On my blog, I would also love to share my favourite places in France (so far). The last French heaven I have discovered was Arcachon in the South West region of France.
When Bordeaux was becoming incredibly hot last June, we escaped to the coast, just an hour by train to Arcachon. There, the sea breeze made things much more bearable, and I realised it felt like a little heaven, ‘Un petit coin de paradis*’. It was less urban and more peaceful. You could go for a swim or just enjoy the sunset by the beach. There were a few shops and restaurants, and the walk by the coast was pleasant.
Exploring the city, we discovered the ‘Ville d’hiver’ (‘winter district) with rows of 19th and early 20th century villas. A jump in the past and a real architectural feast.
https://www.arcachon.com/tourisme/je-decouvre/lieux-dexception/ville-dhiver/
In Arcachon, there was a platform from which to enjoy the city. It was lovely to take in the view and snap a few pictures. I might not do it every day, but it was worth seeing once.
In the marina / Au port de plaisance d’Arcachon
Along the beach
Walking along the beach
My husband enjoying the view over Arcachon
The ‘steak-frites’ (steak and French fries) is a classic French dish, available with slight variations in many restaurants all around France.
We took a boat cruise in the Bay of Arcachon. I had never seen such landscapes, and I took a few pictures to share with you.
Just a bus ride away from Arcachon was the astonishing Dune du Pilat. My husband was initially underwhelmed as I spoke about it. I had seen it so many times in the news and on French television that I was desperate to see it in person. He could not understand what kind of appeal a dune could have. He quickly changed his mind as we slowly climbed all the way to the top. It was vast, and climbing it was strenuous. Once at the top, the scale of it hits you with the contrast between the massive dune and the smaller landscape views behind and in front of it. The dune moves inland at about 4 meters a year, slowly trapping trees and whatever is at its back. The dune is by the coast, and I could not resist taking a few pictures with the sea in the distance. It is definitely worth a visit. A friend recommended the restaurant and bar of the ‘La Corniche’ hotel, with, according to her, the best view of the dune, but we will keep this for our next visit.
It was strenuous to climb it / The ‘Dune du Pilat’
On the Dune / Sur la Dune
I have finally seen the ‘Dune du Pilat’
We are all different and might love different places. Many students have mentioned Cassis or Nice in the South of France.
Personally, so far, apart from Arcachon, I have loved the ‘Île de Ré’, Lyon and Montpellier.
What are your favourite places in France?
Annie
Written and reviewed in September, October and November 2025, in London, Paris, and Lisbon.
* ‘Un petit coin de paradis’ => A little corner of paradise