Exploring Dune du Pilat: Insider's Guide

Today, we’re venturing into something truly extraordinary: a desert oasis nestled along the French coastline, none other than the Dune of Pilat, also affectionately known as the Grande Dune du Pilat. As the tallest dune in Europe, it stands as a testament to nature’s grandeur and the captivating wonders waiting to be explored.

Did you know that “Pilat” comes from the Gascon word meaning “heap” or “mound”? With over two million visitors annually, this sandy giant is one of the hottest spots on the tourist map! So grab your sunscreen and get ready for an adventure like no other! Let’s go explore!

How to get there

Dune of Pilat is situated along the coast of the Bay of Biscay in the Aquitaine region of southwestern France. The dune is part of the larger natural landscape surrounding the Bassin d’Arcachon, making it a prominent coastal feature in the area.

Address: Route de Biscarrosse, D 218, 33115 PYLA-SUR-MER

Access to the Dune of Pilat is free for those who arrive on foot or by bike, offering a wonderful opportunity for eco-conscious adventurers to explore Dune du Pilat without any additional cost. There is a parking fee for vehicles.

By car
By bus
By train
By bike
By plane

Heading west towards the Atlantic Ocean, you might encounter a bit of sign confusion with variations like Dune du Pilat, Dune du Pyla, or even Dune de Pyla. But fear not! Despite the different names, they all point to the same majestic dune.

Whether you’re arriving from Bordeaux or beyond, reaching the awe-inspiring Dune of Pilat by car is a straightforward one-hour (60 km) journey. From Bordeaux, simply hop onto the A630 motorway, then transition onto the A660 towards the Bassin d’Arcachon / Biscarrosse. Take the exit onto D259, following signs for Dune du Pilat / Biscarrosse. As you approach, you’ll easily spot the reception area with its convenient parking lot, where you can safely leave your vehicle.

From Paris: A10 Paris / Bordeaux (5h30)
From Lyon: A89 Lyon / Bordeaux (5h20)
From Toulouse: A62 Toulouse / Bordeaux (2h40)
From Biarritz: A63 Biarritz / A660 direction Arcachon (1h50)

From Parc des Expositions (July-August): Park your vehicle at the Relay car park and catch the shuttle bus to the Dune. It’s a convenient way to hop over during the peak summer months.

From Arcachon Station: Hop on the Baïa Bus, Line 3, heading towards Plage de la Salie. After a scenic 25-minute ride, alight at the Dune du Pilat stop. This route operates year-round, except on Sundays and public holidays from October. Plus, in July and August, there’s the Line 101 Express available from Arcachon station.

From La Teste-de-Buch / Gujan-Mestras / Le Teich (July-August): Catch the Bus Baïa, Line 102 Express, heading towards Plage de la Salie. Once again, it’s a summer-exclusive service to whisk you off to the Dune du Pilat.

Board the TER line 41.2 U: With 25 return trips per day, you have plenty of options. Head towards Arcachon and enjoy the scenic journey. It takes about 50 minutes to reach the terminus.

Arriving in Arcachon: Once you’ve reached Arcachon, it’s time to hop on the Line 1 bus from the train station to La Dune du Pilat. This final leg of the journey ensures you arrive at your sandy destination with ease.

The Grand Site de la Dune du Pilat sits right along the famous La Vélodyssée cycle route. This route spans from Brittany all the way along the Atlantic coast to the Basque Coast, offering a thrilling and untamed journey. And here’s a handy tip: when you arrive at the Grand Site, you’ll find racks available in the reception area where you can securely attach your bike for the duration of your visit.

From Paris, Marseille, Nantes, London, Madrid, and more: Fly into Bordeaux-Mérignac airport, which is just a short 45-minute drive from the Grand Site. Once you’ve landed, hop on the 30’DIRECT shuttle to reach Bordeaux Saint Jean station in another 45 minutes.

When to go

Don’t limit your visit to the Pilat Dune to just the summertime! The breathtaking colors and captivating walks offer an unforgettable experience year-round, no matter the season.

Interesting Facts & History

Unmatched Views: Dune's Majesty

Perched at an impressive elevation, the Dune of Pilat offers unparalleled vistas of the Arcachon Bay. Comprised of 60 million cubic meters of sand, this magnificent natural wonder is a sight to behold. In 2018, it spanned 2.7 kilometers in length, 500 meters in width, and soared up to 106.60 meters in height. However, its dimensions fluctuate from year to year; for instance, in 2023, it reached a height of 103.6* meters.

*Recorded on May 12 by the team from the Observatoire de la côte de Nouvelle-Aquitaine during the annual monitoring of the site.

Geological secrets of the dune

According to geologists, millions of years ago, the Dune of Pilat formed as a result of erosion from the Pyrénées Mountains to the south and the Central Massif Mountains to the east. Over time, local rivers transported sand from these mountains to the ocean, where it was deposited along the shore, gradually accumulating to create the massive dune we see today.

Ancient Discoveries at Dune du Pilat

Situated atop ancient protohistoric encampments, the formation of the Pyla dune traces back over 4,000 years. The present-day site of the Dune du Pilat once served as temporary settlements for activities like sea salt mining, with archaeological exploration commencing in 1922. Remarkably, on December 31, 2013, a visitor stumbled upon a funeral urn and an accompanying vase from the Iron Age, dating back to 800 BCE, nestled in the sands at the dune’s base. Recent archaeological endeavors have unveiled evidence of human habitation dating back 2,600 years, with artefacts revealing visits to the site dating as far back as the Bronze Age. Among the discoveries are remnants from the 16th century, including wood and various objects like pipes, flint tools, ceramics, and coins, unearthed during excavation efforts.

The Dune's Relentless Encroachment

The relentless march of the dune continues, slowly encroaching on forests, roads, and even remnants of the Atlantic Wall. Its movement is unpredictable, ranging from rapid shifts of up to 10 meters per year to gradual crawls of less than a meter. On average, the dune displaces approximately 4.9 meters annually. This migration has already engulfed more than twenty private properties, with the sand reclaiming 8000 square meters of pine forest each year on the eastern slope. In 1987, a road was swallowed by an avalanche of sand, only to be buried entirely by 1991. Stories of houses succumbing to the dune’s advance date as far back as September 19, 1936, chronicled in local newspapers.

Travel Tip(s)

During the holiday season, which spans from Easter to All Saints’ Day, temporary stairs are installed for visitor access.

Dune du Pilat Activities

Walking: Step up to the top of the stairs (all of 160 steps) and stroll along the Dune’s serene expanse, soaking in the tranquility of this remarkable site. Down below, the inviting shores of Corniche Beach beckon.

Swimming: The dune’s slope varies from steep on the forest side to more gradual near the water, where the swimming area awaits!

Sandboarding: Experience the thrill of sandboarding on the towering dune, offering the perfect terrain for this unique activity. While renting a board may pose a challenge, sliding down the dune promises an unforgettable adventure. Sandboarding, akin to snowboarding, involves riding down or across the sand dune while standing on a board, offering exhilarating fun for adventurers of all kinds.

Paragliding Paradise: For paragliders, the Dune of Pilat stands as a captivating flying destination in Europe. With optimal wind conditions and a stunning landscape, it’s no surprise that this site is a magnet for paragliding enthusiasts during spring, summer, and fall. From practicing reverse launch techniques to navigating strong winds, the dune offers a thrilling playground for paragliders seeking adventure amidst breathtaking surroundings.

Dune climbing tips

Embark on an exhilarating climb up the sandy slopes of the dune with these helpful tips:

Take Your Time: Climbing sand dunes requires patience and pacing, especially given the loose sand and steep inclines. Take it slow and steady to conserve energy. As a rule, it will take you between 15 and 20 minutes to climb the dune, depending on how fit you are. Needless to say, the teenagers climb the dune easily 3 to 4 times!
Zig-Zag Pattern: Opt for a zig-zag ascent rather than tackling the dune straight on. This strategy allows for smaller steps, making the climb more manageable.
Utilize Your Arms: Engage your arms to assist in pushing yourself up the dune, maintaining balance, and preventing slips.
Wear Proper Footwear: Equip yourself with sturdy, closed-toe shoes with excellent traction to navigate the sandy terrain safely. Avoid open-toe footwear to ensure stability and support during the climb.

Don't overlook essential gear for your visit

Binoculars, camera, and tripod: Capture every breathtaking moment and glimpse distant views with ease.
Sun and sand protection: Shield yourself from the elements with a sun hat, sun gloves, sunglasses, and UPF-rated clothing to protect against harmful UV rays. Consider packing a bandana or lightweight face and neck cover for added protection. Earplugs can also come in handy to keep sand out of your ears during windy conditions.

Travel Tip(s)

Bring ample water to combat dehydration, especially with the exertion of climbing sand dunes. Take regular breaks to rehydrate and replenish.

Check out Amazon’s collection of travel gear and accessories to discover the perfect items for your visit to the Dune du Pilat:

Is Dune du Pilat worth exploring?

Yes, absolutely! The Dune du Pilat is unique and unusual, making it a destination well worth visiting. As the tallest sand dune in Europe, its impressive size and breathtaking views make it a must-see attraction. Whether you’re intrigued by its natural beauty, interested in sandboarding down its slopes, or simply drawn to its serene surroundings, the Dune du Pilat offers a memorable experience for all visitors.