Cap Ferret, wild and beautiful

If you move on a line westward from Bordeaux until you reach the Atlantic, you have pretty much reached Cap Ferret. It forms the end of an arm that creates a beautiful and oyster rich bay called Bassin d'Arcachon. This arm is very narrow, so only a few meters separate the beaches on the inside of the arm, protected from the sea, and the wild beaches on the Atlantic side.

Cap Ferret has become something of a trendy place for French stars and other VIPs, but it has so far managed to keep much of the initial wildness that makes it such a special place.

Photo Wikipedia

If you feel like exercising, try walking up the 258 steps in the lighthouse and enjoy a spectacular view over the bay at the height of 52 meters.

Map Wikipedia

On the map you see the different fishing villages. You don't really see them if you stay in the car and follow the road. The best option to get a good look is to take a trip by boat.

Photo Wikipedia

Photo Wikipedia

Once, after a very hot day, we went there with some friends and found a small restaurant close to the water. The air was warm, the children playing and we thoroughly enjoyed a meal with oysters and other seafood. We lingered for a long time over half empty wine glasses as the sun went down.

Photo Wikipedia