Situated at the entrance to Arcachon Bay and near the commune of La Teste de Buch, the Dune du Pilat (or Pyla as it is also known) is an amazing phenomenon. At 500 m wide, almost three kilometres long and 107 m high, it is Europe’s largest sand dune; in fact, it is still moving, up to 5 m a year as the particles of sand – up to 60 million cubic metres – are blown by the wind. Climb to the top for amazing views.
You can climb the dune on the soft sand, but unless you’re extremely fit, take the 154 wooden steps that have been built on the steeper inland side. You can descend via the steps too or do as many people do and either run full pelt down the dune or roll all the way down it (a popular option with children). The fastest way is to surf down on a bodyboard – exhilarating!
Read more