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A wooden bench sits on a grassy area overlooking a calm blue sea—one of the peaceful things to do in Cap Ferret—surrounded by green shrubs, trees, and a clear, sunny sky above.

THINGS TO DO IN CAP FERRET

Outdoor Activities, Sightseeing, Boutique Shopping, and More

When you arrive in Cap Ferret, it doesn’t take long to understand the peninsula’s appeal. The air smells faintly of pine and salt, bicycles outnumber cars, and mornings begin not with rush hour but with the soft clang of oyster boats on the Bassin. Life here follows the rhythm of the tides, slow, sensory, and beautifully simple.

 

Beneath its relaxed surface, Cap Ferret is full of experiences waiting to be uncovered. From wild Atlantic beaches to hidden oyster villages, pine-scented cycling trails, and open-air markets, this peninsula offers the perfect blend of adventure and ease.

 

In this guide, we’ll explore the best things to do in Cap Ferret, including where to swim, sail, and surf, where to taste the region’s legendary oysters, how to explore its forests and nature reserves, and where to shop, stroll, and stay for an unforgettable coastal escape.

Cap Ferret Beaches and Water Adventures

Plage de l’Horizon is the most famous of the Cap Ferret beaches, with a vast stretch of fine sand framed by dunes and pines. It’s a favourite among surfers and sunseekers, perfect for learning how to catch a wave or taking in a stunning sunset. The Atlantic waves can be strong, but that’s part of its natural charm. Villas de Rêve à la Mer is located right on this long sandy beach, giving guests front-row access to the ocean and the relaxed coastal rhythm that defines Cap Ferret.

 

For gentler swimming, Plage du Mirador offers calm, family-friendly waters along the bay side with panoramic views of Arcachon across the Bassin. It’s a great spot to start the day with a quiet swim or end it watching the golden light fade over the water.

 

If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the shallow inlets and oyster beds along the coast. Guided tours often include stops in small fishing villages that cannot be reached by car.

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One of the most memorable ways to visit Cap Ferret is by boat. From the Bélisaire Jetty, you can take a ferry or join a private cruise across the bay to see the Île aux Oiseaux and its famous cabanes tchanquées, wooden stilt houses standing in the shallows. It’s a postcard-perfect view that defines this part of the Atlantic coast.

 

Other activities to consider on the water include:

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  • Surfing lessons at Cap Ferret Surf School (ask for Alex)

  • Kayaking and paddleboarding along the Bassin d’Arcachon

  • Sailing or catamaran cruises from Bélisaire Jetty

  • Paragliding on the Dune de Pilat (take a ferry to Archacon, then a bus to the entrance of the Dune de Pilat)​

Taste the Flavours of Cap Ferret

Food is at the heart of the Cap Ferret experience. The peninsula is synonymous with oysters, and tasting them where they’re farmed is almost a rite of passage.

 

Visit L’Herbe or Le Canon, charming oyster villages where you can sample Cap Ferret oysters straight from the source. Simple wooden cabanes line the water’s edge, offering plates of oysters, shrimp, and chilled white wine with unbeatable views of the bay.

 

For a traditional sit-down meal, Chez Hortense is a Cap Ferret institution. Overlooking the water, it’s known for its mussels, fresh fish, and classic Basque-inspired dishes. A reservation is recommended in the summer.

 

The Marché du Cap Ferret is another essential stop, especially in the morning. There, you can explore:

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  • Fresh seafood, cheeses, and produce

  • Artisan crafts and souvenirs

  • Local treats like sea salt, honey, and handmade soaps
     

For a more detailed look at the local gastronomy, including markets, vineyards, and dining experiences, see our full food and wine guides.

Outdoor Adventures and Nature Trails

For panoramic views of the peninsula, climb the Phare du Cap Ferret. The red-and-white lighthouse offers a 360-degree view of the Atlantic Ocean, the Dune du Pilat, and the Bassin d’Arcachon.

 

Cap Ferret is also ideal for cycling, hiking, and horse riding. The forest and coastal trails connect the villages of Le Canon, Piraillan, and Lège. Along the way, you can enjoy pine forests, sandy paths, and café stops for a mid-ride espresso.

 

Nature enthusiasts should visit the Réserve Naturelle des Prés Salés, a quiet wetland area known for its birdlife and tidal landscapes. It’s perfect for photography, walking, and observing migratory birds.

 

For walkers, the Pointe du Cap Ferret trail leads through dunes and forest to the tip of the peninsula, where the ocean meets the bay. It’s ideal for sunrise or sunset walks. Best of all, the trail to Pointe du Cap Ferret starts right behind the villas!

 

End the day with a stroll along the Bélisaire Jetty, where locals gather for evening drinks and to watch the last boats return home.

Boutique Shopping and Village Life

The village centre of Cap Ferret is compact and stylish, perfect for an afternoon of browsing. Highlights include:

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  • Boutiques selling coastal fashion, jewellery, and home décor (for chic French accessories, visit Jane de Boy and other shops along the Boulevard de la Plage)

  • Galerie Lagrange or Galerie Saint Martin le Cap Ferret, featuring local painters and sculptors

  • Seasonal pop-up markets with handmade crafts and live music

  • The beautiful Frédélian, where you can grab a delicious pastry following an afternoon of shopping
     

For a quiet evening, bring a picnic to Plage des Américains (your rental includes picnic baskets, champagne coolers, beach Tupperware, beach blankets, and other utensils), one of the peninsula’s lesser-known beaches with stunning sunset views of the Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe.

Plan Your Visit to Cap Ferret

Cap Ferret changes with the seasons. Summer is lively, with full markets and busy beaches. Spring and autumn are quieter, ideal for cycling and long walks. Winter offers peaceful beaches and cosy restaurants.

 

For a breakdown of the best activities and festivals year-round, see our Seasonal Experiences in Cap Ferret guide.

 

No matter the time of year, getting around is easy. The peninsula is mostly flat, making biking or walking simple, and ferries connect Cap Ferret to Arcachon in under 30 minutes. Once you’ve arrived, it’s best to rent a bicycle and leave your car parked at the villas until departure—parking in the village is limited during the high season, and exploring by bike is not only easier but also the more French way to get around! Plus, it lets you enjoy another glass of pastis whenever the mood strikes. You’ll find many bike rental options in Cap Ferret, with designs to suit every taste and style.

Where to Stay

For a stay that truly immerses you in the rhythm of Cap Ferret, Villas de Rêve à la Mer offers a unique experience. Located right on the beach, the villa provides immediate access to the soft sand and gentle Atlantic breezes, making it easy to enjoy sunrise walks or evening sunsets without straying far from the property. Its location is also within walking distance of downtown Cap Ferret, so you can explore the boutique shops, cafés, and local markets at your own pace.

 

Inside, the villa is designed for both comfort and style. Spacious living areas, contemporary furnishings, and a thoughtful feng shui design throughout make it a perfect retreat for couples, families, or friends seeking a relaxed coastal escape.

 

Reserve Villas de Rêve à la Mer today to enjoy Cap Ferret at its very best and experience the peninsula like a local!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re visiting for a few days or an extended stay, there are endless things to do in Cap Ferret, which offers a rare combination of simplicity and sophistication. Each moment spent there is effortless and deeply connected to the local environment.

 

That’s why we recommend you take your time, explore freely, and enjoy the relaxed rhythm of this coastal paradise.

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