Looking out from the Lège-Cap Ferret Peninsula, the Dune du Pilat is the dominant feature of the landscape.
Whether you’re on a beach, tasting oysters at one of the oyster-farmers’ huts or strolling around a village, the dune is always there in the background
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re standing at the foot of the tallest sand dune in Europe (3 kilometres long, 500 metres wide and 109 metres high). Don’t be discouraged by the challenge – just boot up and set off!
Think of it as a once-a-year fitness trail!
Take it one step at a time, up the stairs, or following in the footsteps of the person in front of you.
Once you reach the top, the whole world seems to open up before you.
To make the most of this exceptional site, plan to spend at least an afternoon here. The quickest way to get to the dune from Cap Ferret is by boat. You’ll arrive at the foot of the dune and so will climb up with your back to the ocean. The sensational view will hit you when you turn around once you reach the top.
Most people prefer to arrive from the land side and climb slowly up, step by step, before discovering the magical, unique panorama, surely one of the most beautiful in the world.
Height: 109 m
Width: 500 m
Length: 2,700m
Weight: 60 million m3 of fine sand
Composition: Quartz grains of roughly 0.3 mm, making it one of the finest sands in the whole of France!
The dune is gradually moving toward the forest, at a rate of between 1 to 5 metres a year.
‘Grand site de France’ label
Permanent exhibition at Idune
Open all year round.
The stairs are dismantled at the beginning of November until the Easter holidays. If you visit during this time, you’ll have to walk up on the sand!
Before you set off, click here to check real-time availability of parking spaces.
Numerous guided tours. Check www.ladunedupilat.com for dates of upcoming tour dates.
Car parking (from €1 to €4 for 4 hours, depending on the time of year)
