ARCACHON BAY 
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The Bay by bike
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Mushroom picking
It’s that time of year again, with the mushroom season and all the tasty meals that go with it! There are various “secret” spots for picking mushrooms on the Bay, including the forests of Lanton, Gujan-Mestras and Arès.
Bird watching
Pack your camera or, even better, your binoculars to watch the birds in the Ornithological Reserve in Le Teich, the Domaines de Certes-Graveyron or the Salt Meadows of Arès-Lège. Migration has started for some species, which come to spend a pleasant winter in the Bay, such as the Brent Goose which you will spot near the cabanes tchanquées or near the pier in Andernos-les-Bains.
Climb the Dune
A more active visit to the Pilat Dune awaits you in autumn! The stairs are removed every year after Halloween, making the climb all the more exciting. At this time of year, you will feel like you have the Dune all to yourself. Take the opportunity to venture further and walk along the summit.
Take time to talk with the oyster farmers
A certain tranquillity returns to the oyster-farming villages at the end of summer. This is not because the oyster farmers have less work – quite the opposite, in fact, because they are starting to prepare for the Christmas season – but time seems to slow down in autumn, and you can take up a little of their time to talk with them and learn more about farming oysters.
Bike rides to admire the autumn colours
Along with spring, autumn is one of the best seasons for admiring nature. And what better way than by hopping on a bike on a fine autumn day to go to the Natural site of Quinconces in Andernos, or the park of Chêneraie in Gujan-Mestras, or on foot in the sand dune forest of Camicas in Arcachon and La Teste de Buch.
Enjoy autumn on the Bay’s beaches
Although the wind might feel a little bracing during walks or bike rides, it’s perfect for a land sailing session on the ocean beach of La Salie in La Teste de Buch! If you feel more at home on land than in the water, take your kite to Suzette beach in Lanton or Bétey beach in Andernos. There are also popular spots for keen surfers, such as the ocean beaches in La Teste de Buch or Lège-Cap Ferret!
Book a guest room for a weekend away
To make the most of all these activities, why not book a guest room for the weekend? If you book in advance you can get some great accommodation with views of the Bay. These charming places are not far from the oyster-farming villages, and not too expensive.