The Arcachon Bay attracts more than 1.3 million visitors every year, drawn by the Dune of Pilat, Cap Ferret, oyster villages and long sandy beaches. Yet reaching these destinations from Bordeaux without a personal car is a real puzzle: the regional train takes 1 hour, only serves the central Arcachon station, and local connections are rare.
With a private chauffeur to Arcachon Bay, you gain comfort, flexibility, and most of all time. Bordeaux Privilège takes you door to door, with a fixed rate announced in advance, and the option to combine several stops in the same day — Pilat, Pyla-sur-Mer, Andernos, Cap Ferret, or a complete tour of the bay.
- The bay destinations we serve
- Rates for trips to the bay
- Why a private driver rather than the train?
- Day-trip itinerary ideas
- Frequently asked questions — Arcachon Bay
The bay destinations we serve
We cover the entire Arcachon Bay, from north to south shore, including the inland villages of the Pays de Buch.
Arcachon and Pyla-sur-Mer
Arcachon remains the most requested destination. Lively city centre, seafront, Thiers pier, the Halles market: your driver drops you off as close as possible. The Dune of Pilat, 10 minutes south of Arcachon, is one of the most photographed sites in France — accessible year-round.
Cap Ferret and the peninsula
On the other side of the bay, Cap Ferret retains the charm of an oyster village. Lighthouse, ocean beaches, Piraillan and Lège markets — access by car goes through Lège-Cap-Ferret from the north. Allow 1h10 from central Bordeaux.
Andernos, Arès, Lanton
The north shore of the bay is quieter and more family-friendly. Andernos-les-Bains offers a 230-metre pier, the longest sea walk on the bay. Arès and Lanton complete the crown, with their ports and Sunday markets.
Rates for trips to the bay
Rates are fixed and include luggage assistance. For a full-day tour with intermediate waits, a custom package is set on request.
| One-way trip | SUV | 7-seater van | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bordeaux ↔ Arcachon | €100 | €130 | 50 min |
| Bordeaux ↔ Cap Ferret | €110 | €143 | 1 h 10 |
| Bordeaux ↔ Dune of Pilat | €105 | €137 | 55 min |
| Bordeaux ↔ Andernos-les-Bains | €90 | €117 | 40 min |
| Mérignac airport ↔ Arcachon | €105 | €137 | 1 h |
| Full-day bay tour (8h) | on request | on request | 8 h |
Round trips benefit from a 20% discount. For a group or event, contact us via our contact page for a custom quote.
Why a private driver rather than the train?
The Bordeaux-Arcachon regional train is a fine option for a simple ride, but it quickly shows its limits when you want to enjoy the region fully:
- Door-to-door: no walk to the station, no bus or taxi connection on arrival. Your driver comes to your address and drops you at your exact destination.
- Multiple stops in one day: Pilat in the morning, lunch in Pyla, Cap Ferret in the afternoon — impossible by train, seamless with a private driver.
- Bulky luggage: surfboards, bicycles, parasols, coolers — no problem in our vehicles.
- Local discovery: oyster restaurants, gourmet markets, fishing villages — enjoy them without worrying about the return.
- Comfort and air conditioning: in peak tourist season, the train can be crowded and hot. Our vehicle remains your private space.
- Fixed rate per vehicle: with 3 or 4 passengers, the value far exceeds train tickets plus local taxi.
- English-speaking driver: communication in English ensured throughout the day.
Day-trip itinerary ideas
Here are three of our clients’ favourite suggestions. All itineraries are customisable to your wishes.
Dune of Pilat + Arcachon day
Departure from Bordeaux at 9 AM, climb to the Dune of Pilat early before the tourist rush, lunch in Pyla-sur-Mer facing the bay, afternoon by the sea in Arcachon, Halles market, return to Bordeaux by 6 PM. Ideal for a first discovery of the bay.
Authentic Cap Ferret day
Crossing to the north shore via Lège-Cap-Ferret, oyster lunch in Le Canon with sea view, walk in the village of L’Herbe, ocean beach at Truc Vert, return through the Piraillan markets. For lovers of tranquillity and fresh produce.
Complete bay tour
An 8-hour itinerary covering both shores: Arcachon, Pilat, Andernos, Arès, Cap Ferret. Several photo stops, gastronomic pauses and gourmet detours. Custom package, typically between €450 and €550 in SUV for the full day.
Frequently asked questions — Arcachon Bay
How long does it take to reach Cap Ferret from Bordeaux?
Allow 1h10 on average outside traffic. In peak summer (July-August), the journey can take up to 1h30. We adjust the departure time accordingly to spare you the worst congestion.
Do you accept bicycles or surfboards in the vehicle?
Yes, on request at booking. The 7-seater van offers large loading capacity. For oversized bikes, please let us know in advance so we can arrange appropriate equipment.
Can you wait on site during my visit?
Yes. This is the principle of the day package: the driver stays at your disposal between stops. The rate is calculated on an hourly basis instead of per ride.
Are rates higher in high season?
No. Our rates are identical year-round, including July-August and long weekends. This is one of our strong commitments.
Can I book a return ride only (from the bay)?
Yes. Many visitors come to Arcachon by train then wish to return in private after their day. Book your ride from any town on the bay to Bordeaux or Mérignac airport.
Book your ride to Arcachon Bay
Whether for a day at the Dune of Pilat, an oyster lunch at Cap Ferret, or a full weekend on the bay, your Bordeaux Privilège driver adapts to your programme. Online booking, by phone or via WhatsApp. Book your Arcachon Bay ride or see all full rates. The bay has never been so accessible.