• [Dailystar Icon]
• Travel
• Travel News
• Holidays

Charming lesser-known French seaside town has golden beach and cheap oysters

Arcachon is a pretty french town on the south coast that boasts a huge beach, waterfront restaurants, shopping, watersports, cheap seafood and even campsites

[Access to the beach Petit Nice in front of the sandbank of Arguin on the Arcachon Bay]

Access to the beach Petit Nice in front of the sandbank of Arguin on the Arcachon Bay(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Brits looking for their next holiday destination, but who dont want to travel too far, should consider some of the lesser-known towns in France where you'll find gorgeous beaches, delicious seafood and plenty of sun.

One such hotspot is Arcachon, on the southwest coast of France, which is a charming seaside town boasting plenty of natural beauty and a chill atmosphere for relaxing. As its just over the channel you can reach the town by car though it will take over eight hours to drive there from Calais, or by plane in just an hour and 40 minutes.

The "hidden gem" boasts sunshine and average highs of 25C in the summer months and is right on the beach. It has bays that stretch along the Atlantic coast, providing tonnes of space for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.

READ MORE: Tourists flock to 'paradise' floating hostel with 57 rooms that open out to the ocean

READ MORE: Beautiful European town has 1.20 beers, white sand beaches and 25C weather in May

As a much smaller town than hotspots like Paris and Nice its great for those who want a relaxed holiday, but still offers plenty to do. The main beach, Plage Pereire, is popular with families and has calm, blue water thats great for swimming and paddling.

[Aerial view of Arcachon, France]

The town of Arcachon, France is filled with red-roofed buildings and sunshine(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

You can also explore the beautiful Arcachon Bay by taking a boat trip or a ferry ride. You can also visit the nearby le aux Oiseaux or Bird Island which is perfect for bird spotters. Foodies can take a tour of the oyster farms to learn about the region's rich oyster culture.

Speaking of which, the seafood in the town is top quality and cheap. Not only can you get stuck into local oysters, mussels, and seafood platters at the waterfront restaurants or markets, but youll get great prices too. If you buy them from the markets you can bag 12 for as little as 5.

[The famous Dune of Pilat in the Aquitaine region, Arcachon, ]

The famous Dune of Pilat in the Aquitaine region, Arcachon, (Image: Getty Images)

Don't miss the daily indoor market, March Municipal, where you can sample fresh produce, cheeses, and other regional delicacies too. Plus, stroll through the town center to admire the Belle Epoque architecture and beautiful sights such as the iconic Villa Tosca and Villa Algerienne.

Cycling and hiking are also popular as the area offers trails that wind through pine forests, along the bay and across the coast offering great views out over the ocean. Just a short drive from Arcachon is the Dune du Pilat, Europe's tallest sand dune, when you get to the top youll enjoy top sea views and a look across the Banc d'Arguin nature reserve.

[Rue Marechal de Lattre a pretty shopping street in Arcachon]

Rue Marechal de Lattre a pretty shopping street in Arcachon(Image: Getty Images)

The town is a great base from which to explore the wider Aquitaine region. You can take day trips and visit nearby hotspots like Bordeaux, with its world-class wineries and historic landmarks, or the wine-growing region of Saint-milion. There are also a number of castles, cathedrals and lush gardens within driving distance for that classic French holiday vibe. Plus, Parc de La Coccinelle a theme park offers rides and slides as well as a petting farm.

London travel blogger Anna, @nospaceinmypassport, called the town a "hidden gem" and praised it as "charming". She said its a "French coastal town you probably havent heard of but absolutely have to add to your bucket list". In her video she showed off relaxed waterfront cafes, shopping streets with boutiques, gorgeous buildings and the golden sand at the beach.

[Arcachon and the Eyrac Pier at Arcachon bay in the south of France]

Arcachon and the Eyrac Pier at Arcachon bay in the south of France(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

You can find flights to the closest airport, Bordeaux-Mrignac Airport, from 14 with Opodo. Plus you can find some outrageously beautiful hotel stays in the area too. A night at Htel Le Dauphin, a picturesque castle-like building 500 yards from the beach, will set you back 96 a night between two. You can also rent a beachfront apartment from 110 a night. Budget-seekers can also stay at a number of campsites in the area Huttopia offers camping spots from 27.

Check out more of the Daily Stars latest travel stories by signing up to our free weekly newsletter

[Dailystar Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Star as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.