This gorgeous west-facing home dates back to the 1970s, but has recently been totally refurbished to create a modern beach house, complete with a heated pool and hot tub.

The property is sheltered by lush, mature gardens, located in the quiet residential area of south Arcachon known as Le Pilat Plage. It’s a sought-after spot that’s both private and extremely convenient, being an easy walk from the beach (300m) and other holiday essentials including a boulangerie and local restaurants. The interiors are very comfortable, with six en-suite bedrooms making it a great choice for a group or an extended family stay. For smaller groups, the property is also available to rent as a three-bedroom option.

If you’re a keen cook you’ll find everything you need here to create a chef-style meal, and there’s also well-equipped summer kitchen and bar (upcycled from an old caravan!) for those planning a more relaxed approach to dinner. Either way, the terrace is beautiful and intimate spot for a meal, tucked away yet still within easy reach of the chic bistros and boutiques that give this district of Arcachon its subtle yet unmistakable gloss.

For weary minds and bodies, the heated pool and hot tub are a blissful way to unwind, and once you’re feeling relaxed enough to explore, you can cycle along the water’s edge all the way into Arcachon. There are flat cycle paths between Dune du Pilat and Arcachon and there are several hire outlets, making this the best way to explore the local area, the beaches and ‘chic’ districts of southern Arcachon such as Le Moulleau. The Dune du Pilat at sunset is well worth the climb, and when you feel like a change from the beach, the lake of Cazaux-Sanguinet is a perfect spot for watersports or just quietly relaxing in the pine-scented air.

Local area

You’ll find most things you need within walking distance of Villa Pilat, whilst the main town of Arcachon is 6km away. Arcachon really does offer a little of everything, from glorious Belle Epoque buildings that recall its popularity as a Victorian-era health resort, to beautiful sandy beaches that stretch for kilometres. The southern side of Arcachon (helpfully the nearest to the villa) has the quieter beaches, with Pereire being our favourite. You can explore all around Arcachon, le Moulleau and Periere by bike, or take a walk in the cool of evening around the historic Parc Mauresque, Ville d'Hiver and Belvedere in Arcachon town. Ferries run from Arcachon and Le Moulleau to Cap Ferret on the far side of the ‘bassin’; this smart little resort has lots of wonderful places to eat, and it’s also the start point for the little train that trundles over to the big surf of the Atlantic beach on the other side of the peninsula. And if you can designate a driver, wine-lovers are spoilt for choice, from Bordeaux city to the Medoc vineyards and the UNESCO-protected St Emilion, well worth a visit even if you don’t like wine!

Explore our pre-bookable experiences in Aquitaine

Our choice of French properties is diverse, ranging from simple charm to genuine luxury and style. Much of our portfolio is privately owned, and price alone is therefore not a universal guide. We contract all our accommodation in person, and each property has its individual appeal.

To help you make the right choice based on your own priorities, we have devised a simple grading guide to be considered in conjunction with each individual property description, awarding up to a maximum of five stars for the below categories.