Exploring Europe's Tallest Sand Dune: Unforgettable Adventures at the Grande Dune du Pila
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I never imagined I'd find myself standing on the tallest sand dune in Europe. As someone who’s always been an "Asian girly," my travel adventures have mostly been in East and Southeast Asia. I used to joke that I'd save Europe for my 50s or 60s, picturing myself as part of a senior tour group, all of us rocking matching purple hats like we’re in some kind of stylish elder cult.
Funny how things never go as planned. Back in early 2019, on a semi-whim, I decided to learn to code and joined a boot camp in Amsterdam—in the dead of winter (because why not choose the coldest, darkest time of year for a new challenge?). While trying to debug some code, my friend invited me to his hometown of Bordeaux, France. Visiting France had never crossed my mind, let alone Bordeaux, which I soon learned is the home of the famous Bordeaux wine.
I wasn’t about to pass on a spontaneous and kind invite. The details of how I arrived in Bordeaux are a bit fuzzy (possibly due to the coding-induced sleep deprivation), but what’s not fuzzy is the actual time spent there. Besides exploring the city with my friend and spending time with his family, riding the country roads, and exploring castles, one of the biggest highlights Bordeaux highlights was visiting the Dune of Pilat.
Perched on the edge of Arcachon Bay, just an hour-ish drive south of Bordeaux, the Dune du Pilat is Europe's largest sand dune. Spanning half a kilometer in width, almost three kilometers in length, and rising just over 100 meters, it majestically sits between the roaring waves of the Atlantic Ocean and a vibrant green pine forest.
The trek up the dune was steep and challenging. I highly recommend not trying to race your friend (who, by the way, is a tennis pro) up the dune. I probably managed 5.5 steps before I dramatically collapsed. There are wooden stairs available for an easier climb, but I was too proud to use them and couldn’t resist tackling the slope barefoot. Not making excuses, but it was also a windy day when we visited, so my speed was definitely hampered by the gale-force winds.
At the top, people were relaxing on blankets, walking along the ridge, and some of the more nimble and younger folks were running up and down (because apparently, they’re part mountain goat). From the summit, I could see the ocean on one side and the green pine forest on the other.
We spent a good chunk of time being like kids playing in the sand, making large drawings in the dune, and just enjoying the simple, youthful fun of running down sandy hills.
My spontaneous trip to Bordeaux and the adventure up the dune reminded me that sometimes the best experiences are the ones we never planned for. It’s a journey worth every step.
Update:
Unfortunately, in 2022, a forest blaze damaged a significant portion of the forest. Yet, amidst the ashes, new sprouts are emerging, showcasing nature's resilient effort to restore itself.
Getting there
There are really only two options to get to the site: by train + bus or by car. We decided to drive (well, my friend decided).
🚗 By car
The drive from the center of Bordeaux to La Dune du Pilat is around 1 hour-ish.
There is parking at the entrance of the site where you can park for a fee. I know no one likes paying to have their car sit in the sun all day, but all of the parking fees are donated to the preservation of the site. Parking fees vary depending on the season and time expected spending.
🚂 By train
Hop on the TER line 41.2U from Bordeaux Saint-Jean to Arcachon—it’s about a 50-minute ride. You can grab your tickets online ahead of time or buy them at the station.
Once you get to Arcachon, catch the Line 3 bus from the train station to La Dune du Pilat. The bus ride takes about 25 minutes.
The bus stop is right outside the train station. You can buy your tickets directly from the bus driver, so don't forget to bring some cash for your €1 bus ticket 💶. You can get more directional and pricing details from the site’s official website here.
Tips & Recommendations
There are really two options of getting to the Dune: by train or by car. We opted for the car to allow for other site visits along the way.
Strong winds: Strong winds are common, so it's wise to bring along a light jacket. If you're on the smaller side, make sure to bring a friend to hang on to avoid getting blown away.
Steep climb: Be prepared for a steep climb up the dune. Maybe don’t try to be a superhero and run up it. Wooden stairs are available and maybe easier. Sadly the Dune itself is difficult to access (walking in sand, steep slope, etc.) for people with limited mobility. I do hope it will be accessible to all shortly.
Keep It Clean: Let's keep this natural wonder pristine for future visitors by taking your trash with you.
Sun Protection: Don't forget to put sunscreen on for cloudy days too. The UV rays will always find a way. Your skin will thank you later!
Barefoot Walking: It’s easier to walk in the sand barefoot than with sandals or sneakers. Expect to kick off your footwear once you start your climb. Embrace the sandy toes!
People-watching paradise: Take a lazy time to enjoy the scenery and people watching—it's my personal favorite!