Sand dunes - 140 steps

Wednesday 16^th April

A lovely relaxed day today. We went for a drive up the coast to see the Dune de Pyla which is the tallest sand dune in Europe. These dunes stretch for 2.7K and are over 110 metres high and 500 metres wide. You could climb the dunes the hard way, or use the stairs they have in place. 140 steps I counted. The views when you get to the top are quite spectacular, looking inland over the forest or out over the water. We met an Australian couple from Wonga Park at the top of the dunes. When we arrived at the dunes there were a few people but by the time we left it was a slow walk down the steps as you waited for those in front. Again we were surprised at the number of people with their dogs – and the dogs climbed the dunes as well!

To the top we go - 140 steps

Made it ....

...now I need a lie down!

Magnificent views from the top

Something else the dog just had to do.

From there we drove to the town of Archaron which is on a large inlet. The area is known for its oyster farms so oysters were the go for lunch (for Rob – I’m not an oyster lover). Oysters and mussels for Rob and prawns and stir fry beef for me. Mussels must be plentiful and cheap here because when you order a dish of mussels it is a huge bowl.

 

First course.

The pier at Arcachon

And Rob's new friend, Cora.

The weather was perfect for lunch outdoors and then a stroll along the pier and people watching. We watched the oyster boats come back at low tide, and the cruise boats unload and reload. We passed on the cruise up the river.

 

Plenty of people enjoying the sun
even though it was only about 22.

Returning to the hotel we took a scenic route around one of the large lakes there. It was a huge lake, and there were a couple of other lakes in the system. It would probably compare with the Myall lakes in NSW or Gippsland lakes in Victoria. It really was very pretty and very relaxing as we stopped by the lakeside beach for a break.

 

Yachts on the lake near Biscarosse. 

Back to the hotel and time to do the washing before we hit the road again tomorrow. Pizza for dinner – and very nice it was too.