Welcome to the tallest sand dune in all of Europe! If you are lucky enough to make it here during the off season, you will avoid the tourists as well as the stairs installed into the dune’s side for their convenience. Once you manage to climb your way to the top of this giant sand mountain, you’ll have doubts on whether you truly are on France’s west coast or were somehow transported to a vast African desert. This massive lot of sand, located 60 kilometers from the beautiful French city of Bordeaux, appears to stretch endlessly along the breathtaking coastline. In reality, the dune has a volume of over 60,000,000 m³ and continues growing larger each year, gradually pushing back the surrounding forest to cover nearby houses and roads.
Views are absolutely breathtaking from the top of the dune! On one side you observe the magnificent ocean. It is hard to miss with its crashing waves and salted scent. You will surely spot numerous large boats as this is a popular area for the catching of oysters, a well-known French delicacy. On all other sides you’ll see a large pine forest that seems to offer the great dunes a barrier from civilization. It’s difficult to believe that places like this exist in a country like France!
When leaving the location, you have the option of descending on foot the way you came, or being a bit more creative. Personally, I can’t resist a little adventure, so on departing from the Dune of Pyla I threw myself onto the sandy ground and let gravity do the rest. It is remarkably amusing how quickly you will roll down the dune’s side and into the forested area below. A word of warning: try your best to avoid those hardworking folks who are attempting to get to the top. Afterwards, don’t be surprised to find sand in places you didn’t even know you had!
Kyla Partridge is a member of the Youth Travel Blogging Mentorship Program