For guidance...we think Cap Ferret is similar to Ile de Re and Noirmoutier in France, and Sandbanks, St Mawes, Salcombe or the Norfolk coast in the UK. They are wild and natural, dominated by sand dunes but all have that rich, authentic feel about them and draw discerning visitors.
Five
Reasons to Choose Cap Ferret
•
On the edge of the Bassin d’Arcachon –
Cap Ferret allows you to choose between Atlantic surf
beaches or calm lagoon waters.
•
A
gastronomic delight! – the Bassin d’Arcachon is
a European centre for oysters, half an hour from the vineyards
of Bordeaux.
•
The
laid-back vibe and the protected environment (strict planning controls exist) both add to mellow
atmosphere.
•
Superb forest cycle tracks for all the family
•
With
the exclusive clientele the area enjoys, Cap Ferret is great
for shopping and dining
"Suddenly one of France’s best-kept secrets was revealed: a tranquil and beautiful wilderness colliding enchantingly with fishing boats, oyster villages, dreamy holiday homes and the ocean" The Weekend FT's view 08/09/07read the whole
Cap Ferret article
Cap
Ferret - highlights
What's
the Presqu'Ile de Cap Ferret actually like?
Difficult to say, but "like Ile de Ré" or "like Cape Cod" would not be inaccurate. It
has the laid back ambience and relaxing natural environment
of the Caribbean, blended with the subtle refinements of the
French way of life - Barbados meets Bordeaux!
It has a distinctly discerning feel about it - it certainly attracts some high-spending visitors. But, like the people that come here, it's authentic, laid-back and unassuming. You won't see the gaudiness and ostentation of the Cote d'Azur here; the residents and visitors actively shun such behaviour.
Due west of Bordeaux, the
Cap Ferret peninsula is a treat for the senses - the scent
of the pine forest, the constant rumble
of rollers washing up on the western coast, the salty, slippery
taste of oysters washed down with a Bordeaux
blanc and, at the end of the day, sitting on top
of one of the dunes overlooking the Atlantic and watching
the sun go down. Bliss!
Cap Ferret village, is the
chic-est spot on the the Presqu'Ile. Smart boutiques,
cafes and restaurants in a low-rise, laid-back
setting - the ambience is casual, relaxed but appreciative
of good living.
The
famous '44 hectares' of the Cap Ferret peninsula are situated
south of the lighthouse. This is an area
of villas built in the earlier part of last century set
amongst the pine trees all served by unmade roads, owned
by several French stars, Bordeaux vineyard owners and generations
of Cap Ferret inhabitants of more modest means. It's probably
the most natural, exclusive yet unpretentious 'housing estate'
in France and also home to the island's most famous restaurant,
Chez Hortense - laid back (what else could it be here?)
and popular with France's VIPs.
Cap
Ferret - Our Personal Favourites
•
Fine
dining in Cap Ferret village, after a day relaxing on
the beach.
•
Climbing
to the top of the famous Cap Ferret lighthouse, and enjoying
the glorious views across the Bassin.
•
Tasting
oysters fresh from the sea - in the pretty oyster village of l’Herbe.
•
Fishing
with children at low tide for cockles, clams, winkles
and shrimps. If that's too energetic, just watching
the fishermen haul in their oysters.
•
A day's body-boarding at le Truc Vert
Cap Ferret - Out of Season
French resorts tend to be very seasonal and this can often come as a surprise to visitors who are less familiar with France. Owners of seasonal business such as bars and restaurants can often get by simply by operating in two months of the year - July & August - and are happy to shut down the rest of the year.
Cap Ferret does have a buzz in July & August whereas it is much much quieter outside those months. But, in our opinion, June and September are ideal months to visit if you can - the crowds have gone, the weather is warm and there's still restaurants and boutiques to enjoy.
Find out more in our Cap
Ferret tourist information guide. Topics
covered include beaches, activities, kids' attractions, restaurants,
cultural attractions and more...
Cap Ferret -
client quotes "Location
is perfect & most restaurants excellent"
(Mr D Neill)
"The village of le Canon
is adorable" (Mr de Wit)
Cap
Ferret -
articles "Shacks
are the new chic as fishing huts net a fortune"
The Times 23/04/05 - read
cap Ferret article
"Lege Cap Ferret peninsula - a sweet taste of elsewhere"
- read Michelin's
Cap Ferret article
