The Dune du Pilat is Europe’s tallest sand dune, located at the southern entrance of Arcachon Bay in La Teste-de-Buch (Gironde, France). Height: 100–110 m (103.6 m measured by OCNA in May 2023). Length: 2.9 km north-south. Width: 616 m east-west. Volume: ~60 million m³ of sand. 64 km from Bordeaux city centre, ~57 min off-traffic. ~2 million visitors/year (2nd most-visited site in Nouvelle-Aquitaine). Best periods: May–June and September. Eastward movement: 1 to 5 m/year. Updated May 2026.

Geological history, official OCNA measurements, 2022 wildfire, 130-step staircase, parking, access, activities, iconic hotels, season-by-season advice. Everything you need to understand before you come.

Key facts

The Dune du Pilat is Europe's tallest sand dune: between 100 and 110 metres depending on the year (103.6 m in May 2023, per OCNA official measurement). 2.9 km long, 616 m wide, around 60 million m³ of sand.
Location: town of La Teste-de-Buch (Gironde), at the southern entrance of Arcachon Bay. 10 km south of Arcachon, 64 km from Bordeaux city centre (~57 min off-traffic).
Nearly 2 million visitors per year — 2nd most-visited tourist site in Nouvelle-Aquitaine after Bordeaux's Cité du Vin.
Grand Site de France classified since 2013, managed by the Syndicat mixte de la Dune du Pilat.
Free access for pedestrians and cyclists. Official parking charged in season (€1–14 depending on duration and season).
130-step staircase in 2025 (varies between 130 and 160 each year), installed from Easter to All Saints' Day, eco-designed in recycled plastic from fishing nets since the post-fire renovation 2022.
Best periods: May–June and September.

Pilat or Pyla? The spelling question

First thing to clarify before anything else: Pilat or Pyla?

Both spellings coexist and create permanent confusion. Here's the rule:

"Pilat" is the official spelling of the natural site — it's the name of the Dune du Pilat. This is the spelling on the official site (ladunedupilat.com), administrative signs, Conservatoire du littoral documents, and Syndicat mixte communications.
"Pyla" is the spelling used for Pyla-sur-Mer, the neighbouring seaside village (town of La Teste-de-Buch). Sometimes used informally as a variant for the dune — but it's not the official name.

The name's origin is Gascon — "pilat" means "heap" or "mound" in the local language. "Pyla" was coined in the 19th century when promoter Daniel Meller founded the Pyla-sur-Mer seaside resort, Hellenising the name for a more elegant feel.

So: the Dune is spelled "Pilat", the village is spelled "Pyla".

Before you go: what the Dune really is

7 am, late September. You climb the wooden staircase — 130 eco-designed steps in recycled plastic from fishing nets, installed each spring and dismantled after All Saints' Day. The slope is gentle, but halfway up you understand why everyone stops at least once. You reach the ridge. And that's when it tips.

To the west: the Atlantic Ocean as far as the eye can see, the Banc d'Arguin at low tide, and in the distance, the tip of Cap Ferret. To the east: the Landes pine forest, a green expanse descending to the horizon, still crossed by the scars of the July 2022 wildfire. To the north: the Arcachon Bay, its oyster parks, its oyster cabins. To the south: the Landes coast running down to Biscarrosse.

The Dune du Pilat is Europe's tallest sand dune, located at the southern entrance of Arcachon Bay, in the town of La Teste-de-Buch in Gironde. It rises between 100 and 110 metres depending on the year (103.6 m in May 2023 according to OCNA's official measurement), stretches 2.9 km north to south, 616 m east to west, and weighs about 60 million m³ of sand. This unique position between the Atlantic Ocean, the Landes forest and Arcachon Bay creates a 360° panorama of rare visual power — the sun plunging into the Atlantic to the west, Banc d'Arguin at low tide, the tip of Cap Ferret on the horizon, the maritime pines to the east. The dune is alive: it moves eastward 1 to 5 metres per year and changes shape with every storm, which is why OCNA measures it annually.

This guide is built to understand all that before you come. For the practical side (how to get there, at what price, with which service), see our Bordeaux ↔ Dune du Pilat chauffeur page.

Geography: why exactly here

The Dune du Pilat sits in a very specific spot: the southern entrance of Arcachon Bay, facing the south pass that separates the tip of Cap Ferret from the Landes coast. This position is not coincidence.

Three geographic forces meet at this exact point:

Dominant westerly winds constantly carry sand from the ocean. On the Aquitaine Atlantic coast, winds blow from the west with rare regularity, transporting marine sands deposited by tides.

Littoral currents (the "littoral drift") carry sediments from the Gironde estuary in the north southward. These fine, homogeneous sands feed the entire Landes coast — and it's in this precise zone that they accumulate.

The Landes barrier stops the sand's advance to the east. Without this gigantic maritime pine forest planted in the 19th century under Napoleon III (over a million hectares), the dune would have spread flat. The contrast between mobile dune and fixed forest creates its spectacular height.

Result of these three geographic forces: a sand structure over 100 metres tall, in unstable equilibrium, advancing eastward 1 to 5 metres per year on average over the pine forest. At the foot of the forest slope, half-buried dead pines are still visible — silent remains of the forest swallowed by the dune's progression over decades. The Dune du Pilat is today the last "mobile dune" of the Aquitaine dune system: all other neighbouring dunes were fixed by maritime pine planting in the 19th century under Napoleon III. Through its exceptional height and exposure to westerly winds, the Pilat escapes this fixation and continues its inexorable geological displacement, measured each spring since 2009 by the Observatory of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine coast.

Geological history: a young but ancient dune

The Dune du Pilat in its current form is relatively young on the geological scale: its morphology dates back to about 2,500 to 4,000 years, possibly less according to studies. It formed on remnants of older dunes, dating from before the last glaciation.

Several construction phases followed:

During the coldest periods of the Quaternary, sea level was much lower than today. The Atlantic coast was much further west, and vast sand expanses accumulated on what is now the continental shelf.
At the end of the last glaciation (about 18,000 years ago), melting ice raised sea level. Sands were remobilised by marine currents and winds.
First dune ridges built up progressively. The current Dune formed by accumulation, in several stages, on top of older dunes.

Inside the dune, paleosols (ancient buried soils) are visible in places, testifying to past stabilisation phases when the dune had been colonised by vegetation, before resuming movement.

Today, the Dune du Pilat is the last "mobile dune" of the Aquitaine dune system. All other neighbouring dunes have been fixed by pine planting in the 19th century. The Pilat, by its height and exposure, escapes this fixation and keeps advancing.

Key figures: what OCNA measures since 2009

Since 2009, the Observatory of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine coast (OCNA) measures the Dune du Pilat each spring, during an annual scientific mission. Three agents walk the site for a day, covering the equivalent of 7 ascents to record topography. Data is made public.

Recent height evolution:

Year	Measured height
2009 (1st measurement)	~108 m
2017 (record)	110.5 m
2022	102.4 m (lowest since 2009)
2023	103.6 m (+1.2 m)
2024	~101 m
2025 (staircase installed)	stabilised height, 130 staircase steps

Other stable measurements:

Length: 2.9 km north to south
Width: 616 m east to west
Volume: about 60 million m³ of sand

The dune moves: per OCNA measurements, the summit shifted about 120 metres north-east between 2022 and 2023. Ridge retreat (forest side) reaches 1.6 m/year on average. The ocean-side dune foot also retreats: the northern part is in chronic erosion with an average retreat of 4 m/year since 2009.

Visible consequence: the half-buried dead pines on the east side are remnants of the forest swallowed by the dune. The phenomenon is slow, but inexorable.

Asymmetric shape: the dune has a gentle slope on the ocean side (wind-exposed face) and a steep slope on the forest side (where grains accumulate at the top and fall). It's an unstable equilibrium morphology — every storm can redraw the profile.

The July 2022 wildfire: what changed

The July 2022 wildfire remains the most striking event in the Pilat's recent history. At La Teste-de-Buch, two major fires ravage the Landes forest around the Dune for several days: about 7,000 hectares burn, the pine forest near the site is severely affected. At Landiras, further south, 13,800 hectares burn in parallel. The Dune itself is spared — sand stops the flames — but the forest landscape is scarred for years, with kilometres of charred pines still bordering the site's surroundings today. This event accelerated the complete renovation of facilities (boardwalks, new staircase eco-designed in recycled plastic from fishing nets). A €4.2 million budget was committed in 2024 for replanting. Visitors in 2025–2026 will still cross these marked zones in the forest.

The Dune itself is spared. Sand stops the flames. But around it, the landscape is marked for years. Kilometres of charred pines still border the site today.

Lasting consequences:

Complete renovation of facilities on the Dune (wooden boardwalks, staircase, signage): the fire accelerated a reshaping of public welcome.
The new staircase, installed since the renovation, is eco-designed in recycled plastic from fishing nets — notable environmental innovation.
Replanting budget: €4.2 million committed by local authorities for post-fire reforestation (2024 budget).
Fire watch: in peak season, access restrictions may apply on high-risk days (wind + drought). Check on site on alert days.
Cigarettes and barbecues: strictly forbidden throughout the Grand Site, fines up to €750.

For visitors in 2025–2026: don't be surprised to discover parts of the surrounding forest still visibly marked. It's also part of the site's current history, and a striking reminder of the fragility of the Landes ecosystem.

The Dune staircase

The staircase is one of the site's most visible facilities — and one of its most intriguing logistical features: it's dismantled each winter and reinstalled each spring.

Why this gymnastics?

If the staircase stayed in place all year, it would be buried under sand by spring. Winter winds and storms constantly move large quantities of sand on the slope, from ridge to base. Without seasonal dismantling, the structure would quickly become unusable.

Schedule

Installation: around Easter each year (March–April)
Dismantling: after All Saints' holidays (early November)
Winter: no staircase. Ascent is done in the sand.

Characteristics

130 steps in 2025 (the number varies each year between 130 and 160 depending on dune height and installation slope)
Eco-designed in recycled plastic from fishing nets, since the post-fire 2022 renovation
Free — site access is open, only parking is charged in season
Climb time: 15 to 25 minutes depending on fitness

Tips

Good shoes: sneakers or sport shoes. Sand can burn bare feet in summer.
Water: no water point at the top. Bring your bottle.
Early morning: in July–August, leave before 9am for the staircase without crowds. Sand is also cooler.
Descent in the sand: many visitors climb via the staircase and run down the north or south slope sand — a liberating sensation accessible to all ages.

How to access the Dune du Pilat

By car

The most-used option.

Route from Bordeaux: A630 motorway (ring road), then A660 toward Arcachon Bay, exit 1 Pyla-sur-Mer, then D259 toward the Dune. Plan about 1 hour off-traffic, 64 km.

Official GPS: Route de Biscarrosse, RD 218, 33115 La Teste-de-Buch.

The official Grand Site parking has about 950 spaces, located 400 metres from the dune base.

Parking rates:

Duration	Peak season	Off-season
2 hours	~€4	~€1
4 hours	~€7	~€1
8 hours	~€9	~€2
12 hours	~€11	~€4
24 hours	~€14	variable

Indicative rates 2025–2026, subject to change. Check on ladunedupilat.com.

Annual subscription: about €15 for one car. Ideal if you visit multiple times per year.

Warning in July–August: parking is saturated from 9am on sunny days. Queues of 1 hour or more are common. Arrive before 8:30am or after 5pm is strongly advised.

The free parking tip (updated 2024–2025)

At the Dune roundabout, take the direction Arcachon, then turn left toward "La Corniche" (avenue Louis Gaume, near the restaurant of the same name). A few hundred metres further, free spaces exist along the avenue. Access to the Dune then requires 5 to 10 minutes additional walk, but off-peak it remains very worthwhile.

Note: the availability of these spaces depends on local parking policy, which may evolve. Check on site or at the tourist office before counting on it.

By public transport

From Bordeaux, no direct line, but it's entirely feasible:

Train Bordeaux Saint-Jean → Arcachon (TER line, about 50 min, several departures per hour, ~€15 one-way)
From Arcachon station, take bus Baïa line 3 to the Dune du Pilat stop (~30 min, several rotations per day in season)
In July–August only, the line 101 Express directly connects Arcachon station to the Dune du Pilat in about 20 minutes — a practical option for visitors without a car

Schedules and tickets on www.bus-baia.fr.

By VTC or taxi

To avoid parking stress, especially in peak season, a VTC from Bordeaux is the most comfortable option. Fixed price, drop-off directly at the site entrance, no queue. For details (formulas, prices, booking): see our Bordeaux ↔ Dune du Pilat chauffeur page.

By bike

The Grand Site is labelled "Accueil Vélo" and lies on the Vélodyssée route, the Atlantic coast cycle path. From Arcachon, plan about 10 km of secure cycle path. Bike racks are available on site. Bike rentals in Arcachon (€15–25/day for a classic bike).

Activities at the Dune du Pilat

Climb to the summit

The essential, obviously. But a few details change the experience.

Recommended gear:

Sport shoes or sneakers (burning sand in summer between 11am and 4pm)
Plenty of water — no source at the summit
Sunscreen and hat (no shade)
Sunglasses (sand reflects strongly)

Total recommended time: 2h minimum, ideally a half-day to enjoy at ease.

Field tip: climb early morning or late afternoon. Sand is cooler, light is better, crowd is smaller. At noon in full summer, it's an oven.

Sunset from the ridge

Probably the most striking experience on site. The 360° view takes on extraordinary colours: the sun plunges into the Atlantic Ocean, Landes pines blaze gold, Arcachon Bay turns pink and violet. A thousand photos but none captures it.

Indicative sunset times:

June–July: ~9:45 pm
August: ~9–9:30 pm
September: ~8–8:30 pm
October: ~7–7:30 pm
November–February: ~5:30–6 pm
March–May: ~7:30–8:30 pm

Arrive 1h before to climb, find a good spot on the ridge (the northern tip is usually less crowded), and enjoy the transition.

Paragliding

Several FFVL-accredited schools operate at the foot of the Dune. Tandem flights are offered year-round, under favourable weather. Lift is optimal from March to October thanks to thermal breezes generated by the sea/forest contrast.

Rates: from €90 per flight (15–20 minutes), up to €150 for longer formulas. Booking required in summer — slots go fast.

Swimming

Two options from the Dune:

Bay-side beach (east side, at the dune foot): calm water, shallow, ideal for kids. Walkable from the parking in a few minutes.

Ocean-side beach: accessible from the summit by descending in the west slope sand, or via La Salie-Sud beach a bit further south. Waves of 1 to 2.5 m on average, supervised by CRS lifeguards from June to September. Great surf and kitesurf spot. Caution: you'll need to climb back up.

Hiking

At the eastern foot of the Dune, the pine forest offers shaded trails. You'll spot the half-buried dead pines from the dune's progression.

The Coastal Path (GR8) connects the Dune to Cap Ferret over 25 km — for fit hikers, one of France's most beautiful coastal walks.

Duration: 1h to 2h for a local loop, half-day for the Pilat → Arcachon hike, full day for Pilat → Cap Ferret.

Banc d'Arguin

Visible from the Dune's summit at low tide, the Banc d'Arguin is a sandbank classified national nature reserve since 1972, on 4,200 hectares. It harbours:

Significant colonies of little terns and sandwich terns
Grey seals present year-round (growing population)
Spectacular migratory avifauna in spring and autumn

Accessible by boat from Arcachon or Cap Ferret. Plan 2–3h for the excursion. Strict regulations: landing only in authorised zones, no disturbance of colonies.

Iconic hotels and restaurants

La Co(o)rniche — the institution

Perched on the Pyla heights, La Co(o)rniche is probably the most iconic hotel-restaurant on the entire Basque-Landes coast. Taken over and redesigned by Philippe Starck about twenty years ago, the establishment combines 1930s architecture and contemporary design, with a breathtaking view over the Bay and the Dune.

The terrace restaurant, open onto the panorama, has become an essential stop for wealthy Bay travellers. The infinity pool is a classic of Aquitaine postcards.

Practical: restaurant to book well in advance in season. Meal budget: €80–150 per person.

Hotel Haaïtza

The other historic address of Pyla. The Haaïtza is a traditional hotel, open since the early 20th century, which has hosted since its founding part of the "real" Bordeaux and Parisian society. More classic architecture than La Co(o)rniche, more discreet atmosphere, but renowned hospitality.

Restaurant less visually spectacular, but excellent traditional cuisine.

Other addresses

Many restaurants and snacks are available at the foot of the Dune, near the official parking and along avenue de la Plage. Quality varies, tourist prices in peak season. Pyla-sur-Mer offers more authentic addresses away from the bus crowds.

Tip: for a gastronomic experience, book in advance at one of the two institutions above. Otherwise, Arcachon centre (10 minutes by car) offers true diversity at all budgets.

What to do around the Dune du Pilat

A few nearby destinations to extend your stay:

Place	Distance	Recommended duration	Ideal for
Arcachon city	8–10 km	Half-day to day	Belle Époque architecture, 4 districts, Ville d'Hiver
Cap Ferret	~25 km by road (or 30 min by boat via Arcachon)	Half-day to day	Oysters, oyster villages, lighthouse
Gujan-Mestras (7 oyster ports)	15 km	2–3h	Oyster tasting directly at the producer
Banc d'Arguin (nature reserve)	Boat from Arcachon	2–3h	Nature, birds, seals
La Teste-de-Buch	6 km	1–2h	Market, local gastronomy, port
Biscarrosse (south Landes)	30 km	Half-day	Lake, beach, surf, water sports
Landes forest	Around the Dune	1–2h	Hiking, nature, summer freshness

For a Bay day without the Dune, see our complete Arcachon Bay guide. To reach Cap Ferret from the region, see our Cap Ferret guide.

When to visit the Dune du Pilat

The Dune is open year-round, 24/7. But not all periods are equal.

Period	Crowd	Weather	Pros	Cons
January–March	Very low	Cool (8–12°C)	Total calm, magnificent winter light	Cold, staircase dismantled, reduced services
April–May	Low to moderate	Mild (15–20°C)	Our recommendation: few people, staircase back, superb light	Some rainy days possible
June	Moderate	Good (20–25°C)	Excellent crowd/weather compromise	Weekend crowd begins
July–August	Very high (240,000 visitors in July 2025)	Excellent (25–30°C)	All activities available, warm water	Saturated parking, crowd, heat, waits
September	Moderate	Good (20–25°C)	Our other recommendation: still warm, temperate sea	Days shorten by month end
October	Low	Variable (10–18°C)	Autumn colours, golden light	Reduced services, staircase dismantled end of month
November–December	Very low	Cool (8–12°C)	Total calm, low hotel rates	Staircase dismantled, some services closed

Our recommendation: May–June or September, no hesitation. You get pleasant weather, accessible parking, staircase in place, and a crowd-free dune.

If you come in peak season (July–August), the only way to enjoy serenely is to arrive before 9am or after 5pm. Any other strategy exposes you to parking saturation + heat + crowd.

Practical info

Info	Detail
Site access	Free (pedestrians, cyclists), year-round
Parking	Charged in season (€1–14 depending on duration and season), free off-season
Staircase	Free, installed from Easter to All Saints' Day (~130 steps in 2025)
Opening hours	Open 24/7, year-round
Recommended visit duration	2h minimum, half-day ideal
Catering	Restaurants and snacks at the Dune foot (some closed off-season)
Reduced mobility access	Very limited — sand makes wheelchair access difficult. Foot welcome area accessible, climb not.
Animals	Allowed on lead off-season; restrictions in some zones in peak season
Night parking	Forbidden between 2am and 5am (fine ~€50)
Wild camping	Strictly forbidden throughout the perimeter
Fire / cigarettes	Forbidden, fines up to €750 (forest fire watch)
Sand removal	Forbidden, fine up to €1,500

FAQ

Is the Dune du Pilat free?

Yes, access to the Dune is entirely free for pedestrians and cyclists. Only the official parking is charged in season (€1–14 depending on duration and period). The staircase itself is free. You only pay if you arrive by car in season.

How long does it take to visit the Dune du Pilat?

Plan 2 hours minimum to climb, enjoy the panorama, and come back down. A half-day is ideal if you want to descend to the beach, swim, or walk in the forest. A full day makes sense if you combine with swimming and a meal on site.

What's the best period to visit without crowds?

May–June and September are the best periods: pleasant weather, accessible parking, staircase in place, and far fewer people than July–August. Off-season (October–March), total tranquillity but some services are closed and the staircase is dismantled.

Can you swim at the Dune du Pilat?

Yes, two ways. Bay side (at the dune foot, east side): calm water, ideal for families. Ocean side: accessible from the summit by descending in the sand, or via La Salie-Sud beach. Regular waves, CRS supervision June to September.

Is there parking at the Dune du Pilat?

Yes. The official Grand Site parking has about 950 spaces, 400 m from the Dune foot. Charged in season (€1–14). In July–August, often full by 9am. Tip: free spaces exist on avenue Louis Gaume near La Corniche, 5–10 minutes' extra walk.

Is the Dune du Pilat accessible by public transport from Bordeaux?

Yes, but with a change. From Bordeaux Saint-Jean: TER to Arcachon (~50 min), then bus Baïa line 3 to the Dune du Pilat stop (~30 min). In July–August only, line 101 Express connects Arcachon station directly to the Dune in ~20 min.

Can you paraglide at the Dune du Pilat?

Yes. Several FFVL-accredited schools offer tandem flights year-round, weather permitting. Optimal flights from March to October. Rates from €90. Booking recommended in summer.

Is the Dune du Pilat accessible to people with reduced mobility?

Access is very limited for wheelchair users. Sand makes progression difficult. The parking and welcome area are accessible, but the climb itself is not. An info point with explanatory panels is available at the site foot.

What is the exact height of the Dune in 2026?

The height fluctuates each year under wind and storms — between 100 and 110 metres depending on periods. In 2023, OCNA measured 103.6 m. In 2024, ~101 m. The 2025 staircase had 130 steps, giving an idea of installation height.

Why is the staircase dismantled in winter?

To avoid it being buried under sand. Winter winds and storms move large quantities of sand on the slope. Without dismantling, the structure would quickly become unusable. The staircase is installed each spring (around Easter) and dismantled after All Saints' holidays.

What are the effects of the 2022 wildfire?

The July 2022 wildfires at La Teste-de-Buch burnt about 7,000 hectares of forest around the Dune. The Dune itself was spared (sand stopped the flames), but the surrounding forest still bears visible marks. A €4.2 million budget was committed for maritime pine replanting. You'll see these marked zones if you walk in the forest.

Pilat or Pyla: which spelling is correct?

"Pilat" for the dune (official spelling, natural site). "Pyla" for the neighbouring seaside village (Pyla-sur-Mer, town of La Teste-de-Buch). The word comes from Gascon "pilat" meaning "heap" or "mound".

Does the Dune really move?

Yes, at a rate of 1 to 5 metres per year eastward. The half-buried dead pines visible at the forest slope foot are remnants of the forest swallowed by the progression. OCNA has been measuring these movements since 2009.

Going further

Private VTC service for the Dune: see our Bordeaux ↔ Dune du Pilat chauffeur page (formulas, prices, booking)
Arcachon Bay in detail: see Arcachon Bay guide and Bordeaux ↔ Arcachon chauffeur
Cap Ferret in detail: see Cap Ferret guide and Bordeaux ↔ Cap Ferret chauffeur
Arriving from the airport directly to the Dune: see Bordeaux airport transfer
Arriving from Saint-Jean station: see Saint-Jean station chauffeur

Sources and references

Official Dune du Pilat Grand Site website — official info, rates, access, news
Nouvelle-Aquitaine Coast Observatory (OCNA) — annual topographic measurements since 2009
Bus Baïa — Arcachon Bay transport network — schedules of lines 3 and 101 Express
La Teste-de-Buch Tourist Office — activities, accommodation, agenda
Conservatoire du littoral — Dune du Pilat — site protection and history

Article updated May 2026. Data and information verified at this date.

Dune du Pilat: complete 2026 guide (110 m, OCNA, access)