Pyla-sur-Mer is a seaside resort on the Atlantic coast, in Gironde, in the Aquitaine region, 65 km south-west of Bordeaux.
Located in the territory of La Teste-de-Buch, the station extends from the entrance of the Arcachon basin, the city of which it borders, until the dune of Pilat, famous for being the highest in Europe.
The station was created at the beginning of the First World War by an entrepreneur, Daniel Meller, after an exchange of land with the state, and was named Pyla to evoke the famous dune "Pilat", which means "mount" in Gascon.
Between the two wars, a second promoter makes it possible to enlarge the station which is prolonged then in the south, always on the littoral, in the direction of Biscarrosse.
The new constructions, however, preserve the forest of the Landes and from the 1950s, success allows to develop thousands of houses and develop recreational activities (water sports, play equipment). The resort includes several neighborhoods and its beaches follow one another for more than 10 kilometers.
Pyla-sur-Mer and its dune are certainly worth seeing, and the environment as well as the cultural and leisure activity in the summer attracts tens of thousands of holiday makers.
The exceptional site of the Pilat Dune (110 m high, about 3 km long, 600 m wide) attracts over a million and a half visitors a year. It is a natural monument of 135 hectares formed by the accumulation of sand from the sea. The experts note, however, that the dune is in perpetual motion and progressing from 1 to 5 m per year... Even if it requires very precise measuring instruments to measure it. Almost devoid of vegetation, the dune offers at its summit an exceptional panoramic view of the coast, the sea and the land.
You can climb the dune all year round (be careful, exercise can be stressful), but a staircase is installed from April to early November. Access is free but parking is not free. Information on +33 5 56 22 12 85.
Facing the dune, offshore, we see the Banc d'Arguin, a sandbank 4 km long and 2 km wide, which seems to mark the entrance to the Arcachon basin. Protected area for its fauna (birds) and its dune flora, it is accessible by boat (shuttles). Although the visit is framed not to disturb the ecosystem, it offers a unique view of the Pilat Dune and the coastline. Information on +33 5 56 54 53 83 or +33 5 56 54 63 14.
Before enjoying the beaches, a detour is required at the Villa Tethys, built in 1924. This gem of Art Deco with white walls and Greek-style is the work of the architect Roger Henri-Expert, who is also the l author of villas inspired by the first, Canope and Lyside. Building now classified, with a rotunda decorated with ceramics depicting the Greek goddess Tethys, the villa is surrounded by a park with terraces. Visits possible. Information on +33 5 56 54 53 83 or +33 5 56 54 63 14.
Pyla-sur-Mer has many beaches, which over the decades have become neighborhoods' seafronts as such.
At the historic heart of the resort and the Figuier roundabout, is the main beach, called Pilat-Plage. To the north, there are the beaches of Pyla and Moulleau, and to the south, there are the Petit Nice, the Lagoon, the North Salie and the Arbousiers.
South of the resort, you can also enjoy Lake Cazaux (freshwater).
Swimming and water sports are easily practiced on each of them.
Many clubs or associations offer to learn or practice sailing: the main circle is based in the heart of the resort. All information on +33 5 56 54 00 29.
The circle based on Lake Cazaux is equipped with specific equipment for people with reduced mobility. Information on +33 5 56 22 91 00.
For the amateurs of stand-up and paddle, to join the +33 6 62 26 04 11 or the +33 6 11 92 05 83. For the kitesurf, to contact the +33 6 75 25 97 89, and for the surf, to inquire at +33 6 80 05 46 95.
On the sea side, the last few years have seen the rise of pesca-tourism, which consists of accompanying fishermen or oyster farmers for a day.
Information on +33 5 56 54 53 83 or +33 5 56 54 63 14.
Pyla-sur-Mer is also endowed with numerous bike paths (on the coast as in its forest areas) and the whole territory is punctuated with hiking trails. For hiking, documentation and information at +33 5 56 54 63 14.
We do not forget the tennis fans who can always reserve a court on +33 5 57 52 19 46.
In another register, many races are scheduled in season at the racecourse. Information on +33 5 56 54 74 26.
Finally, let's mention the mini-golf (information on +33 6 32 23 74 38), the zoo open from mid-February to mid-November (entry 13,90 and 16,90 euros, information on +33 5 56 54 71 44) and on the cultural plan, the numerous art galleries established in the resort.
In mid-April, regional kite surfing.
At the end of April, Pyla lounge in bloom.
In mid-May, nature festival (workshops, fun activities, exhibitions).
Every Sunday afternoon, in July and August, art exhibitions place Meller.
On the first Wednesday of August, Meller Square, The Pyla's Elegantes revive the resort's past with a fashion show and vintage cars.
For the feast of August 15, fireworks.