Visiting a giant sand dune might not sound like the most exciting thing to do on holiday, but there’s more to it than you’d think. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I arrived at the biggest sand dune in Europe, as it’s hard to get a real sense of scale from the photos. But a visit to Dune du Pilat quickly proved to be more memorable than it sounds.
Me and the kids at Dune du Pilat in France
Where is Dune du Pilat?
Situated in southwestern France, about an hour’s drive from Bordeaux and just south of the Bay of Arcachon, the Dune du Pilat sits between the Atlantic Ocean and a large pine forest (what is left of it – see below). It’s close to the seaside town of Pyla-sur-Mer, which is why you’ll sometimes see it called Dune du Pyla.
How tall is Dune du Pilat?
The height of Dune du Pilat changes slightly each year between 100 and 115 metres high, depending on the weather conditions. It’s about 2.7 kilometres long and 500 to 600 metres wide, making it the tallest sand dune in Europe.
How was Dune du Pilat formed?
Sand carried in by the nearby Eyre River gradually built up along the coast over thousands of years, and strong Atlantic winds pushed it inland, forming the dune we see today. The wind continues to move it slowly eastwards each year, so the landscape is constantly changing. Archaeological digs have shown that people were living in the area more than 2,600 years ago.
The biggest sand dune in Europe
What to do near Dune du Pilat
Just walking along the top of the great Dune du Pyla makes for a lovely scenic walk. It’s not too tough a climb, but walking on the sand takes more effort than you think. If you’re still there as the sun goes down, you’ll catch some amazing sunset views.
There are plenty of other activities to do around the dune and along the coast nearby. Here are some ideas:
- Dune surfing – Bring an old surfboard, or even a snowboard to slide down the slopes. Great fun for kids (and adults). My kids took great pleasure in rolling down the dune, which made for endless fun and laughter!
- Swimming at Plage de la Corniche – At the northern end of the dune, this beach is supervised from 11am to 7pm in summer.
- Jet ski and water sports – Several spots nearby such as Jet Experience, offer jet ski rental and guided tours around Arcachon Bay.
- Paragliding – Try a tandem jump with Pyla Parapente from the southern end of the dune. You can opt for a calm drift or something with a bit more adrenaline.
- Walking – Although the forest fires damaged large parts of the surrounding Landes forest, making access strictly prohibited, there are still plenty of great walks in the area. The Gironde tourist website has a wide selection of walking routes, plus up-to-date info on local events, places to stay, and where to eat.
- Cycling – Dune du Pilat is part of the Vélodyssée cycle route, which runs along the Atlantic Coast from Brittany to the Basque Country. With a network of cycle paths around Arcachon, the dune is easy to reach by bike, with plenty of local bike rentals.
Where to stay near Dune du Pilat
Dune du Pilat camping
There are several campsites nearby, and most are rated fairly equally—so it really depends on availability. In peak summer, the ones closest to the dune book up fast, so it’s worth checking the Camping France website for other options around the region.
You’ll also find a good mix of Airbnbs, gîtes, and other rentals in nearby towns like Arcachon, Gujan-Mestras and La Teste-de-Buch, many of which are just a short drive or cycle from the dune.
The beaches of Dune du Pilat in France
Hotels near Dune du Pilat
If you’re looking for a bit more comfort or sea views, there are a few hotels and guesthouses dotted along the coast. Some are just a short distance from the dune and give you easy access without the need to drive or park.
Where to eat near Dune du Pilat
If you don’t fancy carrying a picnic up the dune, or if you’re after something a bit more relaxing at the end of the day, there are plenty of places to eat nearby.
- Handy for a quick bite, there are cafés by the main carpark, but they can get busy, especially in summer.
- If you want to try some fresh, local oysters, The Oyster Bar in Arcachon is well known and highly rated.
- La Co(o)rniche Hotel is a 5-star spot with ocean views and excellent food. Worth it for a treat.
- Just a short drive away, Arcachon is full of beachfront restaurants and casual dining, serving everything from seafood platters to ice cream.
What happened during the Dune du Pilat fire?
In July 2022, a wildfire broke out in the forest of La Teste-de-Buch after a vehicle caught fire during extreme heat and dry conditions. The blaze quickly spread, and over the course of 11 days, it destroyed around 7,000 hectares of forest, five campsites, and nearby buildings. Thousands of people were evacuated, and the area was closed to visitors during the emergency. Conservation efforts are now underway to support the regrowth of the forest and ensure safe access for visitors.
How to visit Dune du Pilat: Travel tips and best time to go
From Bordeaux to Dune du Pilat, it’s about an hour’s drive. There’s a large car park near the entrance, and while there’s a fee (€4 for 2 hours and €6 for 4 hours), the money goes towards preserving the site. It can fill up quickly in peak season, so arrive early if you’re visiting in summer. If you’re not driving, you can also take the train to Arcachon and then hop on a local bus to the dune.
The dune itself is free to access, and from mid-April to early November, there’s a staircase (150–160 steps) to help you reach the top. Outside of that time, you’ll need to climb up the sand. The sand gets very hot in summer, so choose your footwear wisely, but if conditions allow, barefoot is the way to go.
There’s no shade anywhere at the top, and it can get windy, so bring sun protection, water, and something to cover up if needed. The best time to visit is spring or early autumn, when the weather’s good but there are fewer crowds.
