Arcachon Bay: the Dune of Pilat launches its summer season and promotes its annual subscription at 15 euros

The summer season at the Dune of Pilat has kicked off. With more than 500,000 visitors expected in two months, staff have been strengthened, and an annual subscription, as well as free tours and workshops, have been introduced.

They're coming. The Dune of Pilat will welcome hundreds of thousands of tourists in July and August. This represents a third of the site's annual attendance. The teams are getting "ready," as Nathalie Le Yondre, president of the Dune of Pilat joint association and socialist mayor of Audenge, declares. Twelve seasonal workers have been recruited to assist the technical team, the "sustainable tourism" and "mediation" departments. "The goal is to ensure that this is an awareness-raising experience for everyone," adds the president.

While the first quarter of 2025 was disappointing, with an 11.9% drop in attendance compared to the reference year, the second quarter was reassuring, with a 3.5% increase. 155,695 visitors climbed the Dune in June.

By Friday, July 3, the parking lot was already full, and groups of tourists were pouring in. English, Spanish, and German could be heard, a sign that foreign customers are indeed present. They had deserted the dune during the first quarter of 2025, with a 46% drop.

It's been around for several years, but no one really knew about it. As proof, only 50 units have been sold in the last twelve months. But the annual, unlimited subscription to the Pilat Dune parking lot is indeed available . Before this summer season, the site's management wanted to promote this "pass" to "fight against illegal parking" and "allow locals and lovers of the site to enjoy it at a lower cost."

Financially, the deal is advantageous: 15 euros for cars and motorcycles, compared to 9 euros for eight hours during peak season. Larger vehicles will have to pay double that. "Opting for the annual subscription allows you to get involved in preserving the site and create a sense of belonging. And thanks to our new automatic license plate recognition technology, it saves considerable time at the parking terminals," emphasizes Nathalie Le Yondre.

The site's management has therefore focused on "awareness-raising experiences." After paying the parking fee, free tours and mediations are offered throughout the summer. "Dune Ridge" is an activity offered daily, subject to the availability of the mediation team, to explore the landscape with optical equipment provided. Guided tours also take place every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For romantics or simply lovers of beautiful light, guided sunset walks are organized every Wednesday from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., but also on July 15 and 29 and August 12 and 26. Conversely, early risers can enjoy sunrise hikes from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. on July 22, August 5, 16 and 19.

Information and registration at 06 32 01 45 51 or [email protected]