Cap Ferret

Cap Ferret is a long sand spit closing most of the Arcachon basin, with the Atlantic breaking on its western beaches and the calm bay on its eastern side, and the two sides have quite different characters. Along the bay lie the villages ostreicoles, rows of low wooden cabins in weathered colours where oyster growers work and, increasingly, serve oysters and white wine at plank tables; L'Herbe and Le Canon are the best known. The lighthouse of 1947 gives the whole spit from fifty-two metres. A small train has run to the ocean beach since 1950. Building is restricted, which keeps it low and pine-shaded.

What you actually see

• The oyster villages - rows of low wooden cabins on the bay side.
• The lighthouse - a 1947 tower with the spit and basin laid out below.
• The two coasts - Atlantic surf on one side, still water on the other.
• The little train - a seasonal line from the bay to the ocean beach.

When to go

May to September; the oyster shacks are mostly seasonal and many close in winter. The boat from Arcachon is quicker than driving round the basin. August is busy and expensive.

Honest expectations

Driving round the bay takes over an hour; the ferry is the sensible route. Oyster shacks serve oysters and little else, often without hot food. Atlantic beaches have strong rip currents.

Nearby

Arcachon lies across the water; the Dune du Pilat is south.