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Traveling with your dog on the Arcachon Bassin: instructions!

Our four-legged friends are an integral part of our lives and our holidays! Here are our top tips for making the most of your holidays with your favourite pooch!

First and foremost, on the Bassin in Arcachon, I'm adopting the right reflexes!

  1. I always picks up after him.
  2. I throw the bags in the bin, not in the rainwater downpipes (which go directly into the Bassin!).
  3. I stay on the trail to preserve the nature around me.
  4. I avoid beaches, waterways and oyster beds to preserve water quality, faeces carry bacteria!

Ici Commence la Mer (Here Begins the Sea): collecting and disposing of dog mess in a litter bin is a small thing, but it can make a big difference!

1. Travel on the Arcachon Bassin with your dog!

Traveling without your car, with your dog? It's possible!

  • By train: via TER line 41 Arcachon > Biganos > Bordeaux - Small companions travel in bags or closed baskets. Larger pets are welcome, but must be kept on a lead and muzzled. Take a «Pet Ticket», price according to the distance travelled. Free for guide dogs (or dogs being trained).
    More informations : https://www.ter.sncf.com/nouvelle-aquitaine/tarifs-cartes/tarifs-speciaux/billet-animal
  • By bus: Only small pets in baskets or cages are allowed on board. Guide dogs are allowed.
  • By sea:
    • With the UBA (Union of Arcachon Boatmen): Transporting a dog or cat is subject to a charge of €2. Dogs are permitted on a leash and under the responsibility of their owner. Cats must travel in a crate or closed basket. UBA reserves the right to refuse access on board its ships to any animal whose behavior could pose a risk to passengers. Guide dogs are permitted at no extra charge.
      More informations : https://bateliers-arcachon.com
    • With the Tide Pass: Free. Dogs on leashes are allowed, under the responsibility of their owner. Cats in carriers. Muzzles may be required. Behavior that is dangerous to other passengers may result in denied boarding. Guide dogs are allowed.
      More informations : https://passemaree.fr/bateau-andernos-arcachon-cap-ferret/
Traveling with your dog on the Bassin d'Arcachon: instructions! - dogs - Bassin d'Arcachon

2. Where to sleep with your dog on the Arcachon Bassin?

Consult the accommodation guide OR our site in the section https://bassin-arcachon.com/ou-dormir/, Then click on the “Pets allowed” filter !

Qualidog-labelled addresses :

3. What activities can I do with my dog on the Arcachon Bassin?

On the Arcachon Bassin, each town has its own specific activities with our companions! Here's a recap of what you can share together:

ALL AROUND THE ARCACHON BASIN :

  • Coastal path (GR de Pays)
  • Open-air markets : https://www.calameo.com/bassin-arcachon/read/0000244217f1c6c29ac56
  • 8 Tèrra Aventura (geocaching) walks : Andernos, Arès, Biganos, Gujan-Mestras, La Teste de Buch, Le Teich, Mios.
  • 11 «Pistes de Robin» trail» (free game booklet available from the Tourist Office, self-guided game lasting between 1 and 1? hours, for children aged 6 and over): Andernos, Arcachon, Arès, Audenge, Biganos, Gujan Mestras, Lanton, La Teste de Buch, Le Teich, Marcheprime, Mios

The perfect spot for a picnic with your pooch:

  • Ports atmosphere - typical charm and open spaces : port of Audenge, port of Biganos, port of Le Teich.
  • Lakeside - ideal for a peaceful retreat: Lac de Croix d'Hins (Marcheprime), Lac de la Madeleine (Gujan-Mestras)
  • Forest & cool - perfect for hot days: Bois du Broustic (Andernos), Parc Birabeille (Mios), Parc Pereire (Arcachon)
  • Nature version - between water, pine forest and wide open spaces : Triangle Pereire (Arès), Saint Brice (Arès)
  • Landscaped park - easy to get to, perfect for a relaxing break: Parc Mauresque (Arcachon), landscaped public park (Audenge)

ARCACHON

  • The beaches: when the season is milder, from 1 December to 30 March.
  • Walks to do:
    • Parc Mauresque with the possibility of detaching it in a perimeter dedicated to dogs, at the top right when exiting the elevator;
    • Seafront – landscaped walk from the Thiers jetty to the marina.
    • Promenade Robert Fleury (Pereire)
  • Restoration: Many restaurants welcome dogs: www.arcachon.com/tourisme/je-sejourne/se-regaler/tous-les-restaurants (filter: pets allowed)
  • The dog can accompany its owner:
    • During guided tours organized by the tourist office, except for the following visits: the forest so as not to frighten the local wildlife; the visit to the Auction, the Abatilles and bunker 502.
    • Little Arcachon train: free of charge. Small dogs are accepted (subject to the driver's agreement), on the lap or at the foot of their master. Guide dogs are allowed. www.lepetittraindarcachon.fr
    • Paddleboarding on rigid boards
  • UBA Boat Trip Dogs are allowed on excursions to Ile aux Oiseaux or the Ocean (free of charge or €2 supplement), but must be advised when booking. Dogs and cats are not allowed on certain trips on board: Meal Cruise, Fishing in Bassin, Dune du Pilat and Banc d'Arguin. The Company reserves the right to refuse access to an animal on board its ships if its behaviour could present a risk to other passengers: https://bateliers-arcachon.com/excursions/
  • Shop, Cafe, Dog Wash:
  • Canipropres: Distributors of free biodegradable paper bags are available to enable owners to pick up after their faithful companions. They are installed in various locations throughout the city: Pereire, City Center, Parc Mauresque. It is also possible to find these bags at the Municipal Administrative Center and in the Neighborhood Houses: www.ville-arcachon.fr/les-animaux/
  • Having your dog looked after occasionally: The MA.AT concierge service can provide you with information at 07.87.03.35.77 – 05.57.72.71.66. Monday to Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.: conciergerie.arcachon@conciergerie-solidaire.fr
Traveling with your dog on the Bassin d'Arcachon: instructions! - dog 2 - Bassin d'Arcachon
 © David REMAZEILLES – Gironde Tourism

THE BUCH TEST

  • The beaches: La Salie Sud is open all year round (ocean beach) - unsupervised
  • Dune of Pilat: Dogs on leads are allowed on the Dune, but are prohibited on the beach at the foot of the dune.
  • Banc d'Arguin National Nature Reserve: Pets are prohibited. Do not land, drive, or park in the water, on the foreshore, or on the land surface of the Reserve, even if on a leash. This prohibition does not apply to rescue animals involved in police or rescue missions, or guide dogs.
  • Dog wash: Jardiland – 650 avenue de l’Europe: 05 57 52 74 44
  • Pet sitting :

GUJAN MESTRAS

  • The beaches: dogs are prohibited on Hume beach all year round.
  • Walks to do (with dog on a leash) :
    • Coastal path
    • Oak Grove Park
    • Magdeleine Lake
    • Terra Adventure and Robin's Tracks
    • Guided tours and boat trips offered by the Tourist Office.
  • La Maison de l'Huitre : (oyster museum - rue du port de Larros in Gujan Mestras) opens its doors to dogs (on a lead): a sheltered visit, between tradition and Bassin know-how - https://www.maison-huitre.fr/

THE TEICH

  • Coastal path: dogs on leashes are allowed
  • Teich Bird Reserve and Swimming Pool Beach: Pets are not allowed. Guide dogs, assistance dogs, and dogs in training to be guides are allowed.
  • Pet sitting :

BIGANOS

Traveling with your dog on the Bassin d'Arcachon: instructions! - dog 3 - Bassin d'Arcachon

AUDENGE

MARCHEPRIME

  • The Croix d'Hins lake: dogs allowed at the lake (not on a leash, but close to the owner)
  • Pet sitting : Patte Papouille (boarding, day care, transport of dogs and cats) - https://www.pattepapouille.fr/

MIOS

  • Leyre: Dogs are allowed on a leash along the Leyre
  • Dog boarding: The Wolf Shed – 150 avenue du val de l'Eyre, 05.56.26.64.81
Traveling with your dog on the Bassin d'Arcachon: instructions! - dog 3 2 - Bassin d'Arcachon
© Strom Studio

LANTON

ANDERNOS

ARES

  • The beaches: Dogs are allowed on Arès beach from September 16 to June 14.
  • Walks to do:
    • MGNEC Park
    • Rabbit Trail
    • Oyster port
    • Customs Trail
    • St Brice natural site
    • Health trail
  • Activities:
    • Terra Aventura Walk fully accessible with a dog
    • Robin's tracks are the same except for "Escape in Time" on the beach, which is prohibited from June 15 to September 15
    • Arès-Lège Salt Meadows Nature Reserve: Pets are not allowed. Guide dogs, assistance dogs, and dogs in training to be guides are allowed.
  • Where to sleep and eat in Arès with your dog? They are listed in the“Complicit guide: come with your dog!” available for download and at your Tourist Office!
Traveling with your dog on the Bassin d'Arcachon: instructions! - dog 3 1 1 - Bassin d'Arcachon
© David REMAZEILLES – Gironde Tourism

LEGE-CAP FERRET

Some places remain inaccessible to animals:

Covered markets, playgrounds, sports facilities, nature reserves (Arguin, Prés Salés d'Arès-Lège) and the Le Teich ornithological reserve, with the exception of guide dogs (or dogs in training).

4. And above all... I'm adopting the right reflexes!

  1. I always picks up after him.
  2. I throw the bags in the bin, not in the rainwater downpipes (which go directly into the Bassin!).
  3. I stay on the trail to preserve the nature around me.
  4. I avoid beaches, waterways and oyster beds to preserve water quality, faeces carry bacteria!

Have you lost your pet?

Have you found an animal?

Find this article in PDF format here: https://www.calameo.com/bassin-arcachon/read/00002442135a8c6d9991a

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