Dune of Pilat (Dune du Pilat)

The Dune du Pilat is a moving coastal sand dune more than 100 metres high, rising above the Atlantic at Pyla-sur-Mer in the commune of La Teste-de-Buch, near Arcachon in Gironde. Entry is free, and the climb rewards you with views over the ocean, the Arcachon Bay and the Landes forest. It suits walkers, families with children who can manage a steep climb, and sunset watchers.

How high is the Dune du Pilat?

Measurements in 2023 put the summit at 103.6 metres, down from about 106.6 metres in 2018. The dune runs about 2.9 km from north to south, is about 616 metres wide and holds some 55 million cubic metres of sand.

The dune is not fixed. Westerly winds push it inland by 1 to 5 metres a year, burying the pine forest on its eastern side, and its height and outline change from year to year. In July 2022 a forest fire destroyed five campsites at its foot.

Classified in 1943 and owned by the Conservatoire

The state first classified the site on 5 June 1943, and an extension in 1994 brought the protected area to about 6,800 hectares. The Conservatoire du littoral is the public owner of the site, which belongs to the Réseau des Grands Sites de France. Fires, camping and bivouacking, picking plants, taking sand, leaving litter or cigarette ends, sand skiing or sledging and motor vehicles are all forbidden. Nearly two million people climb the dune each year, and since 2020 the 170-step staircase has been one way, for the ascent only.

Arcachon Bay and Banc d'Arguin from the crest

From the crest the view takes in the ocean, the entrance to the Arcachon Bay, the Banc d'Arguin sandbank nature reserve and the Landes forest stretching inland. A walk along the ridge gives changing views over the bay. Sunset draws the largest crowds, and strong wind blows sand hard on the crest.