Two wooden huts perched on stilts, surrounded by water or sand depending on the tide: this is the most famous image of the Arcachon Basin. Île aux Oiseaux lies at the center of the bay, between Arcachon, Cap Ferret, and the Leyre Delta. You can explore it by boat, kayak, or private pinasse—but never by car.
Here’s how to plan this outing from our campsite in Gironde, between Lake Hourtin and the Médoc vineyards.
Key Takeaways
- Île aux Oiseaux lies in the center of the Arcachon Basin, off the coast of La Teste-de-Buch.
- Only two huts on stilts remain, remnants of the oyster farmers’ huts built on stilts.
- There is no access by car or on foot from the coast: the island can only be reached by boat, kayak, or pinasse.
- More than 150 species of birds visit the island, a migratory refuge in the heart of the basin.
- A boat tour starts at €23 per adult, compared to €45 for a guided kayaking tour.
The stilt huts, a symbol of the Arcachon Basin
The ” cabanes tchanquées ” owe their name to the Gascon word ” tchanques,” which means stilts. Originally built by oyster farmers in the late 19th century, they were used to keep watch over the surrounding oyster beds and to protect against thieves.
Of the roughly fifty wooden structures that stand on Île aux Oiseaux today, only two have retained this silhouette on stilts, which has become the symbol of the Arcachon Basin.
According tothe Le Teich tourist office, hut number 53 was rebuilt in 1945 and has since been restored; hut number 51, built in 1948, was also rebuilt more recently. Neither is inhabited today, but regular maintenance ensures they can withstand storms and the force of the tides.
Good to know: The name “tchanquée” comes from the Gascon word “tchanques,” literally “stilt,” a term that the people of Arcachon also use to refer to other small huts belonging to oyster farm caretakers scattered throughout the bay. Of the fifty or so structures on the island, many remain the private property of oyster farmers: they can be seen from the water, but one should never get too close to them.
How do I get to Île aux Oiseaux?
There are three ways to get to Île aux Oiseaux, each with its own tidal constraints.
By boat, the most affordable option
The Union des Bateliers Arcachonnais offers a 2-hour guided tour around Île aux Oiseaux, with departures from Arcachon, Cap Ferret, Le Moulleau, or Andernos. Prices start at €23 per adult and €18 per child ages 4 to 12; children under 4 ride free. The tour follows the Mapouchet channel and passes by the stilt houses, without stopping on the island.
By kayak or pinasse, to land on the island
To set foot on the island, take a kayak or a private pinasse. Several tour operators offer guided tours lasting about 4 hours, starting at €45 per person, scheduled according to the tides rather than a fixed schedule. At low tide, the kayak runs aground near the huts; at high tide, it paddles as close as possible to the stilts.
The staff at Les Ourmes Campsite recommend booking your trip on a weekday, outside of July and August, to enjoy a less crowded boat and a better view of the stilt houses. Always bring a light sweater: the wind picks up quickly on the bay, even in summer.
Protected wildlife to observe
Île aux Oiseaux certainly lives up to its name. According tothe Arcachon tourist office, 150 species can be observed there throughout the year, and between 300,000 and 400,000 birds find refuge or spend the winter there. Herons, egrets, white spoonbills, terns, and avocets frequent the mudflats and salt marshes surrounding the stilt huts.
The nesting season, from April to May, requires special care: it’s best to observe from a distance and stay on the marked trails. The best conditions are early in the morning, at low tide, when the birds gather on the sandbars to feed.
Practical information
This trip to the Arcachon Basin fits easily into a vacation in Gironde, nestled between the lake, the ocean, and the Médoc vineyards. Here’s some useful information to help you plan your trip:
- Access: Board the boat from the piers at Arcachon, Cap Ferret, Le Moulleau, or Andernos; there is no access by car.
- Prices: Expect to pay starting at €23 per adult and €18 per child for the boat tour, and starting at €45 per person for the guided kayaking trip.
- Contact information: Union des Bateliers Arcachonnais; book via bateliers-arcachon.com.
- Best time to visit: Choose spring or fall to avoid the summer crowds, and go during the morning low tide to watch the birds.
- Facilities: There are no restrooms or food service options on the island; be sure to bring water, closed-toe shoes, and sunscreen.
Directions from Les Ourmes Campsite to Andernos-les-Bains
From the Les Ourmes campsite in Hourtin, it takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes by car to reach Andernos-les-Bains, one of the departure points for Île aux Oiseaux. Here are the directions:
Does this getaway to the Arcachon Basin sound like a great way to add some variety to your vacation? Book your campsite or mobile home at Les Ourmes Campground, located between Lake Hourtin and the ocean, to enjoy both the beaches of the Médoc and a visit to the stilt houses.
FAQ — Île aux Oiseaux
Can we go ashore on Île aux Oiseaux?
Yes, provided you reach it by boat, kayak, or private pinasse: disembarking is permitted on public maritime territory, but at the captain’s own risk. Guided boat tours, however, do not include a stop on the island and simply pass by the stilt huts offshore.
How long does a boat trip to Île aux Oiseaux take?
A boat trip to Île aux Oiseaux takes about 2 hours with the Union des Bateliers Arcachonnais. Allow about 4 hours for a guided kayaking tour, which gives you time to go ashore and take a closer look at the stilt houses, depending on the tide.
When is the best time to go birdwatching on the island?
The best time to watch birds on Île aux Oiseaux is early in the morning at low tide, when the mudflats are exposed and attract herons, egrets, and avocets. Spring and fall, the migration seasons, also offer a wonderful variety of species.
Why are stilt houses built on stilts?
The “cabanes tchanquées” are built on stilts to stay above water at high tide and allow oyster farmers to monitor the surrounding oyster beds from an elevated vantage point. This construction method also protected the huts from storms and rising waters.
How many stilt huts are left on Île aux Oiseaux?
There are still two stilt houses on Île aux Oiseaux, which are regularly maintained to preserve this symbol of the Arcachon Basin. About fifty other wooden structures—most of which belong to oyster farmers—round out the island’s landscape, though they lack this distinctive silhouette on stilts.
Do I need to book my tour in advance?
Yes, it’s a good idea to book your tour in advance, especially during peak season, when boat and kayak tours tend to sell out several days ahead of time. Booking in advance also lets you know the schedules that are best suited to the day’s tides.
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