Le Dune du Pyla!!

“Located in the Landes of Gascony, at the entrance to the famous Arcachon Bay, and facing the tip of Cap Ferret in the department of Gironde, the Dune of Pilat (or Pyla) is the highest dune in Europe…

Today, the dune has taken on some exceptional dimensions: 1.7 miles (2.7km) from north to south and 500 metres from west to east. It comprises 60 million cubed metres of sand deposited by the wind; its altitude varies from 100 to 117 metres above sea level; and its slope is steeper on the inland side than on the coastal side (the Atlantic Ocean). Every year, it advances one to five metres inland, invading constructions (houses, roads), devouring several cement fortifications built during the construction of the Atlantic Wall, during the Second World War, and is progressively burying the pine forest.” [url=http://www.france.fr]www.france.fr[/url]

Another lazy morning, fortifying ourselves for climbing the highest sand dune in Europe! I’ve visited the Dune du Pyla many times before, but I never tire of this wonder of nature, especially when the skies are blue, the sun is shining and it’s 24 degrees!!

After struggling to the top, we just sat and relaxed for a couple of hours taking in the stunning views: to the South the towering sand dune, to the West the oyster beds and sand banks of the Atlantic Ocean, to the North Cap Ferret and the Arcachon Basin, and to the East the endless pine forests of the Landes… (extra photos 2-6 – I just love this place so much I couldn’t decide which view to post so I’ve posted all of them!)

And after all that exercise? Well, we headed into Arcachon for the evening, found another beach-side bar and enjoyed an Italian Kir (made with Prosecco!!) while watching the sun go down… (extra photo 7)