In Arès, nature ranges from tidal flats and wetland birds to forest vegetation and ponds. There are also trails, cycling routes and cultural sites. When choosing accommodation, it can help to first decide whether nature, cycling or culture will shape your stay.
Salt meadows, ponds and forest
The 496-hectare Réserve naturelle nationale des Prés salés d’Arès – Lège Cap-Ferret is shaped by the tides. Its habitats range from mudflats to areas that remain above the water. It is an important area for the migration, wintering and breeding of numerous wetland birds.
The Domaine de Saint-Brice lies within the municipalities of Arès and Andernos-les-Bains and belongs to the Conservatoire du Littoral. Its vegetation includes maritime pines, oaks, willows and trembling aspens; broom, gorse, ferns, strawberry trees and heather grow in the undergrowth. Two ponds add to the biological importance of this protected area.
The natural features differ markedly: tides and wetland birds shape the landscape of the Prés salés, while woodland, undergrowth and ponds are the focus at the Domaine.
Trails with different highlights
“Les prés salés, entre terre et mer” passes through settling basins, forest, salt meadows and dunes. “Les 3 eaux de Saint-Brice” runs between several ponds, through the forest and along a coastal path. The hiking trail also leads to the ruins of a former farmstead. This adds a tangible historical connection to the water and forest landscapes.
As a family route, “Les Pistes de Robin: les secrets d’Arès” runs from the Jetée d’Arès to the Port Ostréicole and features a series of riddles. Check the route materials on site before planning this walk.
Arès by bike
For cyclists, it helps to understand how the routes fit together: the Tour de Gironde à vélo includes Arès as Stage 14 on the route between Lacanau and Andernos. La Vélodyssée, the French section of EuroVelo 1, runs 1,250 km from Roscoff to Hendaye, crosses the Bassin d’Arcachon and offers an opportunity to stop in Arès. The first reference places the town on a specific stage, while the second describes the context of a long-distance route. Check the details of each route before your trip.
Culture in Arès
At the Port Ostréicole d’Arès, there is a row of blue, yellow and green oyster huts. The Micro-Folie d’Arès features a digital museum and a virtual reality experience. The digital museum gives visitors access to some of the works held by several national museums. If you plan to include the Micro-Folie in your stay, check the latest opening details in advance.
The Square des Grands Principes Républicains presents the motto “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, Secularism” alongside portraits of historical figures such as Charles de Gaulle, Simone Veil and Samuel Paty.
Discover more destinations: Gours, Cadillac, Saint-Sauveur, Blanquefort, Moulis-En-Médoc, Saint-Martin-De-Sescas, Cérons, Pujols.
For the main travel guide: Gironde.
