Dune du Pilat

What it is

The Dune du Pilat is the tallest dune in Europe: 101.7 metres measured in 2025. It rises between the pine forest of the Landes and the mouth of the Arcachon bay, in Pyla-sur-Mer. It is a protected natural area, managed as a Grand Site, which receives about two million visitors a year. Climbing is free; you only pay for parking.

From the top you see the ocean, the Banc d'Arguin, a nature reserve of sandbanks at the mouth of the bay, the tip of Cap Ferret opposite and, inland, a sea of pines as far as the eye can see. Allow between an hour and an hour and a half.

The climb

From the car park to the foot of the dune it is about 150 metres of sand under the pines, passing the welcome area, with exhibition and information cabins, toilets, restaurants and shops. From there:

• By the staircase: about 140 steps, installed from April to November. It is the easiest way.
• By the sand: when there is no staircase, or if you prefer, you climb the slope on foot. The managers warn: it is not a beach, it is a mountain, and the sand and the weather can make the climb hard.

At the top there is no shade, water or anywhere to eat. Bring water, a hat, sunglasses and sun cream, and footwear: in summer the sand burns. Avoid the middle of the day.

From the ocean side you can also reach the foot of the dune by about a hundred steps from the Corniche, in Pyla-sur-Mer.

Parking and prices

The car park at the welcome area is paid, and the proceeds go towards managing the Grand Site.

• High season (from the winter school holidays to the end of the All Saints holidays): car €7 for 4 hours, €9 for 8 hours, €11 for 12 hours.
• Low season: car €1 for 4 hours, €2 for 8 hours, €4 for 12 hours.
• Motorhome: €10, €12 or €14 in high season; €2, €4 or €6 in low season.
• 30-minute stop: free.

Parking is prohibited from 2:00 to 5:00, with a €50 fine, and on the roadside verges or next to the forest, with a €135 fine and towing. In summer, check the car park's real-time occupancy on the Grand Site website before setting off. More details in Dune du Pilat parking.

Without a car

• By bus: Baïa line 3 leaves from Arcachon station, towards Plage de la Salie, and stops at Dune du Pilat in about 25 minutes; it runs all year except Sundays and public holidays. In July and August, the 101 Express leaves from Arcachon station and from the La Teste-de-Buch market.
• By bike: the dune is on the Vélodyssée and on the bay's cycle paths. The welcome area has bike racks and lockers.
• By train: the TER from Bordeaux reaches Arcachon in about 50 minutes.

When to go

In summer, at sunrise or sunset: there are fewer people, it is cooler and the light is at its best. In July and August traffic is heavy: check car park occupancy before setting off. Out of season parking costs far less and the dune is almost empty, although the staircase is only there from April to November.

Rules

It is a protected natural area: dogs always on a lead, no fires or smoking, no camping, no motorbikes, no sliding down the dune on a board, no recreational drones. Paragliding is regulated. The forest around has a high fire risk all year.

With children and accessibility

Children love running down the sand; the climb feels long to them, so the staircase is better. With a pushchair, the welcome area is accessible, but the 150 metres of sand to the foot of the dune are not. The summit is not wheelchair accessible; to see the dune without climbing, the Daniel Meller beach promenade, in Pyla, and the Le Moulleau pier, in Arcachon, are accessible.