Arcachon is often compared to Bournemouth or Sandbanks – the coastal town close to Bordeaux has fine sandy beaches and enjoys generally mild weather. The wealth of attractions in the area make car hire from Arcachon an attractive option – with sailing, golf, horse riding and mountain biking to choose from, it pays to be able to get around easily. The Dune du Pilat, the largest sand dune in Europe, is south of the town and would require hiring a car in Arcachon to easily access it. A little effort is required to reach the top but once there, the view is well worth the climb.
With Bordeaux under an hour away, hiring a car from Arcachon is a great way to reach this beautiful seaside city. Bordeaux is a beautiful city, and has some of the most amazing building in the region – particularly worth visiting is the Porte Cailhau, an imposing but intriguing Gatehouse which used to guard the entrance to the city. For a more outdoorsy day trip, the Ossau Valley, near the Spanish border, is certainly a stunning place. The valley is 70km long, peppered with traditional villages which are largely unchanged by time. It is part of the Pyrenees National Park, and has lakes, mountains, and unparalleled opportunity for adventure.