Au Ferret! If you're looking for a laidback beach town that offers all the comforts and luxuries you could wish for, this is the place to be.
Cap Ferret is a chic yet understated destination, beloved by the French for summer getaways. Located at the tip of a peninsula on the west coast, it’s a local favourite offering 50 km of coastline, peaceful Atlantic beaches and some of the best oysters in the world.
We've spent a few weeks in this slice of paradise, and every visit leaves us wanting to come back.
Our travel guide will help you make the most of your time. We include 11 fun things to do in Cap Ferret, where to stay, the best time to visit and how to get there.
11 Fun Things to Do in Cap Ferret
1. Go for a swim in a baïne along the Atlantic coastline
One of the most refreshing ways to experience Cap Ferret is by swimming in the baïnes along the Atlantic coast.
These natural tidal pools form at low tide, creating calm, shallow waters that stretch for hundreds of meters - a perfect contrast to the crashing waves nearby. Walk along the sandy beaches and take a dip in the baïne before heading into the cooler open ocean.
The best way to explore is by starting at the western side of the peninsula and making your way down the coastline towards the northern tip.
✔️ Top Tip: to swim in the baïnes make sure to time your visit with low tide.
2. Enjoy fresh oysters and local wine at a beach shack
Cap Ferret is renowned for producing some of the best oysters in the world. Considered the oyster capital of France, tasting them straight from the source is a must while you're there.
After your beach walk, stop by one of the scenic oyster shacks along the water for a platter of freshly shucked oysters paired with a glass of cold, dry white wine.
We loved our leisurely lunch at La Cabane d'Hortense, where we sat on the sandy patio overlooking the bay. The oysters were so fresh, we went back the next day for more.
3. Have a champagne picnic on the beach at sunset
The beaches in Cap Ferret feel so wild and quiet, especially at sunset, making it the perfect setting for a beach picnic.
Start by picking up some snacks from the local grocery store and a bottle of champagne. Don't forget to bring plastic flutes, a picnic blanket and a garbage bag.
Once you're stocked up, head to the western side of the peninsula to find a quiet spot along the beach. We spent hours sipping champagne and snacking on cheese, crackers and charcuterie while watching the sun dip below the horizon.
✔️ Top Tip: To chill your champagne quickly, fill a sturdy plastic shopping bag with saltwater from the sea, add a bag or two of ice, and submerge your bottle inside. The salt lowers the freezing point, helping your champagne cool faster. Dig a small pit in the sand to keep your makeshift cooler upright while you enjoy the view.
4. Keep the party going at Bar Le Tchanque
After your champagne picnic, stop in at Bar Le Tchanque, a cocktail bar that was once frequented by Ernest Hemingway. It has a fun atmosphere and is a great spot to drink cocktails, eat small bites and listen to some tunes.
5. Shop the Cap Ferret Market
This isn’t your typical flea market - it's a Ferret market. The parking lot is filled with tons of local vendors selling fashionable items like colourful beach blankets, stylish everyday dresses, linen shirts, handmade jewelry, housewares, and local food and wine.
I couldn’t resist picking up a couple linen dresses, jewelry and a beach blanket, while Ari snagged a crisp linen shirt, all at great prices.
🕔 Hours: The market is open every day from 8 AM - 1 PM from mid-June to mid-September. In off-season, it's open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
6. Bike to the quaint village of L’Herbe for lunch
Biking to the village of L'Herbe
Cap Ferret has a network of bike trails stretching over 100 km! Rent some bikes and explore the forested peninsula. We rented our bikes from Ginette.
Bike to the quaint village of L’Herbe to eat lunch. The beautiful fishing village is filled with colourful historic houses and seaside seafood shacks. Enjoy fresh shrimp, oysters, and cold dry white wine.
7. Dine at a seafood restaurant along Bassin d'Arcachon
Enjoy a romantic dinner overlooking the Bassin d'Arcachon, a beautiful bay framed by sand dunes and dotted with oyster farms. The view is breathtaking, with boats gliding by and the sun casting a golden glow over the water.
We recommend L'Escale, a charming seafood restaurant that's been a local favourite for over 50 years, or Chez Hortense, a buzzy off-the-beaten-path spot famous for its mussels - if you can snag a reservation.
8. Treat yourself to a Clarins spa treatment
Unwind at Hotel Cote Sable's Spa by Clarins. Destress in the hammam, take a soak in the jacuzzi and relax with a massage or facial.9. Go Surfing
Cap Ferret is a hidden gem for surfers, offering quiet, uncrowded waves perfect for all levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, you can rent equipment or take a lesson at Tutti Fruti Surf School.
The area’s top surf spots include l'Horizon and La Pointe, both known for their consistent breaks.
10. Shop for chic artisan products at the boutiques
Village Holiday Shop | G. Kero
Cap Ferret may be small, but it has a fantastic collection of boutiques filled with chic housewares, clothing and artisan products. Walk down Boulevard de la Plage to find plenty of cute boutiques.
Don't miss these shops in Cap Ferret:
- G. Kero - for bold, colourful clothing featuring unique prints inspired by the French fashion designer's paintings. It's like wearable art.
- Voyage Holiday Shop - one of the best curations we've seen for housewares, clothing and accessories. We couldn't leave the store!
- Villa Nova - for unique housewares and ceramics. I picked up a set of three ceramic serving bowls in stylish neutral colours.
11. Run along the endless Atlantic coastline
Running along Cap Ferret’s golden sand feels like an endless path with the sound of the ocean as your soundtrack and the vast blue sky above.
The beach stretches for miles, offering an idyllic place for a peaceful jog, especially in the late afternoon when the sun casts a warm glow on the sand.
You'll pass fascinating relics of history - eroding WWII bunkers covered in graffiti that are interesting to look at as you run.
Where to stay in Cap Ferret
When looking for accommodation, choose a place that is close to Boulevard de la Plage. You will have close access to beaches, restaurants and shops.
Don’t book a place in Arcachon by mistake that is across the water. It also has a boulevard with the same name.
We stayed at Cote Sable, a luxury boutique hotel located beside the beach and in the centre of the action. The hotel has a modern decor and a large patio out front where you can eat breakfast or have aperitifs and people watch. Right when we arrived we dropped our bags, put on our robes and sat outside on our private terrace. Clarins products line the sink in your bathroom from the Clarins spa located in the hotel.Another option is to stay at a guesthouse or apartment. Villa Blanche is good value and in an excellent location. 🛏️ Browse more stays in Cap Ferret
How to Get to Cap Ferret
Best time to visit Cap Ferret
The best time to visit Cap Ferret is during beach weather. This is from June-September, when there is the least amount of rainfall and temperatures are around 24-27 °C.
June and September are ideal since it's quieter than July and August, but still warm enough for swimming.
We hope you enjoyed these fun things to do in Cap Ferret!
See what Cap Ferret is like in our vlog.
Start planning your trip to France
- 🗺️ Travel itinerary: combine Cap Ferret with a trip to Paris. Or, combine it with a road trip to the Basque Country to visit San Sebastian, the food capital of Spain.
- 🛏️ Accommodation: Booking.com is our go-to for finding places to stay. Sort by top reviewed.
- 🚆 Book your train: compare rates with Trainline (save an average of 61% when you book in advance)
- 🚗 Car rental: see Rentalcars.com to compare car rental prices across different companies.
- 🛫 Book your flight: use Skyscanner to compare flights across different airlines (we recommend booking direct with the airline however).
Don't miss our other France travel guides:
- 1 Week in Paris and Provence
- 7 Best Luberon Villages in Provence
- How to spend a day in Paris
- 12 Day France and Italy Itinerary
- 3 Days in Provence Itinerary
- Provence 4 Day Itinerary
- South of France and Italy Itinerary
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