60 kilometers south-west of Bordeaux, the 110-metre-high Dune du Pilat faces the Bay of Arcachon. Europe's highest sand dune, it welcomes over a million visitors every year. Climbing it remains the star experience, but it can also be experienced from the air, on the sea side from the Banc d'Arguin, by bike or at sunset. Here are 4 ways to discover it from the perspective of a regular visitor to the Aquitaine coast, from one of our campsites on the Bay of Arcachon.
- The Dune du Pilat rises to a height of 110 meters and is almost 3 km long, facing the Bay of Arcachon.
- Access to the summit is via a seasonal wooden staircase, installed from April to November, or via the sand off-season
- . The site is classified as a Grand Site de France and managed by the Syndicat Mixte de la Grande Dune du Pilat.
- Paragliding, boating to the Banc d'Arguin and cycling offer complementary views of the dune
- , with mornings, late afternoons and off-season months the best times to enjoy the site without the crowds.
At the summit: the mythical ascent of the Dune du Pilat
The summit remains the must-see part of any visit. The climb takes around 15 minutes via the staircase, and a little longer on foot directly in the sand. Once at the top, the 360° panorama covers the Bay of Arcachon, the Landes de Gascogne pine forest and the tip of Cap Ferret. The sunset over the ocean alone is worth the detour, especially between May and September. Remember to bring water, closed-toe shoes and a windbreaker: the temperature at the summit can drop by 5 degrees compared to the foot of the dune. It takes less than 5 minutes to return via the steps dug into the sand, provided you're on solid footing. This is the best-known angle, but it's just one of many entry points.
Discover the Dune du Pilat from the air: paragliding
Taking off from the summit makes Pilat one of France's most popular tandem flight sites. The sand cushions the maneuvers, and the thermal currents carry the canopies over the forest and the ocean. A tandem flight lasts between 10 and 20 minutes, from €70 with a state-qualified instructor. The season runs from April to October, depending on weather conditions. The experience allows you to grasp at a glance the true scale of the site: almost 3 km long, 500 meters wide, and a striking contrast between ocean, sand and pine forest. The Sunêlia team's favorite: the foot of the dune on the forest side, after 6 p.m., when the golden light shines through the pine forest: a moment few visitors experience.
Côté Bassin: discover the Dune du Pilat from the Banc d'Arguin
The Dune du Pilat can also be seen from the water. At its foot, the Banc d'Arguin forms a 4,360-hectare national nature reserve, accessible only by boat. Several companies based in Arcachon, La Teste-de-Buch and Gujan-Mestras offer crossings by pinasse, the traditional boat of the Basin. You can expect to pay from €25 for a 30-minute round trip, with a possible stopover on the bank at low tide. On the other side, the tip of Cap Ferret offers a view of the entire dune: almost 3 km of sand facing the ocean. A day trip by boat often combines the two ports of call to capture the dune from two complementary angles: its sea side and its full silhouette. This is the angle that most surprises visitors accustomed to the single postcard photo taken from the summit, and an invaluable asset for holidaymakers choosing a seaside campsite in Arcachon.
Discover the Dune du Pilat by bike: ideal for sports enthusiasts
The foot of the dune can be reached by bike in around 50 minutes from Arcachon, following the cycle path through the forest of La Teste-de-Buch. This shady ten-kilometre stretch avoids summer traffic jams and allows you to arrive at the site in peace and quiet, unlike access by car. Several rental companies based in Arcachon, La Teste-de-Buch and Pyla-sur-Mer offer bikes from €12 per half-day, with child seats and electric mountain bikes available. Our Sunêlia team recommends three itineraries to suit your pace:
- The direct round trip via the forest track takes 1h30, with a negligible difference in altitude.
- The loop via Plage Pereire adds 6 km and a glimpse of the Bassin before the dune.
- The two-stage tour combines cycling in the morning with a boat trip to the Banc d'Arguin in the afternoon.
This gentle approach transforms the visit into a half-day cycling tour rather than a simple photo stop. Planning a trip to discover the Dune du Pilat at your own pace? Book your accommodation at one of our 4-star Sunêlia campsites in Arcachon, just a stone's throw from the site and the Bassin, to make the most of every hour of the day. Our campsites in Arcachon with swimming pool and water park welcome you from April to the end of October, in one of our mobile home rentals in Arcachon, in a chalet or on one of our spacious pitches for tents and motor homes.
FAQ - Discover Dune du Pilat
Yes, the Dune du Pilat is accessible all year round, free of charge and 24 hours a day. The wooden staircase that facilitates access to the summit is installed between April and November. Out of season, the climb is made directly over the sand. The parking lot at the foot of the site is subject to a charge, starting at €4 per half-hour.
The Pilat Dune culminates at 110 metres above sea level. Its height changes every year as a result of the wind and tides. It is almost 3 km long and 500 m wide, making it the highest sand dune in Europe.
The best time to discover Dune du Pilat without the crowds is in the mornings before 10 a.m. and at the end of the day after 6 p.m., except in July and August. The months of April, May, September and October offer a peaceful visit, with pleasant temperatures for the climb.
Yes, the Dune du Pilat is the perfect place to visit with the whole family, including young children. The wooden staircase, installed from April to November, makes it easy for children aged 3 or 4 and over to climb up, while younger children enjoy the direct descent into the sand, with no risk of falling. Bring a hat, sun cream and water, and visit before 11 a.m. or after 5 p.m. in summer to avoid the heat of the sand. Strollers, on the other hand, should be left in the parking lot: only a baby carrier is recommended for the summit.
To discover the Dune du Pilat at your own pace, the best option is to stay directly on the Bay of Arcachon, just a few minutes from the site. Our Sunêlia campsites near Arcachon offer an ideal setting between pine forest and beach, with mobile homes, tent sites and family-friendly services. So you can enjoy the cool morning air at the summit, swim in the Bassin in the afternoon and watch the sun set over the dunes at the end of the day, without the daily commute from Bordeaux.