Consult
frequently asked questions
Theme 1
- I am coming with a school group, how is the bus parking?
Parking is free for all schools, but also for leisure centers after having requested it, at least 48 hours before the school arrives, at the address information@ladunedupilat.com.
To obtain free admission, we ask the teacher to report in advance. Once there, they can collect their free ticket at the information point.
- Are cultural mediation activities and naturalist activities free?
Mediation activities and naturalist activities are free. However, the means of transport remains at your expense: bus, Dune du Pilat parking lot (your payment contributes to the preservation of this fragile natural space – the revenue is public) or possibly boat during a joint outing with the Banc d'Arguin National Nature Reserve.
- Can we reserve a parking space?
Parking spaces are not available for reservation.
One live attendance tool inform you in real-time crowd level of the parking lot. If it displays “restricted parking”, head towards the relay parking from the La Teste-de-Buch exhibition center (only in July-August).
- How should I put on shoes and dress to visit the Grand Site de la Dune du Pilat?
In winter, hiking shoes are suitable for climbing the Dune. In spring or fall, depending on the weather, sneakers may be enough. In summer, if the sun is out, with hot temperatures, the sand can become very hot. In this case, it is important to bring something to wear.
Don't forget hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. There is no shade on the crest of the Dune.
- What season are the stairs installed?
To prevent them from becoming completely silted up each winter, the stairs are installed during the spring holidays and dismantled after the All Saints' Day holidays.
- Can I park my bike?
Yes, the reception area has several racks, allowing you to secure your bike while you are exploring the Grand Site de la Dune du Pilat.
- Are there instructions in the reception area of the Grand Site de la Dune du Pilat?
No. Due to the nationwide vigipirate plan, our agents cannot agree to monitor your personal property.
- What are the opening hours of the shops in the reception area of the Grand Site de la Dune du Pilat?
Restaurants and cultural shops are open all year round but their hours may vary depending on the season.
- Can we bring a picnic?
Yes, as long as you bring back your waste. There are no garbage cans on and at the top of the Dune.
- How to get to the Dune du Pilat by public transport?
By shuttle, from the Parc des Expositions:
Park at Relay car park at the Parc des Expositions from La Teste de Buch to leave by bus towards the Dune.
Prices: €3 parking + €2 return transport (per person) from 4 years old
From Arcachon station:
Take the Baïa Bus: Line 3 direction Plage de la Salie, get off at the Dune du Pilat stop (25 min).
Line operating all year round.
In July and August only, take the line 101 Express to reach the Dune du Pilat from Arcachon station.
From La Teste-de-Buch / Gujan-Mestras / Le Teich:
In July and August only, take the Bus Baïa: Line 102 Express direction Plage de la Salie, get off at the Dune du Pilat.
Prices :
PASS 1 trip: 1€
PASS 1 day: 2€
Pay on board your PASS 1 voyage by credit card, contactless.
Info and plans on: https://www.bus-baia.fr/
- Are there toilets in the reception area of the Grand Site de la Dune du Pilat?
Yes! No need to get lost in the undergrowth, access is free and they are maintained very regularly.
Theme 2
- What is the visit time?
Climbing the Dune, with or without stairs (installed from April to October), requires physical effort, at their own pace! Generally, allow about 15 minutes to pull yourself up to its crest. Once at the top, take the time to catch your breath and contemplate this majestic landscape.
- What are the access times to the Dune du Pilat?
The Grand Site of the Dune of Pilat is a natural space accessible at any time of the day. At night, between 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., parking is not allowed.
Theme 3
- What are the prices for the car park?
Parking lot rates vary from season to season. I consult the prices of the car park.
- Are dogs tolerated?
Yes, they are tolerated on a leash in the reception area and the dune, but not on the beach. And on condition that they collect their droppings!
- Can we visit the Dune du Pilat in a wheelchair?
No. Only the reception area is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- I have lost an item, where should I find out more?
In the event of a loss or found item, please inform our team at the Reception and Tourist Information Point on 05 56 22 12 85 / information@ladunedupilat.com.
