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Arcachon – |
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Dune du Pilat (Dune du Pyla) – Check out the largest sand dune in Europe! The dune has soft, fine sand, stairs to the top, and easy slopes for toddlers to play to their heart’s content. There are steeper slopes for bigger kids to run down, and beautiful views of the ocean below and pine forests to the east. Bring sand toys to dig in the sand, and an umbrella. |
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Boat rides – Take a boat ride on the Arcachon Bay (Bassin d’ Arcachon). Different cruises include a shorter tour of the bay, sunset cruises with fireworks, or a longer ride the beach where you can see the Dune du Pyla. Pick up the boats at Cap Ferret, Arcachon, Robinson Plage at the Dune du Pilat. |
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Aqualand – Everyone in the family can relax in this water park with long water slides, tubing, wading areas for little kids, restaurant and snack bar. |
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Saint-Julien-en-Born |
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Contis-Plage and Cap-de-l’Horny Plage are good resort beaches for families, perfect in summer for a day at the beach. There are lifeguards, but go to designated areas for swimming on the beach. These long sand beaches have cafes, restaurants, stores to buy sand toys and places to rent boogie boards. |
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Arjuzanx – |
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Lac de Arjuzanx – Go inland for a freshwater lake, especially fun for toddlers. Sandy beach and clear waters in the lake, you’ll find lots of French families playing in the water. Also, go for a horse ride around the lake. |
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Leon & around – |
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Farmers market – Every day in summer, Leon has a colorful regional market, with where you can get local hams, cheese, fruits and vegetables, gateau basque (Basque cake), honey - everything for a picnic. Or just get take out paella for quick dinner. |
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Lac de Leon – This lake is super for families, with sandy beaches, wading and swimming. Along the lake is a big playground with climbing structures, and a special playground just for little ones under 10. Rent pedal boats, electric boats, catamarans and go boating on the lake. Or take in a round of miniature golf. |
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Rent bikes – This is a great area for biking, it’s level, and you can bike to the beach to through the pine trees. |
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Courant d’Huchet Reserve Naturelle – The Courant River flows from Leon to the ocean through this nature reserve. |
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Canoeing on the river – Take a 2 or 3 hour boat ride on the vine covered river, where you’ll see lots of wildlife. Make your boat reservations at Lac de Leon, April to September. |
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Go for a hike – On the D328 road, outside of Leon, at the Pichelebe Bridge (Pont de Pichelebe), there are hiking paths on both side of the Courant River. This is a great place for birding – one km up the trail is an observation blind. Along the trail are flowering plants, and you’ll see lots of frogs and birds. If you continue on the trail, it's 4 km to reach the ocean. Trails are open all year. |