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Arcachon Marina -
space for over 2000 boats! |
Arcachon is a natural harbour on the
west coast of France, not far from Bordeaux, mid-way between La Rochelle
and Biarritz. It is a beautiful and
peaceful sailing area and we have been there to sail several times. On a
short holiday you do not need to sail outside the 'Bassin'
as there are plenty of places to visit inside.
The Bassin is aggressively tidal with 3.5metres tidal
range over a huge area with a narrow entrance that causes very strong
currents there. Specially interesting is the Dune Pyla near the entrance from the Atlantic, the highest sand dune in Europe
and an exhausting climb, but the view from the top is exhilarating.
A number of people have asked us about the sailing
at Archchon, and we would recommend it unhesitatingly. Trailer-sailers are
easy to launch and ideal for pottering around the inlets, especially if
you have a lifting keel and are able to dry out. In cruising terms
Arcachon is a long way from anywhere else - a good day's sail to or from
La Rochelle to the north or Biarritz to the south. But there's no
reason to stray out and a week is barely long enough to explore the whole
place.
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