The cabanes tchanquées of the Arcachon basin

Embark on a trip to the “cabanes tchanquées” of the Arcachon basin for an incredible moment of escape! Departing from the piers of the famous seaside resort or from Cap-Ferret, treat yourself to a ride aboard an authentic pinasse. Then set off to discover the Ile aux Oiseaux nature reserve and its 2 must-see stilt houses.

Where do the cabanes tchanquées come from?

Standing proudly in the middle of Ile aux Oiseaux, the two cottages bear witness to the oyster-farming history of the Arcachon basin. Built in 1883, the 1st house first served as a shelter for fishermen and a lookout post for oyster farmers. At high tide, the latter were able to observe the imperial oyster beds, coveted at the time by looters. However, a heavy storm in 1943 caused erosion and the 1st hut was not very well built. In 1945, a man from Arcachon built a 2nd hut near the ruins of the 1st for his own private use. The 1st cabin was then rebuilt on the remains of the old one by a businessman from La Teste-de-Buch in 1954. To this day, the 1st cabin belongs to the State, while the 2nd remains the property of the descendants of the Arcachonais who built it in 1945.

How to get to the cabanes tchanquées in Arcachon?

The Arcachon Basin boat shuttle operates all year round, in both low and high season. However, a trip around Ile aux Oiseaux in high summer is a tricky proposition, given the amount of water-based activity around this tourist site at that time of year. In early autumn or spring, and at high tide, you can approach the famous oyster huts more easily from your boat. Would you like to moor on the Ile aux Oiseaux beach to get a closer look at the huts? For a unique experience, disembark at low tide! You’re free to stay from 1 to 5 hours for a picnic or oyster tasting. You can also venture barefoot through the mud to the steps of the majestic cottages. Reservations to visit the cabanes tchanquées in the Arcachon basin can be made directly from the Thiers, Eyrac and Moulleau jetties. From the Cap Ferret peninsula, take the shuttle from Bélisaire. You can also rent a boat for the whole family to sail around the basin, past the Ville d’Hiver, the Dune du Pyla and finally a stopover on Ile aux Oiseaux! As for the more adventurous, they can rent a kayak to reach the ornithological park.