Attractions and Places To See around Arès - Top 20

Arès is rich in natural beauty. You can visit the Prés Salés Nature Reserve, a significant protected area with salt marshes, wet meadows, and pine forests, home to diverse flora and over 170 bird species. The Cabane du Résinier - Prés Salés Nature Reserve serves as a starting point for exploring this area. Another option is the Saint Brice Natural Site, offering forests, wetlands, and rich biodiversity. Don't miss the Salt Meadows Trail for a superb walk to discover local flora and fauna.

Yes, Arès is home to the Prés Salés Nature Reserve (Arès and Lège Salt Marshes National Nature Reserve), a vast 495-hectare protected area. It's a mosaic of salt marshes, wet meadows, and pine forests, providing a habitat for diverse wildlife, including over 170 bird species and European otters. The Cabane du Résinier - Prés Salés Nature Reserve is a key point of interest within this reserve.

The Oyster Port (Port Ostréicole) is a central hub for local life and a key site for learning about oyster farming. Here, you can stroll, observe the oyster huts, and even taste fresh oysters directly from local producers. Organized tours are often available to experience the life of an oyster farmer.

Arès features a few distinctive landmarks. The Ovniport is an unusual monument from 1976, symbolizing a UFO landing area near the Arès Pier. You can also see the Tour d'Arès, a building resembling a small fortification, originally an 1840 mill. The Square of the Great Republican Principles offers a place for reflection.

Yes, Arès offers several family-friendly options. The Cabane du Résinier - Prés Salés Nature Reserve is a great starting point for itineraries suitable for families. The Salt Meadows Trail is also described as child-friendly, offering a chance to discover local flora and fauna. Additionally, Saint-Brice Beach, with its artificial basin, is popular for swimming even at low tide, making it ideal for families.

Arès is an excellent destination for cycling enthusiasts. It is crossed by popular routes like the Vélodyssée and the Tour de Gironde. A highly recommended option is the Bike path to Cap Ferret, which offers a well-developed, asphalted network of shady paths through the pine forest, away from busy traffic. For more cycling options, explore the routes in the Cycling around Arès guide.

Absolutely. The Prés Salés Nature Reserve offers numerous opportunities for walks and hikes. The Salt Meadows Trail is a superb walk to discover local flora and fauna. The Saint Brice Natural Site also features trails for hiking. You can find various hiking routes, including easy to moderate options, in the Hiking around Arès guide.

The Arcachon Bay, where Arès is located, provides excellent opportunities for various water sports. You can enjoy sailing, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kitesurfing. The beaches in Arès, such as Arès Beach and Saint-Brice Beach, are perfect for relaxation and swimming.

Arès offers outdoor activities throughout the year, but the spring and autumn months generally provide pleasant weather for exploring nature reserves, cycling, and hiking without the peak summer crowds. Summer (around August 15th) is vibrant with events like the Fête de l'Huître (Oyster Festival), which combines culinary specialties with concerts and fireworks.

Visitors appreciate the well-developed and shady bike paths, like the Bike path to Cap Ferret, which are easy to ride. The charm of the oyster villages, such as Le Canon — oyster village, with its wooden huts and views of the Dune de Pilat, is also highly rated. Many enjoy the superb walks to discover local flora and fauna, particularly around the Prés Salés Nature Reserve.

Yes, Arès hosts vibrant local markets twice a week. You can explore them on Tuesdays and Sundays under the market hall, where you'll find fresh produce and traditional goods.

The Oyster Port (Port Ostréicole) is an excellent place to find dining options, particularly for fresh oysters directly from local producers. The Le Canon — oyster village also offers very nice restaurants. Additionally, the Truc-Vert Campsite has a restaurant with a bar and a well-stocked grocery store.