sandy beach for relaxing hours and a lively surf spot for sporty, active guests. Bidart itself is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, with white and red houses and a market square that invites you to take a stroll. The Basque atmosphere creates a beach vacation that combines Aquitaine, Spanish proximity and surf culture in a single bay, a highlight for any campsite in the south of France. " We recommend late morning in Bidart to our guests: the wind calms down and the cliffs cast a gentle shadow on the sand. This is when the Côte Basque shows its most beautiful side," says the Sunêlia Berrua team. Practical information for your day at the beach:
- The address is Avenue de la Plage, 64210 Bidart.
- You can reach the beach free of charge via a path through the cliffs.
- The beach is supervised daily from June to September from 10:30 to 19:00.
- Surf schools and beach cafés await your family in the bay.
Would you like to experience the most beautiful beaches in Aquitaine in a single trip? Book your stay with the Sunêlia Vacances network and find your 5-star campsite in France between Bassin d'Arcachon, Landes and Côte Basque. Our campsites welcome you from April to the end of October for an unforgettable luxury camping holiday in France and offer your family all the pleasures of the Atlantic coast, from surfing lessons to sunsets by the sea.
FAQ - Beaches Aquitaine
Zu den schönsten Stränden der Aquitaine zählen die Plage du Petit Nice am Fuß der Dune du Pilat, die Plage Pereire à Arcachon, die Plage des Casernes in Vielle-Saint-Girons, die Plage de Montalivet im Médoc und die Plage d'Erretegia in Bidart. Jede Bucht bietet eine eigene Atmosphäre zwischen Bassin, Landes und Côte Basque.
The best time for a beach vacation in Aquitaine is between May and September. In July and August, the water reaches pleasant temperatures for a dip with the family, while May, June and September are for quieter days. The season extends in many places until the end of October with mild temperatures.
Family-friendly beaches in Aquitaine include Plage Pereire in Arcachon, with its sheltered pool and calm waves, and Plage de Montalivet, which offers a lively town center with entertainment for children. Both are supervised in summer and are close to our Sunêlia facilities, with playgrounds and ice cream parlors on site.
In Aquitaine, the Plage des Casernes in Vielle-Saint-Girons, the Plage de Montalivet in the Médoc and the Plage d'Erretegia in Bidart are particularly suitable for surfing. These beaches offer regular waves and surf schools for all levels, from beginners to advanced surfers. The best surfing season is from April to October, with September being particularly popular for its consistent conditions and milder water.
The Dune du Pilat can be ideally combined with a visit to the beach, as a direct descent in soft sand leads from its summit to the Plage du Petit Nice. Plan 30 minutes for the ascent via the wooden walkway and then enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the Atlantic. If you want to experience the sunset, you should climb up at around 5 pm: The light over the Bassin d'Arcachon and the Banc d'Arguin is particularly impressive then.