Arcachon

The resort of Arcachon first grew to prominence over a century ago when the citizens of Bordeaux came here to take the waters and enjoy the Atlantic beaches. These days Arcachon is still popular with day-trippers and weekend breakers from Bordeaux and other parts of France, but they have also been joined by families and couples from all over Western Europe. The reasons they come are easy to understand with balmy temperatures, a choice of beaches and a decent array of restaurants. Then there is the Dune du Pilat, a sweeping sand dune (the highest sand dune in all of Europe in fact) that reaches a height of 107m (350ft).

In the early days almost all of the holidaymakers seeking out the beaches of Arcachon were French, and even more specifically from the nearby wine city of Bordeaux. Over the years as tourism has developed this Atlantic resort has attracted holidaymakers from all over Western Europe looking for beach holidays from spring through to autumn. It is most popular with couples and families.

Arcachon lies in the southwest of France, southwest of the famous wine city of Bordeaux. Bordeaux has its own airport. The resort, which is entirely flat, lies on the Bay of Arcachon with its centre spreading inland from the main Arcachon Beach.

Arcachon's main beach is very popular with a good sweep of sand fronting the Bay of Arcachon. Various watersports are available as well as cafes and bars, sun loungers and parasols. The area around the Jetée Thiers is the most popular stretch with the most comprehensive facilities.

There are regular boat tours that run out around the Bay of Arcachon and leave from the resort's main beach. They usually take in the ‘Bird Island' (home to numerous birds and plenty of oysters too) on the way and the trips also offers great views of Arcachon and the sweep of the bay as its heads out in search of the Atlantic Ocean proper. The Winter Quarter is a relaxed area for a stroll, set on a hillside. Once popular with TB sufferers, now it is just a relaxed place to cool down in summer.

The beach that lines the Arcachon waterfront is ideal for families. Other attractions for younger visitors include the Marine Museum (19 Boulevard General Leclerc) with its myriad models, and the Aquarium (2 Rue du Professeur Jolyet).

There are plenty of shops in the resort catering unashamedly for the passing holidaymaker trade with all sorts of beachwear and souvenirs. The resort also sports a number of supermarkets, which are handy both for snacks during your stay and for stocking up on excellent value French wine. The daily market is a good place to stock up on food.

If you want serious nightlife then Bordeaux is the place to head. If you are content to enjoy the relaxed bars and cafes that line the waterfront by the main beach in the resort of Arcachon then stay in town. These range from cafes right on the beach to more traditional bars with a range of French and international beers. The resort is also home to the Arcachon Casino (163 Boulevard de la Plage) (website: http://www.partouche.fr/), which attracts holidaymakers with the full array of games and tables.

Seafood is the obvious highlight in this part of France with the local oysters particularly highly regarded. Along the main beach there are numerous restaurants serving up cheap and cheerful menus to holidaymakers. For something a little classier, try Les Genets (25 Boulevard du General Leclerc) (tel: (05) 5683 4028), which serves a full range of the local seafood, including, of course, the highly prized local oysters.

The best way to get around the compact resort of Arcachon is on foot, with some of the resort pedestrianised. There is also a local bus service connecting with other destinations locally as well as a train station with SNCF train services for longer journeys on to the likes if Bordeaux and Paris. Taxis are also available.

The most obvious day trip is to Bordeaux (website: www.bordeaux-tourisme.com) one of not only France's, but Europe's, great cities. Wine buffs will be in heaven as the capital of the famous wine region overflows with high quality wine, as well as top class restaurants, informative museums and buzzing nightlife. Walks by the Garonne, the lifeblood river, are also popular. Regular trains to Bordeaux run from Arcachon's railway station.

Put together a picnic with as many French gastronomic highlights as you can conjure up and then buy a really good bottle of Bordeaux, before heading out to the famous sweeping sands at Dune du Pilat. Europe's tallest sand dune at 107m (350ft) high offer great views out across the bay and on to the Atlantic and a gourmet picnic with a great bottle of local wine is the perfect romantic treat on a warm sunny day for holidaymakers.

Bordeaux International Airport (BOD)