The Banc d’Arguin

The Banc d’Arguin, preserved and protected… you’ll love it!

There are “lovers of public benches“… and lovers of the Banc d’Arguin! In Brassens’ song, they live the best part of their love; on the Basin, you live the best part of your holiday!

The Banc d’Arguin, classified as a “nature reserve” since 1972

The “Thyme-leaved Toadflax”… we needed a plant that rhymed with “Arguin” to occupy these majestic grounds! Some areas of this sandbank are inaccessible to humans, and that’s a good thing. The protected fauna and flora here are extremely diverse and will delight your eyes: insects, molluscs, crustaceans, dune vegetation… Keep your eyes peeled! Migratory birds are not to be outdone: like you, the sandwich tern and the oystercatcher stop off here.

A sandbank that changes with the tides

To sit on a bench with you for five minutes and watch the waves with joy! Under the influence of winds and tides, the Banc d’Arguin is constantly changing shape. At low tide, the sandbank (the largest on the Gironde coast) is 4km long and 2km wide. Depending on the conditions of the moment, it unifies or divides, moves closer together or expands. Un véritable banc de sable « mouvant » !

A day on a bench… like no other!

You can start by observing the Banc d’Arguin from a distance. From the Dune du Pilat, it’s already mysterious and poetic! Like a border, between the calm waters of the Bay of Arcachon and the wild ocean.

Then hire a boat or reserve a place on board a pinasse to make the crossing and spend the day there. There’s no port of call on arrival – you’re right in the thick of things (in other words, with your feet in the water)! Even fewer shops or toilets. Just a dose of calm and sunshine, birdsong overhead and a privileged view of the tourists valiantly climbing the Dune du Pilat opposite.