The Cabanes Tchanquees

Cabanes Tchanquées (huts on stilts)

The cabanes tchanquées are the most famous of the fifty-three huts on Île aux Oiseaux.

They have become symbols of the Bay, deriving their name from the Gascon “chancas” which means “mounted on stilts”.

Huts 51 and 53 were built in the 1950s for use by recreational sailors.

If you go near them, you will undoubtedly enjoy the experience and the magic of this place: the unique surroundings, the smell of salt air, the mud between your toes, and an eerie silence.

You are now alone, the crowd of tourists is nowhere to be seen.

The first hut

This hut was built in 1883 at the east of the "Ile aux oiseaux" by a Gujan-Mestras citizen. It was located near the oyster farms to look after them and prevent thieves.

Hut n°51

In 1945, an Arcachon citizen, Mister Landry, decided to build a hut close to the former tchanquee hut. He wanted to use it for comfort, as an atypic holiday house ! today She stills belong to the family under the name of "concession n°51" which is where it's name comes from.

Hut n°53

This hut was built by M. Longau in 1954. It was used by his family. She knows belong to the state and the "Coastline conservatory" and is managed by the city of La Teste de Buch. The hut was in very bad shape and has been totally rebuilt in 2008.