- Home
- School trips
- Boatmen’s Short Tour
Boatmen’s Short Tour
The ideal programme to give children their first boating experience: 1-hour tour around the Île aux Oiseaux.
A fun and original way to learn about a rich and diverse marine environment:
– Observe nature and natural phenomena, discover maritime heritage, understand the diversity of the landscapes, learn to use a map,
– Awaken curiosity and stimulate questions,
– Raise awareness about environmental protection.
Our suggestion: discover Arcachon’s winter town with the little train tour.
What you need to know
Boarding points
TourArcachon - Marina
Tour details
- Boarding at Arcachon
- Passage through the Mapouchet channel, beautiful view of the Île aux Oiseaux and the Cabanes Tchanquées
- Oyster farms (at low tide)
- Arcachon waterfront
TourCap Ferret - Bélisaire Pier
Tour details
- Boarding at Cap Ferret
- Arcachon waterfront
- Passage through the Mapouchet channel, beautiful view of the Île aux Oiseaux and the Cabanes Tchanquées
- Oyster farms (at low tide)
- Return to Cap Ferret
Prices
FromOptional extras
Located in the heart of Port de Larros in Gujan-Mestras, the Maison de l'Huître Oyster Museum introduces pupils to the fascinating world of oyster farming on Arcachon Bay. Through a short film, a guided museum tour and exhibition spaces, children learn about the oyster farmer's profession, the different stages of oyster cultivation and local maritime traditions that have shaped the region.
Recommended age: 6 to 12 years
Duration: 1 to 1½ hours
Location: Maison de l’Huître, Port de Larros, Gujan-Mestras
Getting there: Approximately 25 minutes by coach (not included) from Arcachon’s Petit Port
Activities: Film screening, guided museum visit and independent exploration of the outdoor area
Educational resources: Activity booklets available for primary school groups.
Climb aboard Arcachon's Little Tourist Train for a guided journey through the town's history, architecture and seaside heritage. From the elegant Winter Town (Ville d'Hiver) to the beautiful scenery of Arcachon Bay, pupils discover the town's distinctive neighbourhoods and landmarks, finishing near Pereire Beach. An enjoyable school group activity offering a different perspective on this historic seaside resort.
Recommended age: 3 to 12 years (up to the final year of French primary school)
Duration: 40 minutes
Getting there: Approximately 20 minutes on foot from Arcachon’s Petit Port
Meeting point: Esplanade Georges-Pompidou, outside the Tourist Office – Arcachon
Duration: ~ 1.5 – 2 hours depending on the circuit
Access: 30-min. bus trip (not included) from the Arcachon Marina
Optional extras
Make the most of your stopover in Arcachon by adding an educational activity to your school trip. From maritime heritage and oyster farming to nature, wildlife and local history, a range of visits and activities allows pupils to explore the many treasures of Arcachon Bay.
Optional activities (additional charge):- Le Teich Bird Reserve: Birdwatching and an introduction to the rich biodiversity and natural habitats of Arcachon Bay. €350 incl. VAT per class.
- Exploring the Dune du Pilat: Discover Europe's tallest sand dune through landscape observation and educational workshops exploring its formation and the evolution of the coastline. €315 incl. VAT per class.
- Arcachon Sightseeing Train: A guided tour of Arcachon, exploring its distinctive neighbourhoods, history and architectural heritage. €250 incl. VAT per class.
- Maison de l'Huître Oyster Museum in Gujan-Mestras: Discover the oyster farmer's profession, the different stages of oyster cultivation and local maritime traditions. €4.45 incl. VAT per pupil.
- Guided Tour of Port de Larros in Gujan-Mestras: Explore this traditional oyster-farming harbour, its colourful huts and fascinating maritime history. €4 incl. VAT per pupil.
Step into the shoes of a naturalist and explore the Salt Marshes Nature Reserve of Arès and Lège-Cap-Ferret. Equipped with binoculars, magnifying glasses and observation tools, pupils search for animal tracks, identify local wildlife and plants, and discover the essential role this protected natural habitat plays in the ecosystem. A hands-on environmental education experience in the heart of Arcachon Bay.
Recommended age: 6 to 12 years
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Location: Arès and Lège-Cap-Ferret Salt Marshes Nature Reserve
Meeting point: Cabane du Résinier
Getting there: Approximately 30 minutes by coach (not included) from Bélisaire Pier
Educational equipment: Binoculars, magnifying boxes, identification guides, specimen-catching tools and magnifying glasses
Theme: Environmental education, wildlife observation and biodiversity.
Discover the charming oyster-farming village of L’Herbe on the Cap Ferret peninsula through an interactive outdoor investigation. Using an old photograph as their starting point, pupils explore the village's narrow streets, solve riddles and collect clues to help Gabriel find his great-grandfather's house. An engaging educational activity combining local history, maritime heritage and the biodiversity of Arcachon Bay.
Recommended age: 9 years and over (French Cycle 3)
Duration: 2 hours
Location: L’Herbe village, Lège-Cap-Ferret
Getting there: Approximately 15 minutes by coach (not included) from Bélisaire Pier
Supervision: Four accompanying adults are required
Activity: Outdoor investigation and walking trail through the village.
Standing 53 metres tall, Cap Ferret Lighthouse offers breathtaking panoramic views over Arcachon Bay, the Dune du Pilat and the Atlantic Ocean. After climbing its 258 steps, pupils can admire the surrounding coastline while learning about the importance of lighthouses in maritime navigation. An interactive exhibition introduces the history of nautical charts, seafaring and the lighthouse itself.
Recommended age: 4 to 12 years
Approximate duration: 40 minutes
Location: Cap Ferret Lighthouse, Lège-Cap-Ferret
Getting there: Approximately 25 minutes on foot from Bélisaire Pier
Free admission: One accompanying adult per 10 pupils
Please note: Access to the top involves climbing 258 steps. There is no lift.
Stopover optionsArcachon - Marina





