Activities for children in the Arcachon Basin

CDT33

Discovering nature

La Teste-de-Buch

Climbing the Great Dune of Pilat

At 105 metres high, 2.7 kilometres long and 500 metres wide, this is Europe’s largest dune. You can get to the top up a wooden stairway, or climb up directly on the sand if you feel energetic enough. Once you reach the summit, there are breathtaking views over the whole of the Arcachon Basin and the Landes de Gascogne forest.

Guided tours are organised by the Teste de Buch Tourist Office, to make sure you discover all the secrets of this emblematic site.

Le Teich Ornithological Park

Le Teich Ornithological Park is a preserved natural area equipped to provide a home for wild birds and facilitate their observation by visitors. 120 hectares of forestland, reedy marshes, grassland, maritime marshes and lagoons extend from inland up to the shores of the Arcachon Basin. This wide range of natural habitats attracts a great variety of bird species, which use the park either as a permanent home (sedentary birds) or as a temporary stop-off (migratory birds). There are 260 species in all, 80 of which nest there. The Ornithological Park is recognised as being of international importance due to its role in the preservation of a number of rare species.

The park is open 365 days a year for unaccompanied visits or guided tours.

The Brasserie du Delta at the park entrance is open daily for lunch (except on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) and serves local specialities.

+33 5 56 22 80 93

contact@parc-ornithologique-du-teich.com
www.parc-ornithologique-du-teich.com

Down the Leyre by canoe

Nicknamed “the Little Amazon” because of the luxuriant vegetation that flourishes along its banks, the Leyre winds its way peacefully across the countryside, finally mingling its fresh waters with the salt waters of the Arcachon Basin and forming the Leyre Delta.

You can set off down the river by canoe (from the Graoux centre) for a few hours’ or days’ exploration accompanied by a qualified instructor, or you can simply hire all the necessary equipment for yourself, with a shuttle system.

+33 5 57 71 99 29
www.parc-landes-de-gascogne.fr

Maison de la Nature du Bassin d’Arcachon Discovery Centre

The Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park is Aquitaine’s “secret garden”. Its 315,000 hectares are more than just another area among others – they make up a land all of its own where Mother Nature reigns supreme. The Maison de la Nature was created to further development of ecotourism and help visitors discover the flora and fauna that flourish in this ideal environment. The programme includes walks along the seawalls of the Leyre Delta, sea kayaking in the Basin, and visits to Le Teich Ornithological Park.

Maison de la Nature du Bassin d’Arcachon
+33 5 56 22 80 93

Balade en kayak sur le canal du lac de Cazaux

CDT 33 - Yannick Serrano

The Graoux Discovery Centre  is one of the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park’s four main facilities.

It is located on the riverside in the heart of the Landes Girondines forest, 45 minutes from Bordeaux, and is in perfect harmony with its natural surroundings, guaranteeing a warm welcome and true serenity for all who stay there.

On-site accommodation is in wooden chalets with the “Gîtes de France - 3 ears of corn” label, perfect for family stays.

On the water, up in the trees, or along forest trails, the facility has a wide variety of nature activities on offer for all ages and interests.

Centre du Graoux Belin-Beliet
+33 5 57 71 99 29 www.parc-landes-de-gascogne.fr

All aboard with the Union des Bateliers Arcachonnais

The UBA organises excursions and theme-based day-trips in the Arcachon Basin, including tours around Île aux Oiseaux, relaxation days on the Arguin Sandbank, maritime shuttles between the Basin’s towns and villages, and line-fishing expeditions.

There’s a whole host of options to choose from throughout the year.

And also a “boat + bike” formula including an Arcachon - Cap Ferret, Le Moulleau/Cap Ferret, Andernos/Arcachon and Le Canon/Arcachon crossing.

Union des Bateliers Arcachonnais
+33 5 57 72 28 28 www.bateliers-arcachon.com

Arès

Prés Salés Nature Reserve: “Little Botanists”

The Arès Tourist Office organises “Little Botanists”, an educational visit to the Prés Salés Nature Reserve for children aged between 4 and 10.

The visit takes the form of a treasure hunt, and the children, with a “Herbarium Booklet” to refer to, are led to discover the various species that grow on the reserve. With the help of an accompanying nature guide, they learn how plants, often weakened by climatic change, can be protected.

The visit is rounded off by hands-on activities and is a fun-filled educational experience for the whole family to share.

Programming: every Wednesday throughout the year

Arès Tourist Office
+33 5 56 60 18 07 www.ares-tourisme.com

 A 100% nature outing to Malprat Island

Set off by canoe from the port of Biganos for 45 minutes of paddling to Malprat Island. Once there, in-depth discovery of the island in the company of its warden-manager (2 hours).

On the programme: discovery of the local flora and fauna, history of the salt marshes, fish-farming pools, locks, and more besides…

Reservation required.

Biganos Tourist Office
+33 5 57 70 67 56 www.otbiganos.com

Audenge

Guided tour of the Domaine de Certes :

This 600-hectare estate set between sea and land is the property of the Conservatoire du Littoral, and is made up of fish reservoirs surrounded by dykes and locks, farmland and forest.

Plentiful space, peace and quiet, and abundant food make Certes a favourite with wild animals.

Audenge Lanton Intercommunal Tourist Office
+33 5 57 70 26 55 www.tourisme-audenge-lanton.com

CDT33 - Yannick Serrano

Sylvie LATRILLE’s Cabin 57 – Educational Farm, Piraillan

Sylvie Latrille welcomes you to her oyster-farming cabin on the edge of the beach, and will carry you off in discovery of Île aux Oiseaux, Arcachon and the Great Dune of Pilat.

Open all year round upon appointment

Video, visit with presentation of equipment, observation and tasting (revolving workshops) –“Bienvenue à la ferme” label

40 rue du Littoral - Piraillan
+33 5 56 60 54 76
latrille.sylvie@neuf.fr

The chocolates of Aliénor

Ever since 1492, when it was first brought back to Europe by the Conquistadors, chocolate has fascinated young and old alike. Discover the secrets of its manufacture during a free visit and tasting session.

Groups must book before turning up, on +33 5 56 54 10 83

Chocolaterie artisanale
Les Gourmandises d’Aliénor
251 avenue du Parc des Expositions
 La Teste de Buch
+33 5 56 54 10 83
lateste@alienorchocolat.com
www.alienorchocolat.com

Moulin de la Cassadote: sampling Gironde caviar

Built in 1804 and located in the municipality of Biganos at the far end of the Arcachon Basin, the Moulin de la Cassadote is not only a trout-breeding farm but also one of Aquitaine’s major centres for rearing sturgeon and production of caviar.

You can visit the farm, with information on the mill’s history, sturgeon breeding and caviar production provided. 

Caviar de Gironde Moulin de la Cassadotte
33380 BIGANOS
+33 5 56 82 64 42
www.caviardegironde.com