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 summit of Europe's highest mobile sand mountain, 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
Thursday, August 7 from 6:15 a.m. to 8 a.m. (sunrise) *from 10 years old
Saturday, September 20 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (sunset) *from 10 years old
Wednesdays, October 22 and 29 (Halloween) from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. *from 6 years old
Storytelling walk for two voices on Thursday, October 23 *from 10 years old
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.
Thursday, July 24 from 5:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Friday, August 8 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Friday, August 22 from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (all day)
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.
Tuesday August 5, Saturday August 16 and Tuesday August 19 from 6:15 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Saturday, September 27th from 7:15 a.m.
Tuesday, October 21 from 7:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
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
Every Wednesday evening in July, August and September (from 7 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. depending on the season).
Tuesday, July 29 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tuesdays, August 12 and 26 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday, October 30 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Guided tour “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, October 4th from 10:00 to 11:30. Meet at 9:45 at the top of the Corniche stairs. Good physical condition required.
better understand this changing natural heritage.
Home posted with spyglass, in crest of 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
600 degree exposure – Autonomous
Since May, in the reception area of the Dune du Pilat, a New wooden pavilion presents the extension of the “600°” exhibition visible at the Marquèze Ecomuseum, in the Landes. A poignant dive into the consequences of the 2022 fires that devastated southern Gironde. Led by the collective of photographers Les Associés with the support of the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park, this exhibition is much more than a tribute: it is a photographic investigation of the aftermath of the fire, the resilience of landscapes and inhabitants, and the need to rethink our relationship with the forest and construction.
Independently.
From May to November 2025.
More info on 06 32 01 45 51 mediation@ladunedupilat.com
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.
