Arcachon was developed as a resort in the 19th century, and the promenade is populated with large hotels – some with a fancy façade but most are efficient modern constructions.
The big hotels, the shopping streets behind them and the wide, sandy beaches in front are all part of the ville d’été (summer town), the district of Arcachon designed to accommodate and amuse Victorian holiday-makers arriving from Bordeaux by train.
When we were there, Easter was still a bit too chilly for sea-bathing at Plage d’Arcachon.
The streets were packed with people, however. We were lucky to have found underground parking near the beach after some searching.
We did not have time to explore the ville d’hiver (winter town) which has beautiful splendid mansion, so we read in a guide afterwards. Some are visible from the water while we were crossing the bay to Cap Ferret (see later post).
The ferry pier was quiet after the last boat service.
We could not resist the Ferris wheel – we had never been on one that is on the beach.
For the first revolution, because the sea is featureless, we did not really see/feel how quickly we rose in altitude.
Then tiny people we saw … the ascent happened surprisingly quickly.
Near the top, looking towards Arcachon Bay … Click here to our post on crossing the bay to Cap Ferret.
Very quickly we found ourselves at the very top – the view was magnifique and the breeze was so refreshing. Unforgettable.
Looking towards the mouth of the Bay … we couldn’t quite see the Atlantic which is on the other side of the peninsula.
Before Google Earth, the quiet aerial view of any place, let alone a beach town, at this height must have been so unique.
We will try to go on more rides on a Ferris wheel in the future, for now, see our other Ferris wheel experience in Vienna, London, and Lyon.
Before arriving at Arcachon, we had a delicious lunch of fresh oysters – click here to see where oysters are cultured in the bay.