Getting to Cap Ferret
The entire Bassin d’Arcachon area is accessible through Bordeaux Mérignac airport.
Flights from Brussels to Bordeaux are fast (1h30) and relatively cheap. When planning early, you can easily find a return ticket for less than 100€, especially if you have flexible dates.
➜ Flights from Lille to Bordeaux can be a really good option.
The ticket cost is €71 (Lille) instead of €115 (Brussels), with a return flight at 6:40 pm on Sunday instead of 1:35 pm.
From the airport, and as long as you avoid the people of Bordeaux leaving for the weekend, getting to Cap Ferret is a one-hour ride. It is also possible to take the bus, but this takes more time.
Staying in Cap Ferret
Looking for a place to stay around Bassin d’Arcachon offers many options to fit your desires and budget. You can choose from hotels, bed & breakfasts, rental houses, or campsites, which can be found through various sites and platforms, including the Lege Cap Ferret Tourist Office website.
However, finding a large place to accommodate a group of friends for a weekend in September can be challenging. Limiting the search to the Cap Ferret area may decrease the options available, and many rentals require a minimum stay of four to seven nights. Adding specific criteria like 18 beds, a swimming pool, and a decent budget can make the search almost impossible.
When I found this house, I didn’t hesitate for a moment. When the owner canceled my reservation less than two months before departure, I cried 😭 and struggled to find a suitable replacement. Eventually, I decided to rent a house that could accommodate 14 people and booked two rooms at the La Frégate hotel next door. This solution worked well, as you can discover here.
Must-do’s in Cap Ferret
Looking for things to do in Cap Ferret and the Bassin d’Arcachon area? There’s no shortage of activities, from biking and horse riding to tree climbing, golfing, beach walks, boat trips, surfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, and SUP.
I originally planned to paraglide from Dune du Pilat, but the logistics and unpredictable schedules changed my mind.
If you don’t have a car, renting a bike is a convenient way to get around, but be aware that the sandy paths in the 44-hectare area can be tricky, especially at night 🤣
One activity you will want to take advantage of is a private catamaran rental for a sunset cruise on the Bassin. It’s not cheap, but bringing your snacks and drinks can help reduce the cost of this unforgettable experience.
Favorite Spots
For a delicious breakfast
P’tite Boulangerie du Ferret near the market square
To experience the market like the locals
Bistro De Peyo where you enjoy tapas while watching people stroll through the market
For a typical tasting of local products
Cabane du Mimbeau and its beautiful waterfront terrace
Note that all the “Cabanes” around the Bassin offer an identical menu: oysters, shrimp and pâté, with a glass of white wine
To end the evening with good vibes
Quarante Quatre and its very good cocktails
Recommended but not tested: the Sun and the Sail Fish
Budget
Individual budget for a 2-night stay departing from Lille
Plane tickets > 71€
Transfer by taxi van > 37.5€
House Rental > 206€
Groceries > 38€
24h bike rental > 18€
Tasting at the Cabane du Mimbeau > 22€
Tapas at the Bistro de Peyo > 10€
Bottles of Gin at Quarante-Quatre > 50€ (far undervalued …)
Catamaran cruise > 1100€ for 3 hours of navigation, skipper and fuel included
Paragliding flight > from 60€ to 110€/person for a 10 to 20min flight
Access to the top of the Lighthouse > 7€
➜ Discover here the story of an unforgettable weekend with friends at Cap Ferret: “Cap Ferret: A memorable weekend getaway with friends“
