A powerful encounter
between the forest, the dune and the ocean
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.
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. More than 103 meters high, 600 m wide and 3 km long, the highest dune in Europe offers a striking contrast on the forest, sand and ocean. But did you know that this monument is constantly evolving? The Dune du Pilat cannot stand still! Under wind action, it moves 1 to 5 meters towards the forest massif. Its evolution is closely studied by scientists.
A remarkable site to be protected for future generations
Symbols of the rich natural heritage of the Arcachon Basin, these fragile landscapes are protected by law. There Dune du Pilat and the La Teste-de-Buch user forest are classified on the departmental list of natural monuments and sites (under the Environmental Code). The implementation of this legislation is the responsibility of the State and its decentralized services (Regional Directorate for the Environment, Planning and Housing).
