With our Arcachon best eats tips & our favorite Atlantic sea side places
Discover the Atlantic Coast from Bordeaux
Craving some fresh ocean air during your stay in Bordeaux?
Treat yourself to a day trip to the Atlantic coast and explore the region’s breathtaking natural landscapes. From the towering Dune du Pilat and the traditional oyster ports of Gujan-Mestras, to the wild beaches of Cap Ferret and the serene lakes of the Médoc, every destination promises a perfect blend of nature and culinary delights.
Follow our expert tips for a smooth and memorable escape. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a seafront restaurant in Arcachon Bay, or indulge in a meal with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
And when your coastal adventure comes to an end, your cozy room at La Maison Bleue Bordeaux B&B will be waiting—ready to extend the charm and comfort of your getaway.
Best Spots for an Escape to the Atlantic & Arcachon best eats
Where to relax on the Atlantic coast?
ALL ALONG THE ATLANTIC COAST
The forest, then the dune and finally the ocean. The ocean – the big one – with its endless sandy beaches and … no one to see that you’ve put on a few pounds this winter.
Beaches north of the Bassin d’Arcachon: Lacanau (urban resort, easy beach access), Le Porge , Le Truc Vert , Le Grand Crohot, l’Horizon.
South of the Bassin, Petit Nice beach, La Lagune, Biscarosse.
Good to know ..,
on the Atlantic in season, the main beaches are supervised between the flags planted on the beach. Beyond that, you’ll need to be careful, but you’ll enjoy unrivalled peace and quiet to lay down your towel. A little further out, the Naturist zone begins. So if you want a tan without demarcation, this is your spot of choice.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE IMPORTANT FOR YOUR SAFETY.
Do you know the Baïnes?
On the beach, you’ll discover a small pool where the water is calm without waves, and warm because it’s shallow and warmed by the sun… It’s like a natural swimming pool.
DO NOT BATH THERE, OR WORSE, TAKE CHILDREN THERE.
If you are ever caught in a “baïne”, don’t fight the current, just let it carry you, and then return to shore when you can no longer feel the current.
Where to eat well on the Atlantic coast?
GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY IN LACANAU
L’ASSIETTE IN LACANAU OCEAN WITH SEA VIEW
Lacanau’s regular haunt: Good and relaxed…. Sunset bonus.Our summer “cantine” for years. With its sometimes African-style cuisine, the dish of the day is well worth the detour. Regulars and locals, surfers addicted to the wave and the white aperitif: I shouldn’t leave the address on the internet… Only bring real friends. No chi-chi.
The plus: the best value for money in Lacanau, with views of the ocean and sunset every evening. It rhymes with summer evenings for us.
UPDATE: It has just changed ownership and our last experience was … different. So I’ll leave the address and keep you posted.
Lacanau chic restaurants
World cuisine. Ask to eat in the garden in summer: a surprise awaits you!
Excellent in every way! Tested for a birthday party: lovely welcome, impeccable cuisine.
Where to have lunch on the Bassin d’Arcachon South?
Arcachon best eats
Arcachon is very touristy, so it’s not easy to find a restaurant…
Dare I mention one or two names? nope!
Bon…allez … : Le pique assiette, chez pierre, Diego, Chez Yvette… subject to change.
Pereire Beach
The cuisine is simple, but the setting is a delight before or after the season.
A little too trendy and crowded at the height of the season. Reserve for May, June and September. Closed in winter.
The plus : ice bucket with a bottle of white or rosé as fresh as you like, your feet in the sand with a view of Cap Ferret and the setting sun. Magical moments!
Eating out at Le Moulleau
Restaurant-bar du Moulleau. Excellent value for money.
Gault et Millau. Reservations only by phone 05 56 54 23 61
the bay of arcachon best eats: relaxation, oysters and fresh air
THE PORT OF LARROS IN GUJAN MESTRAS
A group of oyster-farmers’ huts between Arcachon (visit the winter town) and Le Teich (bird sanctuary).
THE BUTTERFLY OYSTER IN LARROS HARBOR
Cabane du producteur, oysters, white or rosé and pâté (yes, here in the area, we eat oysters with sausages, or pâté,… or crépinettes (for the holidays)!
RESTAURANT WITH TERRACE overlooking the fishpond
Seafood and regional specialities in Gujan Mestras at the entrance to the port of Larros.
La Teste de Buch
Where to eat in the Nord Bassin?
Since the film “Les petits mouchoirs”… The Cap-Ferriens tribe has changed a lot…
Those whose motto could be summed up as “to live happily, let’s live hidden” have seen the growth of trendy boutiques and ephemeral restaurants for the duration of the season.
So I’m only going to tell you about the ones that have proven themselves over the years.
Cap Ferret: top restaurants and flavours with your feet in the sand!
Once located at the tip. With the retreat of the coastline, the restaurant, run for 4 generations since the famous Hortense, has long since taken up residence at 26 Av. du Sémaphore, 33970 Lège-Cap-Ferret. Reservations recommended: 0556606256. A Cap institution.
The plus: the freshness, the view of the Dune du Pilat opposite, like a large Norwegian omelette.
When the boat arrives from Arcachon. Belisaire jetty
“location, location… location”
Open 7/7: 2-course menu €38.5, 3-course menu €47. Terrace overlooking the basin and the Dune du Pilat. Reservations only by telephone: 05 56 03 77 87.
Typical brasserie cuisine. No reservations: open 7 days a week, from 8am to 10pm. Information on 05 56 60 68 17
Cap Ferret: enjoy oysters with a breathtaking view
The authentic Cap Ferret, a much-improved oyster farmer’s hut.
The plus: a pontoon for arriving by boat, a terrace with large cushions facing the basin, seafood and fresh mineral wines. An excellent souvenir. And while you’re there, you can take a stroll through the alleys between the fishermen’s and oyster-farmers’ shacks. The Cap Ferret we love. “To live happily, let’s live hidden”.
ALSO: La Cabane du Mimbeau, chez Magne
MORE CHIC
LA MAISON DU BASSIN Restaurant
Maître restaurateur: which means all homemade. Excellent in our personal experience. Remember a superb dessert buffet, incredible variety when you know the work behind it. But when it’s gone, it’s gone! That’s the homemade victim of its own success! Recommended.
WITH SMALA
Au Canon, a pizzeria that’s sure to please you and your children. We’ve been going there for several years. Nothing to say except keep coming back.
Where to drink and dine on the lakes
Lac de Lacanau
Our secret spot for sipping a drink while reading in the shade of the pines. A refreshment bar with snacks on the port of Lacanau ville. Peace and quiet guaranteed.
Lake Cazaux
The place is quiet, facing the lake. With garlands of multicolored light bulbs. The owner’s welcome depends on the season, but it’s usually a good evening. A place to take the kids and let them frolic on the beach while you enjoy a moonlit tête-à-tête… 😉
The place is usually packed, on Laouga beach.
But if you can make a reservation or are lucky enough to find a table there. That’s fine.
Reservations: +33(0)556221484
How do I get to the coast from Bordeaux?
Practical information
Without a vehicle: THE BEST CHOICE IS ARCACHON
It’s very easy to get to Arcachon and see the Dune du Pila by public transport.
From La Maison Bleue, take bus no. 9 to Gare St Jean, from where there is an hourly train to Arcachon, Gujan Mestras (the seven oyster ports of Gujan and their small restaurants), Le Teich (bird sanctuary and canoeing down the Leyre).
The train journey (55min) is just as quick as by car, without the traffic problems that can be significant in fine weather.
Alternatively, take the “beach” buses to discover the northern part of the Bassin: route 601 runs from Bordeaux to Lège- Cap Ferret, route 701 to Le Porge, route 702 to Lacanau and route 710 to Carcan. All buses leave from Gare St Jean, easily reached by bus 9 from the Maison d’hôtes.
To book your ticket : transports.nouvelle-aquitaine
Of course, bicycles are also available for the more sporty, so you can include your stay at La Maison Bleue in a cycling road trip: we have secure storage facilities, and a magnificent cycle path runs from the tip of the Gironde to the south of the basin.
From Bordeaux, the voie Verte runs to Lacanau.
Other bicycle resources: komoot website
WITH A VEHICLE: ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
From La Maison Bleue Bordeaux, you have quick access to the coast: leave the parking lot and arrive at the St Genès barrier, for example:
- you can take the boulevards, and take the two-lane road at the Pellegrin hospital…. direct to Lacanau
- or right, next barrier “de Pessac”, straight on towards Arcachon: valid if you think there’s going to be a lot of traffic. This is the old Arcachon road,
- or straight on at Barrière St Genès to find the ring road and the A 63 expressway to Arcachon.
TOP VISITS IN THE ARCACHON BAY – many experiences to choose from:
- Visit the winter town of Arcachon / eat oysters in Gujan Mestras (oyster museum) or on the port of Arcachon, stroll along the boards leading from the port of Arcachon to the Thiers pier.
- The Ornithological Park at Le Teich with the kids or a trip down the Leyre in a canoe for a cool moment.
- Take the boat for a tour of Ile aux Oiseaux at Jetée Thiers (excursion with commentary and view of the Cabanes Tchanquées) and go to Bélisaire Cap Ferret.
- Eating out in Cap Ferret, eye to eye with a view of Dune du Pila
- Return with the return boat and watch the sunset from Dune du Pyla, or from Plage Club Pereire.
- With whom? Lovers, children, friends … Everyone will appreciate
And come back to us with your impressions. We’re always on the lookout for new addresses.
Tourism along the Atlantic coast : Tourism in Aquitaine Atlantic coast
WIth our Bordeaux B&B tips, make the most of your holidays.
You have just visited: escape to the Atlantic ocean and Arcachon area / Best eats and relax spots on the French coast.
- Discover our small intimate B&B hotel in Bordeaux city centre and our guestrooms
Our other touristic and gastronomic guides of the Bordeaux region:
Why choose La Maison Bleue for a seaside getaway?
Why start your holiday from our B&B ?
Staying at La Maison Bleue means choosing a strategic base to combine urban culture and outdoor nature. With Bordeaux as your home base, you can enjoy the city’s rich history, gastronomy, and vibrant life—while still having the freedom to explore the Atlantic coast or prestigious vineyards like Médoc and Saint-Émilion.
- Full flexibility: Plan your stay around the weather and your interests. Spend the morning in the city, then head to the beach or the vineyards in the afternoon—it’s all within easy reach.
- Direct access to the coast: La Maison Bleue is ideally located near main roads to Arcachon Bay, Cap Ferret, and Lacanau, making day trips effortless.
- Year-round activities: Unlike some coastal resorts that can be quiet in the off-season, Bordeaux offers culture, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife every day of the year.
La Maison Bleue is the ideal choice* for a well-balanced stay—combining relaxation, discovery, and freedom to explore.
* Perfect choice for travelers searching for: “Bordeaux day trip to Atlantic coast”, “Arcachon Bay excursion”, “oyster tasting Bordeaux”, “beach day from Bordeaux”, or simply, “authentic stay near Bordeaux wine country and ocean”.