Things to do in Cap-Ferret

Between the Atlantic Ocean and the Arcachon Basin, the Cap-Ferret peninsula offers a Gascon art de vivre made of wide open spaces, maritime pine forest, wild dunes and oyster-farming traditions. Here are our ideas for making the most of your stay at Villa La Giovanna.

Ocean beaches

On the Atlantic side, long sandy beaches backed by dunes stretch for miles. From the villa, they are about 5 minutes by bike. Surfing, bodyboarding, long walks and sunsets over the ocean are on the menu. The ocean can be powerful: in season, swim only in supervised areas and follow the lifeguards' flags.

Basin beaches

On the Arcachon Basin side, the water is calmer and gentler, ideal with young children depending on the tides. The views over the Basin, Bird Island and the Dune du Pilat on the opposite shore are superb, especially at the end of the day.

The peninsula by bike

Bikes rule in Cap-Ferret. A network of cycle paths runs through the peninsula and the pine forest, linking the villages. It is the most pleasant — and in summer often the fastest — way to get to the beach, the market or dinner. Bike rental shops can be found on the peninsula.

Oyster villages and oyster huts

Along the Basin, oyster villages such as L'Herbe, Le Canon and Piraillan, with their narrow lanes and wooden huts, have kept all their charm. The oyster huts offer tastings of Arcachon Basin oysters, often right by the water: an unmissable local experience.

Cap-Ferret lighthouse and the point

The Cap-Ferret lighthouse, the peninsula's landmark, is open to visitors (check opening times). From the top, the view takes in the ocean, the Basin and the Dune du Pilat. Further south, the tip of Cap-Ferret marks the meeting point of the Basin and the ocean.

Boat trips on the Basin

Boats connect Cap-Ferret with Arcachon and offer excursions on the Basin, for example around Bird Island and its famous stilt houses (cabanes tchanquées). Pinasses, the Basin's traditional boats, are part of the landscape. From Arcachon, the Dune du Pilat, Europe's highest dune, is a classic day out.

Markets and food

The peninsula's local markets are perfect for stocking up on fresh produce: fish, oysters, fruit, pastries… Everything you need for a big dinner in the villa's fully equipped kitchen, or a barbecue in the garden.

And at the villa

Sometimes the best plan is to do nothing: a long morning by the heated pool, a nap in the shade of the pines in the large enclosed garden, dinner on the wooden deck, then an evening by the fireplace when nights turn cooler. Discover the villa.

Plan your stay

• How to get here: Getting to Cap-Ferret
• Travelling as a group: Family reunion or friends' getaway
• Avoid the crowds: Off-season stays
• All your questions: FAQ