The Grand Site

The Grand Site - Dune du Pilat

A powerful encounter
between the forest, the dune and the ocean

The highest dune in Europe
The Grand Site - Dune du Pilat
The Grand Site - Dune du Pilat

Welcome to the Grand Site of the Dune du Pilat, a protected natural area of 6,875 hectares, partly owned by the Conservatoire du littoral, located at the entrance to the Bassin d'Arcachon.

Credits: Mixed Syndicate of the Great Dune of Pilat
Video and image credits: @Midiprod
Audiovisual production: @Opixido, Maxime Morin and Magalie Fargeas

A true feature of the Aquitaine coast, the Dune du Pilat is a natural site imbued with exoticism and majesty. Nearly 110 meters high, 600 m wide and 3 km long, the highest dune in Europe offers a striking contrast between the forest, the sand and the ocean. But did you know that this monument is constantly evolving? The Pilat dune does not hold in place! Under the wind action, it moves from 1 to 5 m towards the forest massif. Its evolution is closely studied by scientists.

A remarkable site to be protected for future generations

Symbols of the richness of the natural heritage of the Bassin d'Arcachon, these fragile landscapes are protected by law (Environment Code).

Nothing but sand, transparent water, pine forests, wooden huts
(Jean Hugo, great-grandson of Victor Hugo)