Arcachon Bay

Map of the Bassin d' Arcachon

The Bassin d' Arcachon ( Arcachon basin or bay of Arcachon ) is an approximately 155 -square-kilometer bay in the southwest of France.

Location and nature

The bay is located in the Aquitaine region, in the département of Gironde and in the arrondissement of Arcachon good 42 km ( straight line ) southwest of the city of Bordeaux. The basin has a roughly triangular in shape and is separated by the Cap Ferret peninsula almost in from the Atlantic. In the bay there is an extensive, criss-crossed by creeks tidal flats. There is still a remarkably distinctive flora and fauna with many rare species. Some parts of the bay are a nature reserve. Within the Bassin d' Arcachon is a bird sanctuary island, entry into which is generally not permitted.

Economy and Tourism

In the bay is still operated by nearly 350 fishermen (highest number ) oyster farming, subject to their products in the restaurants of the nearby resorts, but also worldwide as a delicacy. Around the bay there is next to the main resort of Arcachon, a number of other seaside resorts such as Gujan- Mestras, Andernos -les- Bains or Ares with the usual tourist infrastructure such as marinas, hotels, apartments, campsites and restaurants. Other attractions in close proximity are Cap Ferret, with the famous Lighthouse, and situated somewhat south, the highest dune in Europe, the Dune du Pilat, with about 110 meters height.

Climate