Pilat Dune

What do you say about a natural spectacle that drives away all thoughts of cities and confines? GIGANTIC!

I had seen more of the dune through an Instagram post than I had before in any films or documentaries, so I suggested to Christian that we do the dune. Admittedly, if I'm not thrilled by crowds in Bordeaux, La Rochelle or other places, I can also get claustrophobic at the dune. BUT the dune is a few kilometers long, and only at one of the highest points, which is accessible to almost everyone thanks to a staircase, are there actually busloads of visitors.

We went there during the week, which was certainly a good idea, plus the relatively good autumn weather, as it had rained really heavily the day before.

The journey was great because in one fell swoop she appeared behind the pine forest and was almost blinding because of the light sand. We parked our van, put the dogs on a leash and walked towards the big dune. We were accompanied by a few French school classes, a busload of Americans and other visitors. The climb with the stairs is very steep, but I don't dare imagine what it would be like without the stairs. One step up and two steps back???

Once at the top, the effort is soon forgotten because the view of the sea below and the huge dune that stretches for a long time to the south is truly beautiful.

We didn't make the mistake of going down to the beach, because then you really have to climb the dune again without help. We found a hike online, which we then did. It was only down in the pine forest that we realized, somewhat late, that we probably shouldn't have done it at all.

According to my research, it emerged that in July 2022 a car caught fire due to a short circuit and devastated the La Teste area along with the houses and campsites there.

We've already seen lush, green vegetation and even a wild boar again, but now I also know that I should search more online beforehand, because not all hikes are up to date, so read more so that mistakes like this don't happen again.

The dune is a geological sensation and it was to be expected that it attracts visitors. The surrounding area, with the exception of Acharon, is almost deserted in October, it would probably be the same in Jesolo.