Get some height with a visit to the Cap-Ferret lighthouse!
If you’re planning a vacation around the Bassin d’Arcachon, a visit to the Cap-Ferret lighthouse is a must. At the summit, you’ll discover a sublime panorama stretching from the basin to the Pilat dune. As well as visiting the lighthouse, you can also marvel at its museum and exhibition rooms, which present a superb scenography of the local maritime territory. And to accompany you throughout your stay, trust Camping Les Ourmes camping in Hourtin, for an unforgettable vacation.
Discover the Cap-Ferret lighthouse
Whatever the season, the Cap-Ferret lighthouse is a must-see! With it, you’ll climb several meters into the air for a breathtaking view of the Bay of Arcachon. A total of 258 steps are required to reach a breathtaking panorama. With a 360° view and a height of 53 m, the landscape opens out onto the Mimbeau conch, the Dune du Pilat and the oyster beds.
Built in 1947, it replaces the first lighthouse dating back to 1840, which was destroyed by the Germans. At the very top of the Cap-Ferret lighthouse, you can see the remains of the bunkers. Even today, it’s a must-see monument in Gironde for admiring the surroundings.
You’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the Presqu’île amid the sand dunes and the tip of the Cap for a 180° view. In front of you, you can admire the Dune du Pilat, the Banc d’Arguin and the passes with all the magic of the Atlantic Ocean.
Total immersion in the Cap-Ferret lighthouse
But beyond the panoramic view, the Cap Ferret lighthouse is a monument that also invites you to discover a veritable museum. The scenography plunges you into the theme of navigation, with the evolution of nautical charts from the 17th century to the present day.
You’ll also discover many of the measuring instruments of the time, as well as manual navigation tools such as the graphometer and the ship’s compass. To appeal to all audiences, the scenography is presented in 3D and augmented reality. Interactive, it plunges its audience into a genuine discovery of history. In this museum, you’ll also discover the hydrographic bearing, or how to measure the relief on the seabed. With up to six interactive areas, it’s a unique opportunity to enjoy a family activity.
Why visit the Cap-Ferret lighthouse?
Scheduling a visit to the Cap-Ferret lighthouse is an excellent activity for families looking to combine fun and discovery on a camping holiday in Gironde. With its impressive height, this monument offers a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, the Arcachon Basin and the Landes forest. Every time, it’s a breathtaking natural spectacle, whatever the season.
Climbing the lighthouse is an adventure in itself! With 258 steps winding towards the sky, it’s a fun way to discover the site while sharing a moment of complicity with the whole family. Once at the summit, everyone holds their breath at the breathtaking view. It’s an opportunity to observe the changing waters of the Arcachon Basin and identify the various islands in the vicinity. You can easily introduce children to the local geography and ecology of the basin.
During the summer months, the Cap-Ferret lighthouse also offers workshops for children. They’ll learn more about how lighthouses work and the region’s maritime history, while taking part in educational games that stimulate curiosity and a love of nature. It’s the perfect place for a family getaway!