Private Shore Excursion from Bordeaux to Arcachon Bay & Dune du Pilat
Embark on a private shore excursion from Bordeaux Cruise Port to the elegant seaside resort of Arcachon. Enjoy Atlantic beaches, traditional oyster villages, and your choice of climbing Europe’s highest sand dune or cruising the bay by traditional boat.
Pick up at your cruise ship in Bordeaux
In the morning, your English-speaking driver/guide will meet you directly at your cruise ship in Bordeaux. After presenting the itinerary and options for the day, board your comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes minivan and leave the city behind for the Atlantic coast.
Travel in comfort to Arcachon
Relax in a spacious premium minivan that can accommodate up to 8 guests, equipped with an on-board PA system so you can hear your guide clearly, plus Wi‑Fi and bottled water. As you drive, learn about the history of Arcachon, a 19th-century seaside resort created for sea bathing and fresh-air escapes.
Discover Arcachon’s oyster sheds & tasting
On arrival, explore the traditional oyster-farming villages around Arcachon Bay, where colorful wooden huts line the shore. Visit a local producer for an oyster tasting and sample fresh oysters typically served with baguette, lightly salted butter, and a glass of white wine. If you are not an oyster fan, alternative local snacks such as charcuterie can usually be arranged, and there is always the opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine.
Lunch by the water
For lunch (at own expense), your guide will recommend one of the many quality seafood restaurants along the waterfront. Enjoy dishes featuring fish, shellfish, and regional specialties, ideally paired with a glass of Bordeaux white or rosé as you take in the sea views.
Afternoon options in Arcachon Bay
In the afternoon, personalize your experience by choosing one of the following options (to be selected at booking):
- Option 1 – Climb the Dune du Pilat: Drive to the Dune du Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe. In season, a staircase is installed to make the climb easier. At the top, enjoy sweeping views over the ocean, sandbanks, and pine forest.
- Option 2 – Private “pinasse” boat tour: Board a traditional wooden “pinasse” boat for a cruise on Arcachon Bay. See oyster farms, Bird Island and its stilted huts, and you may optionally add an onboard oyster tasting, picnic, or wine service.
- Option 3 – Free time in Arcachon town: Spend more time exploring Arcachon itself, strolling the seafront, browsing shops, or discovering Belle Époque villas and local arts and crafts.
Return to your cruise ship
At the end of the afternoon, your driver/guide will take you back to Bordeaux Cruise Port. You will be dropped off at your ship with lasting memories of Arcachon Bay, its landscapes, and its seafood specialties.
