Cap Ferret

Cap Ferret is a narrow peninsula in Lège-Cap-Ferret, Gironde department, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, lying between the Atlantic Ocean and the Bassin d'Arcachon about 75 km west of Bordeaux by road. The most scenic route for a day trip combines a TER train from Gare Saint-Jean to Arcachon with the seasonal basin ferry, which takes about 25 minutes and costs about EUR 17 return; the whole journey takes 1.5-2 hours, and visitors should confirm the timetable at the quay. Driving is possible but the single road down the peninsula is slow in summer. The peninsula is known for its oyster villages, where small wooden huts sell oysters, a glass of white wine and bread, particularly around L'Herbe and Piraillan. The Cap Ferret lighthouse can be climbed for views over the basin, the ocean and the Banc d'Arguin, and the ocean beaches on the western side offer long stretches of sand with strong surf. A suggested one-day arc starts with an early train and ferry, reaching the peninsula in the late morning, followed by oyster lunch at the huts. The afternoon suits the lighthouse climb and a walk or bicycle ride across to the ocean beach, then the ferry back in the late afternoon or evening. Visitors should check the last ferry before settling in, since services are seasonal. The best season is May to September, and July and August are busy, with crowds on the ferry and in the oyster huts. Other months are quieter, but ferry timetables are reduced. Shops and cafés cluster at the ferry landing, and bicycle hire is available for the flat paths. Tourist information is at lege-capferret.com. Swimming on ocean beaches requires care because of currents, so supervised areas are advisable.