Until recently, no one would have thought of calling the dunes attractions, until in 2016 a popular British magazine ranked these sandy beaches as the second most beautiful in the world. Saw is the largest dune in Europe. You should definitely go here for photos, a beautiful view of the ocean and a pine grove. But most of all tourists are attracted by the opportunity to taste world-famous oysters and shrimps, wine and pate. Having a picnic, chatting, enjoying the beautiful views, reading a book and relaxing - we think we have found the perfect vacation formula for most tourists!
The Dune of Pilat
The dune has impressive dimensions: its height is 108 meters, length is 3 kilometers, which gives Pilat the right to be called the largest in Europe. According to the most conservative historical estimates, the dune is 8000 years old, surrounded by the ocean and pine groves. Hills were formed due to the constant interaction of ebb, wind and tide on the sand. Every year, scientists measure the territory and conclude that the dune is moving inland, slowly pushing back the pine groves.
Everything a traveler needs to know
- You can climb to the top of the Pilat by the steps, which are often covered with sand
- For the convenience of tourists, there is a tourist association "Aquitaine", which will help to get to the sights from Arcachon
- There is a cafe at the foot of the dune, and you can see the area from a height by paragliding
- Camping is not prohibited on Dune of Pilat
- The best time to visit the area is early summer or autumn, when there are still few tourists, there is no heat or rain
- There are no shoes that will save you from fine sand, so tourists take off their shoes and climb the sandy hill barefoot
- Dune of Pilat is not the only pleasant spot: go down and walk along the clean sandy beach
- Don't forget to bring your sunscreen.
Where to stay when you come to see the Saw Dune?
- In the campsite - both our own and pre-arranged
- At Hotel Etce Ona
- In the commune of La Test de Bruche, located ten minutes walk from the attraction.
Interesting Facts
- You can get to Dune by train departing from Bordeaux every half hour
- The volume of sand that makes up the hill is 60,000,000 m3
- The dune is always different depending on the time of year and day, wind direction, air temperature
- The color of the sand can be from white to brownish-golden
- In 1936, a newspaper report was released, telling that the dune completely swallowed up the house at its foot.
- Every year the hill takes 5 meters of territory from the pine forest.
The object belongs to the hills.
