cabanes tchanquées

3, 2, 1… Breathe!
You have a date with Cabanes Tchanquées

Did you say “perched”? For the stilt walk, click here! Did you know that the Cabanes Tchanquées originated from the word “chancas“, which means “stilts“? The expression “being on stilts” has never been more aptly named. At least in Gascon.

les cabanes tchanquées

Cabane n°51, Cabane n°53… etcetera !

Even if you don’t speak a word of Gascon, check out Cabanes Tchanquées, the pride and joy of the locals (we didn’t say “locos”!) on the edge of the Île aux Oiseaux.

Cabane n°51, Cabane n°53… On the Bay of Arcachon, you can give the impression of not knowing how to count. But storytelling, yes! This is the story of Les Cabanes Tchanquées…

Les Cabanes Tchanquées, a little gem in La Teste de Buch

Today’s two Cabanes Tchanquées were built in the 1950s. Originally there was only one, built in 1883 by an oyster farmer called Martin Pivert. There are worse settings, aren’t there? All the more so because we take good care of them here!

All that remains of the very first hut, built in 1883, are a few wooden pillars that can be seen at low tide, but there’s no question of Cabanes no. 51 and no. 53 suffering the same fate.

Once upon a time… the Cabanes Tchanquées

Intended more as holiday homes (there are definitely worse places to stay!), Cabanes n°51 and n°53 have mainly been used to welcome locals in search of fresh air and special moments! The first, with its famous red shutters, still belongs to the same family from Arcachon.

Its twin, Cabane n°53, was created on the initiative of the former Deputy Mayor of La Teste de Buch, Mr Longau, for his yachting activities. Now responsible for managing the building, our local authority is making sure that the Cabane retains its charm and its beautiful white shutters, to the delight of tourists and residents alike!

Discover Cafés Tchanqué too!

At the helm of Cafés Tchanqué is an inspirational woman: Mélanie Badets. Voted France’s best roaster, she has set up her local business in La Teste de Buch. Its coffees are roasted in the Basin and offer a tasty tour of France (and the world) that leaves no one indifferent!

Come and discover them at the La Teste de Buch Tourist Office: find out more

Nature Tips

Cabane Tchanquée No. 3 (with its red shutters) has been in danger of collapsing for several years. Work will start in autumn 2023 to avoid disturbing our bird friends during the breeding season.

Take part in its reconstruction

Pratical informations

  • ACCESS

    Only by boat

  • RULES YOU NEED TO KNOW

    Climbing on the cabins is forbidden for their preservation and stability. Recreational boaters can come right up to their feet, within a tolerance limit in terms of conserving the site.

  • OTHER INFOS

    Respect your environment

    No waste

    Picking prohibited

  • Watching the Cabanes Tchanquées

    Take a trip on the water shuttles to see the Cabanes Tchanquées as you cruise around the Basin.

    In July and August, departure from the Port of La Teste de Buch. Reservations at the Tourist Office of La Teste de Buch

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