directions_bike by Chris Riches -

Arcachon and Dune du Pilat

Bordeaux was a very interesting detour and well worth the visit, but it was time to go back to the west coast by train and then continue the journey south by bike. The route along the cycleway along the riverbank to Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean enabled viewing the city from a different perspective and the station itself was vast. I managed to find the correct regional TER train just in time, which fortunately allowed unassembled bikes on board, and went to nearby Arcachon.

Once I had located a campsite in Arcachon and pitched the tent I visited the main town and sea front area. It was fairly overcast and windy, the town had an international feeling about it and was really busy at the time of my visit. On the rainy walk down in to the town there was a very steep, sandy hill, followed by a lot of grand, luxurious looking villa type houses which seemed to be holiday homes.

It would rain a lot overnight but the weather was far better the next day, making it a good time to visit Dune du Pilat, a few miles down the coast.

Firstly I tried to visit the famous dune by taking a footpath off the main road, this proved to be difficult and then ultimately impossible trying to take the bike along the narrow, steep path. Although I could clearly see part of the dune from the eastern non-coastal side it was hard to get an impression of the whole landscape.

Cycling further along to the southern edge of the vast dune I checked in to a campsite which offered excellent dune and beach access and superb coastal views. When I walked down to the beach, where I spent most of the afternoon the sight of the dune was really extraordinary, rising from the sea. There were many colourful paragliders flying along the length of the dune, almost silently utilising the thermal currents to generate a staggering amount of lift. They were clearly having a great time and came close to each other and people on land at times, performing stunts, and the sight of this was nearly as impressive as the natural wonder of the dune itself.

In the early evening I climbed to the highest point of the dune where the views facing west along the coastline, and also in the easterly direction of the neighbouring enormous pine forest, were incredible.

Paragliders at Dune du Pilat

Dune du Pilat

Dune du Pilat

Sunset at Dune du Pilat

directions_bike by Chris Riches -

Dune du Pilat to Cap de L’homy

The Dune du Pilat was very enjoyable and could have stayed longer but it was nice to get back on the bike again and cycle down the coast. I was informed that it was a public holiday in France and places would be busy.

The route was quite varied passing alongside a few lakes, surf beaches and significant forest in the inland sections.

Stopping at the spectacular beaches of Biscarrosse and Mimizan broke up the ride, there seemed to be some kind of event occurring at Biscarrosse with a large gathering of people on the seafront.

I reached the seaside village of Cap de L’homy by the early evening, where I visited the beach and stayed at the campsite.

Distance: 63 miles

Maximum temperature: 29 degrees C

Biscarrosse Plage

Biscarrosse Plage

Lake at Ispe

Cap de L’homy