Your holiday in Ares on the Bassin D’Arcachon
La Cigale, our family owned and run campsite is situated on the outskirts of Ares, a small town on the edge of the Arcachon Bay.
We benefit from a “Family Plus” Tourist Office which offers Aresiens and our holidaymakers a variety of outdoor activities such as walks to discover local flora and fauna, night markets, treasure hunts, an annual oyster festival and much more.
Additionally Cap 33 offers a range of sports for young and old, some as free initiation others at a low price.
What to do in Ares?
Aside from relaxing days and the swimming pool at La Cigale you can enjoy easy access, (150m away), to a network of traffic free cycle paths. The hardest decision to take will be wether to turn towards the Atlantic beaches, Cap Ferret or Arcachon!
Ares weekly market takes place on Tuesday morning from where you can take the opportunity of a stroll to the esplanade returning to La Cigale via the salt meadows and the oyster port; an enjoyable walk.
If the high tide is around 80 or more (coefficient, daily indicated at the campsite), the beaches of Ares are perfect for a swim, and are only 1k away. They are particularly pleasant around and beyond the nautical club in the Andernos direction.
If the tide has gone out, (or at any time), the Saint Brice lake is an ideal place to spend the day in the company of friends and family. The lake is salt water, refreshed by the tides twice daily, offers partial shade, swimming, and is a nice place for a picnic.
Next to the Ovniport on the esplanade smaller children can have fun on the play area on the beach. Dependent upon the tide, feet will be wet or dry!
The salt meadows of Ares
The salt meadows are located a 20-minute walk from La Cigale, you can easily visit on your own, however a guided tour with Alexandre from Ares Tourist Office is very informative!
Oyster farming villages
Each picturesque town on the Arcachon Bay has one or more oyster farming ports.
Boat trips
There are many nautical options available; guided tours, boat hire, (with or without a licence) or simply a ferry trip to the town of Arcachon. A day out in the sea air!
Swimming in the Bassin
Enjoy warm water and beaches in the Bassin D’Arcachon, any time of the day at Grand Piquey or at high tide in Ares.
Forest walks
Our guests can enjoy access to walks through the forests only 150m from La Cigale
The immensity of the Atlantic coast
Only 8km away by car, with ample parking the Grand Crohot beach stretches as far as the eye can see, a unique landscape. Why not leave your car at La Cigale? The Grand Crohot can be reached in 30 to 40 minutes by bike on a traffic free route. The path passes through pine forests with access to the beach via several boardwalks.
Walks along the beaches of Ares
You can enjoy a magnificent sunset between pines and sea, (with the Dune du Pyla in the distance) on a walk to the esplanade returning via the Ares oyster port and back to La Cigale.