Saint Julien en Born – Arcachon – Montalivet

14.5.2022 The tour continues as it left off the day before. You ride through the forest for most of the day. The paths are excellently marked and in good condition. Occasionally, the roots of the trees push up the asphalt, so it can be a bit bumpy. Avoiding is not always possible. Unexpectedly, campsites or bungalow settlements emerge in the middle of the forest, often leaving you wondering how people get there. The route is actually close to the sea, but there are always a few hundred meters of forest and sand dunes in between, and often access is prevented by barriers. Rarely, a touristy access with restaurants, surf schools, and shops etc. comes up, definitely worth a stop to stock up on supplies.

Shortly before Arcachon it gets touristy, the Dune du Pilat towers on the left side. It is the highest wandering dune in Europe, over 110 meters high, the size is truly impressive. At some places, ladders or stairs are installed to make it possible to climb up, it is quite steep on the side facing away from the sea. A visit is definitely worth it, the view is overwhelming, inland you can see nothing but forest and on the other side the sea.

Arcachon is my destination and a beautiful town with many sandy beaches and a promenade. The next day, from there, I continue first with a small ferry to the Cap Ferret peninsula. The bicycles are loaded onto the roof, so all luggage has to be unloaded. A passenger parks her bike somewhat carelessly at the jetty, due to the swell the bike falls into the water. The crossing takes 30 minutes, from the water the Dune du Pilat is also clearly visible. Then it continues as it did the day before, through the forest. In the afternoon it gets over 30 degrees, unfortunately, you are then riding on a wide road without shade. However, the arrival at the destination must be celebrated with a large sirop menthe and a beer.

Route traveled