Arcachon Basin: two books from Éditions Sud Ouest tell the story of the basin, from Biganos to Andernos

Let's follow in their footsteps between Biganos and Andernos, stopping at the charming Port des Tuiles, formerly known as the Port de Comprian, established by the pioneering monks of Sauveté, which welcomed the pilgrims on the coastal route to Santiago de Compostela. At the end of the 19th century, this port became an export center for tiles made in the Biganos industries. "Biganos enjoyed a certain prosperity thanks to its clay deposits transformed in brickyards and tile factories," including the Saboua-Mondon company and the Facture brickyard, notes Olivier de Marliave. These bricks, used in combination with stone, are one of the hallmarks of local seaside architecture. Today, the only active industry in the area is paper manufacturing, with the Smurfit Kappa factory, inaugurated in 1928. "We can regret its gigantism, but everything has a positive aspect," says Magali Hamel. "Seeing the plume of smoke from Facture is like finding your way!"

The Ricard-Debest-Béchade company sold hundreds of thousands of them – up to 800,000 in 1879 – in all regions of France">

In Audenge, it's not paper and cardboard packaging that's being produced, but leeches, we learn. An old rural tradition that has survived in the commune's ponds. The Ricard-Debest-Béchade company sold hundreds of thousands of them—up to 800,000 in 1879—in all regions of France. The business is still thriving: founded in 1845, the current company, acquired and modernized in 1993, is one of the world's four largest producers.

While the Audenge port swimming pool, a 220-meter-long, 17-meter-wide pool filled with seawater, is widely frequented by locals, few are aware of its origins. It was, in fact, "a flushing pool designed to purge the channel of mud, thanks to a lock that simply had to be raised at low tide," says the very knowledgeable vice-president of the Historical Society.

The small Gardarem eco-museum, in the old oyster port of Taussat, collects and exhibits in charming wooden cabins more than 600 objects linked to forest and sea trades.

From this port, one of the most authentic in the area, you can, after tasting oysters there, walk along the oyster dock to visit the Graveyron estate and continue on the coastal path which serves the Certes estate.

"Inside the church of Audenge, the beautiful full-length statue of a figure in a purple cloak awaits you, in front of a wall studded with ex-votos... It is Saint Yves, who is the object of a particular cult, on May 19th." On this day, people come to "rub Saint Yves", according to the consecrated expression, that is to say to pass a cloth over the part of the body from which one seeks to relieve the ailments, before applying it to one's own body. This very localized cult of the Breton patron saint can certainly be explained by the ancient relations of Breton sailors with the Basin.

of a particular cult, May 19">

In Lanton, one should not miss a stroll in the Taussat district, with its family charm, the author further advises, recalling that the Courcy family played the same role there as the Pereires in Arcachon. In 1830, Jacques François Le Cousturier de Courcy bought 400 hectares along the coast. "This site was practically uninhabited, and, a year before the creation of Arcachon, Courcy had houses, roads, a bathing establishment and a villa, La Dune, built there in 1856. It was mainly his descendants who would create a true seaside resort, after having sold land to be divided into subdivisions to lay out a road, build a chapel, a port and a railway line." Beautiful residences in the style of those of the Arcachon Winter Town still remain there. Like the Villa Bagatelle, where Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec spent a happy holiday. Built in the early 1900s, La Tosca, the most spectacular of these, has become a luxury guesthouse.

in the 1930s is now a private residence">

Another place of interest, the small Gardarem eco-museum , on the old oyster port of Taussat, collects and exhibits in charming wooden cabins more than 600 objects linked to forest and sea trades, a collection that is well worth a visit.

In Andernos, "The benefactor's name was Louis Théodore David," writes Magali Hamel. "He transformed the small fishing port […] into a fashionable seaside resort, attracting celebrities of the time such as Edmond Rostand and Sarah Bernhardt."

Villa Eureka where an erroneous plaque commemorates his stay, which actually lasted from September 1914 to October 1915">

Was it "the result of chance or the notoriety of Andernos-les-Bains that attracted her to the town?" asks Olivier de Marliave. The fact is that the actress did indeed stay in the former Villa Eurêka, now the Les Vacances residence, where an erroneous plaque commemorates her stay, which actually lasted from September 1914 to October 1915. She lived there in pain, wearing a cast, before having her right leg amputated at the Saint-Augustin clinic in Bordeaux.

In the company of these authors, you delve into the past to better savor the present of this Basin that we never really explore.

ADDRESS BOOK

TO SEE, TO DO

Olivier de Marliave and Delphine Garcia's top tips between Biganos and Andernos

Discovery trails from the Audenge tourist office: surlescheminsdaudenge.fr

WHERE TO EAT?

The Alleys

In the center of Audenge, this restaurant, which offers a traditional decor with equally traditional cuisine, has become the canteen of the Audengeois

15, all. Ernest-de-Boissière, Audenge. Tel. 05 57 70 13 73.

La Gravette

For a classic kitchen in a room with unique vintage decor.

Rue du Port, Audenge. Tel. 05 57 17 55 49.

The Ostalada

This restaurant offers original menus and dishes made with fresh, local produce.

20, boulevard du Général-de-Gaulle, Taussat, Lanton. Tel. 05 56 60 97 21.

The Plane Tree

At the oyster port of Taussat, a safe address in a charming location, with a magnificent view of the Basin.

1, all. Thalassa, Lanton. Such. 05 56 60 58 98.

The Café de la Place

Quality cuisine, fresh produce and a warm welcome in this restaurant in Andernos.

July 14th Pl., Andernos-les-Bains. Tel. 05 56 60 97 33.

Yan Pastry Shop

THE essential pastry shop for gourmets, run by true enthusiasts who demonstrate great creativity.

8, avenue de Bordeaux, Andernos-les-Bains. Tel. 06 37 55 57 50.

WHERE TO SLEEP ?

Kayola Gîte

Charming Art Deco country-style house with a charming relaxing garden, 100 meters from the cycle path.

8, av. Rosa-Bonheur, Lanton. Such. 06 80 18 06 34.

The Callunes

This guesthouse , which also has a picturesque cottage in a cabin, is located in the Cassy district, five minutes from the waterfront and the coastal path.

8, route de Bordeaux, Lanton. Tel. 06 26 47 66 54.

TO READ

“Arcachon Bay, little secrets and big stories”

Author of numerous works, notably published by Éditions Sud Ouest, including an informative “Dictionary of the Arcachon Basin”, Olivier de Marliave travels here through the memory of this territory with unusual stories.

Editions Sud Ouest, June 2025, 192 pages €20.

“Drawings of the Arcachon Basin”

A documentary yet personal evocation of the Bassin, this flip-through book of watercolors is teeming with fun and interesting details. Watercolor is the medium of choice for illustrator and graphic designer Delphine Garcia. Magali Hamel is a bookseller, artistic director of book fairs, and art school teacher.