Which holiday atmosphere ?
Would you like to take advantage of your stay to go walking ? Breathe the sea air whilst boating ? Help your toddler with his first sandcastles ? Motivate the whole family to do sporting activities ? Or simply enjoy tranquillity for a relaxing and cocooning fortnight ? These are undoubtedly the first questions to ask yourself in order to choose which of Arcachon or Cap Ferret will be the ideal holiday setting.
Arcachon is often mentioned as being the ideal place for families and it is true to say that Arcachon beaches are ideal to enjoy the seaside with serenity. Furthermore, the Arcachon piers offer numerous activities and attractions for young children.
But Cap Ferret is also first choice for young children ! From the village, you can walk to easily accessible beaches on the bay side and the atmosphere is very family friendly . Should you look for more tranquiliity, authentic landscapes, a chic and relaxed atmosphere or bathing in the Atlantic waves, I recommend Cap Ferret.
Which attractions ?
Would you rather enjoy friendly and cozy restaurants or festive places ?
On this specific point, the Cap Ferret village is more secluded than its Arcachon neighbour. The Cap Ferret village is lively during the holiday season and you will find excellent restaurants as well as a few night establishments well known by the locals. The village also boasts upmarket fashion and decoration boutiques (boulevard de la plage) and the local market is a Must.
Arcachon clearly offers more of a city life, with more all year round restaurants and entertaining places for teenagers and adults. Its town centre and piers are forever busy places : concerts, sporting events, children roundabouts, beach games, etc.
Which water recreation ?
Arcachon beaches are certainly more adapted to children, as they offer calm water and low tides. Why not enjoy family outings on traditional “pinasses”, kayaking, paddling or fishing for crab.
In Cap Ferret, the bay side beaches undoubtedly also offer these nautical activities. For surfing and kitesurfing, choose the ocean beaches and older children and teenagers will be thrilled !
Which cultural activities ?
The entire bay is teeming with sites, monuments and other interesting activities for family visits : the Cap Ferret lighthouse, the banc d’Arguin natural reserve, the oyster rearing, etc.
Arcachon certainly offers more cultural activities as such, in particular due to its superb town heritage . You will enjoy strolling through the Ville d’Hiver and discovering its heritage classified properties. The Sainte Cécile observatory is an interesting stopover in order to get a good view of the bay. The Saint-Anne des Abatilles natural spring , the oyster House and other small themed museums represent great opportunities for family outings.
Which means of transport ?
Do you wish to come by train and just walk or cycle ? Should you wish to just do so, it is possible in Arcachon as much as Cap Ferret !
If you decide to reside in the village of Cap Ferret, you can easily cycle everywhere. If you choose Arcachon, you will notice that you are nearer to The Dune du Pilat or other focal points such as the la Teste-de-Buch zoo (a must do with the children !).
In all cases, you can easily cross over from Arcachon to Cap Ferret and vice versa thanks to the Union des Bateliers Arcachonnais (UBA). Regular crossings are available between town and village, with evening sailings in the summer !
Which accommodation ?
A garden for the children ? 3 or 4 bedrooms ? next to the bay or by the ocean ? In order to insure the most comfortable stay, the choice of your cozy nest is of the utmost importance. Whatever your decision, Arcachon, Cap Ferret village or the lighthouse area, I surely have the perfect villa to welcome you !