The Cap Ferret peninsula

This strip of dunes surrounded by acres of forests spans nearly 25 kilometres, from Lège town centre to the tip of the Cap Ferret peninsula.

More than a dozen villages and hamlets are dotted along the coastline, bordered to the east by Arcachon Bay and to the west by the rugged beaches of the Atlantic.

Every village boasts a rich history and the distinctive charm of the peninsula: a lifestyle shaped by the ebb and flow of the tides; typical flora combining pine and strawberry trees; and small oyster-farming villages made up of multicoloured huts separated by sandy pathways where calla lilies grow alongside morning glories and oleanders.

Cap Ferret

Cap Ferret!… where the lagoon stops and the holidays begin… One of the most popular districts, the tip of Cap Ferret contains everything the peninsula is famous for.

A lively village bustling with shops and restaurants, a large daily summer market, a traditional oyster-farming and fishing district, breathtaking views of the Dune du Pilat and the Atlantic Ocean, both “urban” and “rustic” beaches, with the vast expanses of the ocean waves just a stone’s throw away.

The range of real estate properties available is just as varied, from fishing huts to large traditional family villas.

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Les américains

Between the La Vigne district and Bélisaire beach in the village of Cap Ferret lies the Les Américains district nestled in pine forests, offering a secluded atmosphere.

Its current name is an ode to its past, when an American air force base was built at the back of the beach towards the end of the First World War.

Nowadays, the area is particularly preserved thanks to vegetation and its location away from car traffic. The beach boasts one of the most breathtaking views on this side of the bay, from the Pointe aux Chevaux beach to the Dune du Pyla

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La Vigne

Stretching along the road of the same name towards the tip of the peninsula, the La Vigne district is particularly popular in Cap Ferret. It is home to the only marina on the peninsula where many unusual constructions dating back to the 60s, when it was built, can be found. In the pine forest surrounding the dunes, large beautiful family homes offer spectacular views of the bay and the sandbanks uncovered by the ebb and flow of the tides.

The long La Vigne beach next to the harbour is perfect for families thanks to its supervised swimming area. This wooden, sheltered area is a hotspot among the youth of Cap Ferret.

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L’Herbe

This typical oyster-farming village is full of scenic and architectural contrasts. At the edge of the bay, the charming L’Herbe cove is home to a sandy beach overlooking the Ile aux Oiseaux. Numerous waterfront oyster huts welcome large groups, providing the perfect way to unwind after a family swim.

At just a few metres from the water’s edge, the L’Herbe dune shelters magnificent villas, nestled in the heart of luxurious vegetation with breathtaking views of the bay. At the beachside, the Algerian chapel stands as a testimony to the peninsula’s rich past. Its boat ramp and nautical area are brimming with constant activity geared towards marine adventures.

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Le Canon

The lively typical village of Le Canon is located in the southern part of the peninsula, bordering the bay and overlooking the Ile aux Oiseaux. In the summer months, its jetty links it daily to the Arcachon area (Arcachon and Le Moulleau).

This charming oyster farming area is also home to Cap Ferret’s famous names and producers. Tastings, restaurants, local shops and summer market stalls make it an essential place to visit any time you need something. On the bay side, quaint holiday homes are dotted along tranquil beaches. Behind the village and in the heart of the pine forest, larger villas are a short walk or bike ride from the ocean.

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Piraillan

Like every village in the peninsula, Piraillan combines two atmospheres: the bay area and the pine forest area. Luxury villas surrounded by wooded gardens are hidden in residential areas such as the Vallons du Ferret. On the bay side, lovely traditional properties feature terraces overlooking the water.

The small Piraillan cove is a picturesque classified site home to a typical fishing village and oyster port with an original design. The tastings take place in a welcoming, floral atmosphere.

Throughout the summer season, the third daily outdoor and covered market on the peninsula is held in Piraillan.

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Piquey

This single name combines the two villages of Le Petit and Le Grand Piquey. Petit Piquey, a lively village filled with shops, restaurants and outdoor market stalls during the summer, is located at the intersection of the Bordeaux road that winds along the bay coastline and the Truc Vert road that leads to the ocean. The whole area has a certain charm to it, featuring small villas opening directly onto the beaches or overlooking the seawall, an oyster port and a jetty. Behind the villages towards the ocean, larger plots of land are home to beautiful villas surrounded by trees.

A jetty and boat ramp in Grand Piquey ensure constant and picturesque activity.

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Les Jacquets

Featuring a small oyster port nestled at the bottom of a lagoon, Les Jacquets brings together all the charms of the bay’s villages: from lovely Arcachon-style houses to fishing huts built on the sand, panoramic views of the whole bay area and the Ile aux oiseaux, oyster tastings “by the waterside at the edge of the world”… Stretching on an imposing sand dune, the Jacquets national forest separates the oyster-farming district from the beach of the same name, which is never exposed, even at low tide, and leads to the village of Petit Piquey.

On the other side towards the forest and ocean, many family villas with leafy gardens are dotted along the Truc Vert road.

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Claouey

After crossing pine forests, Claouey reveals the first panoramic view of the entire bay area. The perfect relaxing pit stop to discover Cap Ferret, it boasts a wide range of activities in an unspoilt landscape.

Lively all year round, Claouey village is home to a traditional covered market, an oyster port and many local shops. A lively sailing school offers water sports to make the most of the area’s distinctive character. Benefiting from calm tides and little traffic on the water, it is the ideal base for canoe or kayak outings. The area is also popular for its numerous other sports facilities, including a skate park, tennis and squash courts, a pelota trinquet, a high rope course and a golf course.

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