Arcachon

Europe's highest sand dune at over 100 metres, between the pine forest of the Landes and the Atlantic. Leashed dogs are welcome year-round; the crest gives a panorama over the Banc d'Arguin, Cap Ferret and the ocean. Bring water, the open sand has no shade and gets very hot in summer.

The Belle Epoque district of the Pereire brothers, a hillside of ornate 19th-century villas among the pines, centred on the Parc Mauresque and its belvedere over the bay. Leashed dogs are welcome in the park and the quarter's streets; a lift connects the top down to the seafront.

The peninsula across the bay, reached by the UBA ferry from the Jetee Thiers (leashed dogs allowed year-round). It has the lighthouse, the wild ocean beaches, the calm bay beaches and the oyster shacks. It is Arcachon's classic dog day-trip.

The calm bay beach backed by the pine-shaded Parc Pereire, one of the nicest in town. Leashed dogs are allowed from October to May; a summer ban (approx June–September) applies by municipal arrete. Check the current arrete.

The flat island in the middle of the Bassin crowned by the two cabanes tchanquees stilt huts, the emblem of Arcachon. Boat tours and traditional pinasses circle it and the Banc d'Arguin reserve; many operators allow leashed dogs on board.

The oyster port where producers turn their cabanes into tasting tables: huitres du Bassin, crevettes and pignots served over the water. Dogs are at home at the outdoor tables. Come at low tide for the calmest setting.