An hour and 15 minutes’ drive from Bordeaux, Cap Ferret is a windswept 11-mile peninsula studded with pine forests, fishing villages and sandy beaches. Bordered by the Atlantic to the west, and the Bassin d’Arcachon to the east, this narrow slice of coastline has long entranced laid-back holidaymakers of all ages. Famed for its delectable oysters, rugged natural beauty and easygoing charm, Cap Ferret will thrill foodies, sailors and surfers alike. The peninsula’s best boutique hotels include elegant timber-built 1930s gems, simple retro hideaways, and minimalist modern spots with sensational sea views. If you’re looking to slow down in style, this understated coastal idyll is the place to do it.
Cap Ferret Show the map
6 rooms 
Cap Ferret Show the map
21 rooms 
Cap Ferret Show the map
3 rooms 
Cap Ferret Show the map
96 rooms 
Cap Ferret Show the map
15 rooms 
Pyla-sur-Mer Show the map
38 rooms 
Arcachon Show the map
18 rooms 
Pyla-sur-Mer Show the map
29 rooms 
La Teste-de-Buch Show the map
4 rooms 
Pyla-sur-Mer Show the map
25 rooms 
Arcachon Show the map
45 rooms 
Lanton Show the map
9 rooms 
Lège-Cap-Ferret Show the map
1 room(s) 
Arcachon Show the map
15 rooms 
Arcachon Show the map
47 rooms 
Arcachon Show the map
24 rooms 
Pyla-sur-Mer Show the map
14 rooms 
Gujan-Mestras Show the map
6 rooms 
Arcachon Show the map
21 rooms 
Pyla-sur-Mer Show the map
18 rooms 
Lanton Show the map
8 rooms 
Pyla-sur-Mer Show the map
3 rooms 
Andernos-les-Bains Show the map
15 rooms 
Arcachon Show the map
33 rooms 
Arcachon Show the map
24 rooms Cap Ferret town itself is appealingly easygoing; ideal for a wander, some shopping, and long, lazy lunches. The vast Bassin d’Arcachon has long been home to family-owned oyster beds which supply all of France; there’s nowhere better to savour Cap Ferret’s freshly shucked oysters over a bottle of wine. Don’t miss the red-and-white lighthouse; rebuilt in 1947 after having been destroyed by occupying Germans, and boasting beautiful views of the peninsula.
Surfers will delight in the wild beaches and superb swells of Cap Ferret’s Atlantic coast. Grand Crohot is popular with both beginners and experienced surfers, whilst Le Truc Vert, Le Torchère and Les Dunes are all more challenging. There’s a great surf school on Horizon, and consistent waves for all levels at less crowded La Garonne. Sailing on the Bassin is great fun, too. Borrow bicycles to discover the oyster-catching villages of L’Herbe and Le Canon with their brightly painted, salt-flecked cabins. Boat trips to nearby Ile aux Oiseaux come highly recommended.
Cross the lagoon to explore Arcachon, a popular resort town since the 19th century. Admire the classic hotels which line the promenade, pick up lovely pieces at independent shops, and stroll past the Art Nouveau buildings of the Ville d’Hiver to the striking Parc Mauresque and the neo-Gothic Basilique Notre-Dame.
Keen adventurers will also adore hiking, cycling and climbing on the enormous Dune du Pilat, the largest sand dune in Europe.
The landscape of Cap Ferret is unlike that of any other part of France. Expect wild, windswept beaches, refreshing pine forests, and a warm, community feel in historic fishing villages right along the peninsula. With the entirety of Cap Ferret accessible by car, bicycle, ferry or on foot, you’ll be able to explore with ease, but we’d still suggest choosing your hotel with care.
For a bohemian, surf-friendly feel, consider the hotels which dot the Atlantic side of the peninsula, facing beaches like Les Dunes. Oyster-catching villages such as Le Canon and L’Herbe, with their sun-bleached fishing cabins and sense of timeless charm, are ideal for laid-back foodies and romantics. Expect more of a buzz in Cap Ferret town itself, with exceptional bistros as well as fabulous family-owned hotels.
Across the lagoon, Arcachon has the bustle of a larger seaside resort town. You’ll find brilliant bay-facing hotels as well as some special spots amidst the Belle Epoque, Art Nouveau and Gothic biuldings of the Ville d’Hiver, many of which were built as private residences by wealthy French visitors.
Elegant Pyla-sur-Mer, close to the Dune du Pilat, is another wonderful village choice.
Often likened to the French Hamptons for its easygoing elegance, Cap Ferret boasts beautiful hotels. Families or groups travelling together will find attractive villas surrounding Arcachon Bay and along the peninsula. Many are converted residences (some private holiday homes) dating back to the 19th or early 20th centuries, with timber frames and pretty architectural details. There are terrific modern villas available, too. Expect to be within walking distance of the coast for swimming, surfing and sailing, or to have your own refreshing pool.
Romantic couples will find intimate boutique hotels with glamorous interiors, as well as slick, contemporary spots with white-on-white interiors, spas and swimming pools. This is oyster country, and chic hotel bistros promise delicious seafood and French wines aplenty.
Cap Ferret is at its busiest in July and August, so we’d recommend travelling in June or September to avoid the French school holiday crowds.
France
France
France
