Arcachon

Arcachon ( okzitan.: Arcaishon ) is a commune with 10,776 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2011) in the Gironde department in the region of Aquitaine. It is the sub-prefecture of the same district and capital of the homonymous canton.

Geography

The seaside resort on the Atlantic Ocean located in the Regional Natural Park Landes de Gascogne on the southern banks of the Bassin d' Arcachon about 60 km west- southwest of Bordeaux.

South of the villas suburbs Le Pilat Plage and Pyla sur Mer (which administratively already to the neighboring parish of La Teste- de-Buch belong ) on the tank exit to the Atlantic is the highest dune in Europe, the Dune du Pilat with about 110 meters, a length of 2.7 km and a base width of about 500 m.

History

Arcachon longest time was an insignificant fishing village. The development to luxury resort took place in the 19th century. Major contributors were originating from Bordeaux brothers Émile Pereire and Isaac Pereire, who acted as major investors. Built in 1853 beach Casino, named after its builder also Château Deganne, and in 1977, after a long decline spent Moorish Casino were landmark of this heyday

Economy

The city and its basin are known for oysters. Oysters and other seafood are then also represented prominently on the menus of local restaurants. Many restaurants and bars are located directly on the beach promenade.

Traffic

The city was already in 1841 connected by the railway line Lamothe- Arcachon on the railway network. Between 1911 and 1930 here also reversed an electric tram of 7 kilometers in length; they had five railcars and 3 sidecar.

Road in Arcachon

Road in Arcachon

Casino of Arcachon

Sons and daughters of the town

  • Humbert Balsan (1954-2005), film producer
  • Béatrice Métraux ( b. 1955 ), French-Swiss politician
  • Carlos Salzedo (1885-1961), harpist and composer

Twinning

  • Goslar, Lower Saxony, since 1965
  • Aveiro, Portugal

Attractions in the surroundings

  • Bassin d' Arcachon
  • Dune of Pyla
  • Ile aux oiseaux
  • Ornithological park in Le Teich
Arrondissement Arrondissement of Arcachon Cantons of France Postal codes in France France La Teste-de-Buch Aveiro (Portugal) Dune of Pilat Audenge Biganos Gujan-Mestras Lanton, Gironde Marcheprime Mios Salles (Gironde)
74703
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