In the south of the peninsula, on the ocean side, Horizon beach never looks the same twice. Tides and currents move the sand, dig out baïnes (tidal pools) and reveal or bury the bunkers from the last war. It is the big ocean beach of Cap Ferret village: the one where people come to surf, walk barefoot and watch the sun sink into the Atlantic.
The essentials in 30 seconds
- Where: on the ocean side, west of Cap Ferret village.
- Lifeguards: supervised swimming in summer, between the flags.
- Access: on foot or by bike along the boardwalks, or by little train from the Bélisaire pier, from April to September.
- Ideal for: surfing, long walks and sunsets.
- Not allowed: dogs, fires, camping and speakers.
A beach that changes with every tide
Nothing stays fixed here. With every tide, the ocean redraws the beach: it lays down sandbanks, carries others away and digs out hollows known as baïnes. At low tide, the foreshore is exposed for dozens of metres, with its pools and sand ripples. At high tide, the water comes right up to the foot of the dune.
From one season to the next, the change is visible too: after winter storms, the beach can lose several metres, and the access paths are sometimes moved. That is part of its charm, and also why you should check the tide times before you come.
The Atlantic Wall bunkers
During the Second World War, the German army built dozens of bunkers along the coast as part of the Atlantic Wall. At Horizon, some still stand on the dune. Others have tipped onto the beach with erosion, and you can see the waves crashing over them at high tide. Many are covered in graffiti.
These concrete blocks have become a favourite backdrop for photographers, especially at sunset. Look, but do not climb on them: they are unstable and slippery. Our best spots for the end of the day are in our guide to sunset spots in Cap Ferret.
How to get to Horizon beach
- On foot or by bike: from the village, wooden boardwalks cross the dune to the beach. This is the easiest option in summer, when parking spaces are hard to find.
- By little train: from the Bélisaire pier, on the Bay side, the Cap Ferret little train crosses the pine forest for about 2 km to Horizon. It runs in the afternoon from April to September, more often in high summer.
- From Arcachon: take the ferry to the Bélisaire pier, then the little train. All the details are in our article on the Arcachon – Cap Ferret ferry.
For accessibility, the beach has a tiralo in season, a beach wheelchair for people with reduced mobility.
Swimming: what you need to know
Horizon is one of the three lifeguarded beaches on the peninsula, along with Grand Crohot and Truc Vert. Lifeguards are on duty in summer, from mid-June to mid-September according to the town hall: only swim between the flags. Outside these dates and zones, the ocean is dangerous, even in good weather. An emergency call point is installed on the beach.
Baïnes are the real trap: as the tide rises, they fill up and create a current that pulls you out to sea. If you are caught, do not fight the current: let it carry you, raise your arm and swim parallel to the beach.
What to do at Horizon?
- Surf: the waves are consistent and surf schools set up in season. If you are a beginner, take a lesson rather than going it alone.
- Walk: the beach stretches north for miles. Out of season, you will share it with the seagulls.
- Watch the sunset: the beach faces due west, so the show is guaranteed on a clear day.
- Take a break: in season, you will find food and toilets near the beach.
Laguilb’s tip
Come in the late afternoon, by bike, when the beach empties. Settle down near a bunker, wait for the sunset, then head back along the boardwalks in the evening light. To discover the peninsula’s other beaches, ocean and Bay, open our map of Cap Ferret beaches.
THIS PLACE EXISTS AS A PAINTING
We painted this corner of the peninsula. Discover the painting in our gallery (in French).
Frequently asked questions
Is Horizon beach lifeguarded?
Yes, in summer only, from mid-June to mid-September according to the town hall. Swim between the flags, in front of the lifeguard station.
How do you get to Horizon without a car?
Take the ferry from Arcachon to the Bélisaire pier, then the little train, which reaches the beach in a few minutes from April to September. By bike, the peninsula’s cycle paths lead to the boardwalks.
Can you watch the sunset at Horizon?
Yes, it is actually one of the best spots: the beach faces due west. The bunkers make a beautiful foreground.
Are dogs allowed on the beach?
No, dogs are not allowed on the beach, nor are fires, camping or speakers.
Sources (in French): Gironde Tourisme, Lège-Cap-Ferret town hall. Lifeguard and little train times change every year: check them before your visit.
