Arcachon's historic quarter, the Winter Town, is packed with places to explore. Here's our itinerary to help you discover all its treasures.
Not far from the hustle and bustle of the town center and beaches, discover the heights of Arcachon, where the magnificent Winter Town and its emblematic houses are hidden.
This historic district, with its well-established reputation, is listed as a historic monument. Built in the 19th century, it is home to over 300 Belle Epoque villas, offering a multitude of architectural styles and trends, all spread over an area of 110 hectares.
Visiting the Winter Town is like stepping back in time to discover the Arcachon of yesteryear. Getting lost in the narrow streets and admiring the perfectly preserved villas is a real invitation to travel back in time!
For architecture enthusiasts, we highly recommend a visit to this little paradise. We've put together a list of recommendations of the best addresses not to be missed in this district. Follow the guide!
A walk back in time
You don't need to go back in time to live in the last century: a simple stroll in the heights of Arcachon is all it takes to discover the hidden treasures of the Winter Town.
From Bayard to Athéna, via Alexandre Dumas, Brémontier, Toledo or Trocadéro, don't miss the chance to explore the sumptuous villas in one of Arcachon's most emblematic neighborhoods.
You can start your tour at Villa Teresa, whose Hispano-Moorish-inspired architecture combines ashlar and brick. Inside, a unique blend of Viennese Baroque and enamelled woodwork awaits you. Then it's on to Villa Toledo, which combines rustic style with Hispanic elements, decorated with delicate ornamentation in the roof structure.
Not to be missed is the Villa Alexandre Dumas, one of the most beautiful in the region. Not only does the name catch the eye, but it's its appearance that really makes it worth the detour! Indeed, its blend of Hispanic elements with a magnificent belvedere, comparable to that of typical Italian villas, is a real eye-catcher.
Close to the famous Place Brémontier, the eponymous villa is inspired by the Swiss chalet, with its red rubble stone walls and carved cinder blocks. Finally, don't forget to visit the Villa Trocadéro, near Place Brémontier, a superb example of Indian architecture, with its finely carved woodwork.
Recharge your batteries at Parc Mauresque
We recommend taking a break from your visit to Parc Mauresque. Located on the border between the Winter Town and the Summer Town, this magnificent 4-hectare arboretum is brimming with plant treasures, from rare and exotic plants to unusual trees. Among its wonders, a rose garden with 600 rose bushes invites visitors to enjoy the bright colors of the flowers and their bewitching fragrances. The park also features a pond, a kiosk and a fountain.
It's a haven of tranquility, ideal for a relaxing break.
The little extra? If you're arriving from the Summer Town, you can take the elevator directly to the heart of the park, giving you the chance to enjoy a gentle stroll. A perfect place to recharge your batteries in the midst of nature!
Take to the skies at the Sainte-Cécile Observatory
What better way to end your visit than with a breathtaking view over the whole of Arcachon?
In fact, we invite you to take in the sights from the Sainte-Cécile Observatory. At 25 meters high, this observation tower offers one of the finest panoramic views of the town.
For the record, Gustave Eiffel helped build this tower. A famous engineer who likes to think big...
To get there, you'll have to cross the 32-metre-long Saint-Paul footbridge, then climb the steps to the belvedere via a spiral staircase. Once there, you can admire the superb view and discover the Summer Town stretching out at your feet. Because as the saying goes: after the effort, the comfort... and what better reward than this panorama!
In short, the Winter Town is an emblematic Arcachon site, where history, architecture and beauty meet.
Take advantage of the guided tours available from April to October. On the program: little train, audio-guided tour and/or puzzle game.
Bookings through the Tourist Office.