The Summer City corresponds to the city center.
Until the beginning of the 19th century, Arcachon was reduced to a few huts of fishermen and residents on the edge of «the Little Sea of Buch». In 1823, a Breton sailor by the name of François Legallais opened the first seawater bathing establishment, aimed at a wealthy clientele. Thalassotherapy, climatotherapy, the destiny of Arcachon is already oriented towards that of a city of well-being and health. The vogue of the sea baths attracts highnesses and celebrities, large families, artists and men
business. The seafront sees the construction of cottages and villas thus foreshadowing the City of Summer. It is the beginning of the boom of Arcachon. On May 2, 1857, Napoleon III signed the imperial decree recognizing Arcachon as a full-fledged commune.
To discover this area, you can follow the main axes: the Gambetta avenue going from the Tourist Office/ the MA.AT to the seafront, the seafront consisting of the boulevards Veyrier-Montagnères and Gounouilhou, the large Marquesas Square and the pedestrian street of Lattre de Tassigny connecting the waterfront to the Mauresque Park. Following this route, you will have the opportunity to go shopping, do the market located in the heart of town, stroll on the seafront or stop for a coffee or a gourmet break in a restaurant.
From the summer town, you can easily access the port via the «boards» trail going from Place Peynaud to the small marina, or access the Winter City by the elevator.
You can also embark by boat to discover the Basin, or cross towards Cap-Ferret. (except for electric chairs – boarding jetties not adapted)