How was the Dune du Pilat formed? How has it evolved to the present day? What traces of human occupation have we found there? What particularities have developed the plant and animal species present in this fragile ecosystem? What protection measures have been put in place to preserve this exceptional natural monument?
Our mediators answer these questions and accompany you to the top of the highest mobile sand mountain in Europe, while revealing some secrets about the natural and cultural heritage of this territory.
Our nature guides offer you free environmental education tools at Crête de Dune to better understand the riches of this exceptional heritage.
By reading the landscape, they will return with you to the impacts related to the fire (fauna and flora) and will tell you the story of this intimate ocean of greenery linked to the formation of the highest Dune in Europe.
Storytelling walks
Let yourself be guided by the storyteller Myriam Darmanté, who, through his tales and stories imagined on the Grand Site, will take your imagination on a journey... A poetic and gentle moment on the Dune, to share with the family.
Around 1h30 with the ascent of the Dune
Wednesdays, April 8th and 15th, from 2:30 pm to 4 pm* Suitable for ages 6 and up
Monday, May 25th, from 5:30 PM to 7 PM* Suitable for ages 10 and up
Thursday, June 18th, from 7:45 PM to 9:15 PM* Suitable for ages 10 and up
Thursday, August 6, from 6:15 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.* Suitable for ages 10 and up
Saturday, September 19 from 6pm to 8pm *from 10 years old
Wednesdays, October 21 and 28, from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.* from 6 years old
Tuesday, December 22nd, from 2:30 pm to 4 pm* Suitable for ages 6 and up
Hikes from the Dune to Banc d’Arguin
Would you like to discover two remarkable natural sites in the Arcachon Bay? The guided hike allows you to explore the Dune du Pilat with a cultural mediator as well as the Banc d'Arguin with a naturalist warden from the Banc d'Arguin National Nature Reserve through a sports hiking for half a day.
Our activities are free but the picnic is the responsibility of the participants as well as the crossing of the maritime shuttleGood physical condition is required (children from 10 years old).
Half day.
Wednesday, April 15th, from 9am to 1:30pm
Saturday, May 16th, from 9am to 1:30pm
Tuesday, June 30th, from 9am to 1:30pm
Tuesday, August 11, from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Sunday, September 20 (all day) from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sea transport 20 euros/person and picnic at participants' expense. Bring water, sunscreen, and suitable footwear.
Registration on bit.ly/sepanso
Sunrise Hikes
One suspended moment on the crest of the Dune. Enjoy the first rays of dawn, in the peace and quiet, and the sun rising over the forest.
About 2 hours. After the ascent of the Dune and the sunrise, the hike continues on the ridge of Dune to fully enjoy the colors.
Saturday 2nd and Friday 15th May from 6:15 am to 8:15 am
Tuesday, July 21st, from 6am to 8am
Tuesdays, August 4th and 18th, and Saturday, August 15th, from 6am to 8am
Tuesday, October 20th, from 7:45 am to 9:45 am
Commented walks
With family, friends or alone, discover history, fauna, flora and management of the Great Site of the Dune of Pilat.
Around 1h30 with the ascent of the Dune
Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Guided walks at sunset
At dusk, witness a ephemeral show colorful. Let yourself be told the story of the Grand Site of the Dune of Pilat and grasp the complexity of this fragile and exceptional ecosystem.
Around 1h30 with the ascent of the Dune
Tuesdays, April 7th and 14th, from 6:30 PM to 8 PM
Every Wednesday from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Every Wednesday and Monday, July 13th and 27th, from 7:30 pm to 9 pm
Every Wednesday and Monday, August 10th and 24th
Every Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday, October 29th, from 4pm to 5:30pm
Guided tours "4000 years of history"«
Join us on Saturday, October 4th for a guided tour on the theme of the formation of the DuneThis is the opportunity to climb the Dune in the company of our guide who will explain to you when and how the dune was formed, where the sand comes from and how it evolves. The following will also be discussed: archaeological discoveries which allow us to better understand the history of this site.
Around 2 hours including the ascent of the Dune
Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – National Geology Days
Thursday, October 22nd, from 10am to 12pm
better understand this changing natural heritage.
Welcome stations with binoculars, on the crest of the dune
Participate in one of the receptions posted on the crest of the dune ! Using the optical equipment at your disposal, discover the landscape offered by the Dune du Pilat: the forest massif (history, impact of the fire, etc.), the Arcachon Basin, the Banc d'Arguin, the tip of Cap Ferret...
About 1 hour
Throughout the year depending on the availability of mediators.
More info on 06 32 01 45 51 mediation@ladunedupilat.com
Dune crest hikes
Rediscover the Dune and its landscape, by walking along its crest between ocean and forest!
A sporty walk, which reveals the contours, shapes and lights of the Dune while observing traces of the past and its discreet inhabitants.
Approximately 4 hours, suitable for ages 10 and up
Saturday, May 9th, from 9am to 1pm
Saturday, September 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
More info on 06 32 01 45 51 mediation@ladunedupilat.com
The secrets of the bunkers
swallowed up by the Gaillouneys
(in partnership with GRAMASA)
An astonishing discovery of this fortification
of the Atlantic Wall built south of the dune which is now submerged in the southern channel of the Arcachon Basin.
Approximately 2 hours
Thursday, May 21st, from 2pm to 4pm *from 10 years old
Discovering the Corniche bunkers
(in partnership with GRAMASA)
An astonishing discovery of this fortification
of the Atlantic Wall built south of the dune which is now submerged in the southern channel of the Arcachon Basin.
Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Wednesday, September 16th, from 2pm to 3:30pm * Suitable for ages 10 and up
Kayak trip from the Dune du Pilat to the Banc d'Arguin
(in partnership with the Banc d’Arguin RNN)
Discover the secrets of the Dune and the National Nature Reserve from a kayak
from the Banc d'Arguin with their guides.
Approximately 5 hours, suitable for ages 10 and up
Tuesday, July 7th, from 2pm to 7pm
Saturday, August 8th, from 4pm to 9pm
Kayak rental €50/person
and picnic at the participants' expense. Moderate physical difficulty.
Register at bit.ly/sepanso.
Show "Why do whales jump?"«
(in partnership with the Banc d’Arguin RNN)
A poetic, dreamlike and educational journey, with the company Tout Vivant, exploring the marine world in an explosion of colors and music.
Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Saturday afternoon, June 20th
How? 'Or' What Reserve ?
All year round, you can take part in the discovery activities of the Dune du Pilat.
To do this, we invite you to:
- Learn about the entire program : dates, times, ages defined for each activity
- Pre-book by email, by choosing from the activities and slots offered above
- Wait for your booking confirmation by email from our mediation team
You can contact us at 06 32 01 45 51 / mediation@ladunedupilat.com for any information.
