Getting around by boat and ferry Côte Aquitaine

An extraordinary idea, this shuttle links Hendaye to the Spanish town of Hondarribia, in just a few minutes, every quarter of an hour from 10am to 1am in season, and every 30 minutes until 7pm the rest of the year. A change of scenery is guaranteed on the other side, where you arrive in another world. Make way for tapas in a typically Spanish atmosphere: from 6pm onwards, the locals gather (often among men...) in the tapas bars.

The Bordeaux river shuttle (or BAT3, pronounced BatCub) is an excellent way of getting from one bank of the Garonne to the other. Bordeaux Métropole, via the TBM network, provides passengers with two hybrid river shuttles, L'Hirondelle and La Gondole. Each can accommodate up to 65 passengers, plus 6 bicycles per crossing. These catamarans serve 6 pontoons: Stalingrad, Quinconces, Darwin, Les Hangars, Cité du Vin and Lormont Bas. The shuttles are accessible to people with reduced mobility.

5 km from the city centre, towards Old Boucau, here is a way to spend a pleasant time with family and discover the sea lake. Take the boat of your choice to the miniature port of Albret, and navigate safely. For adults and children, pilotage for 9 years, a walk in a peaceful and green setting on board very faithful reproductions of a Britanny Ferries, a steam from Mississippi, a trawler or a fire boat.

The general infrastructure of the port of Hendaye, protected by the Jaizkibel mountain, comprises 890 berths for boats from 5 to 16m and offers user comfort, technical equipment and a quality shelter. Water, electricity and 24-hour surveillance are available on the pontoons. Users benefit from a dedicated parking area and private sanitary facilities with access codes (toilets, washbasins, showers). The port of Hendaye is a real economic lung and center of life, with regattas and night markets all year round.

Didier Meynard, a former oyster farmer, has become a professional skipper with a qualifying diploma. A local boy, he knows the Bassin and the marine environment like the back of his hand. He'll take you aboard his 11-meter catamaran, which can accommodate up to 17 people in its covered space. Depending on your wishes and budget, set sail for Ile aux oiseaux, Banc d'Arguin or Dune du Pyla. Bonus: oyster and white wine tasting. Privatization available for personal or business events.

With Passe Marée, David, an all-round sailor, offers you a round-trip day trip to Arcachon from Andernos-les-Bains or Cap Ferret. Rates are very reasonable, with discounts for families with a minor child or groups. You can also take advantage of theIntégrale, a day trip from Andernos-les-Bains to discover most of the basin. A number of "event" outings(Grand Tour du Bassin, Marcher sur Arguin, etc.) complete the range offered by this fuel-efficient boat, over 90% recyclable.

In a way, this former oyster harbor represents the living memory of the commune. Nowadays, activity is reduced, but it will soon be redeveloped to enable yachtsmen to moor in this authentic, peaceful setting. The oyster huts, built by the fishermen themselves, add a touch of nostalgia to the charm of this place. They are due to be refurbished. A project for a fishing lake with a small hamlet of light housing is also planned, creating an exceptional leisure haven.

Towards the end of the ^18th century, the cultivation of vines encouraged the expansion of this small port, whose activities were divided between river transport and fishing. Today, it's the pleasure boaters who come to make a stopover and take advantage of the berths (36, including 2 for visitors) available in the port. Good to know: every year in July, the municipality organizes the Goulée port festival, which includes a pétanque competition, a night market, a funfair and the throwing of a wreath into the sea in memory of lost sailors.

River access, harbor master's office, club house. The port has some 380 residents for 425 pontoons and catways, with vacant spaces occupied by visiting boats. Spanish and English speakers welcome you all year round. Situated on the left bank of the Adour, 700 m from its mouth, the 15 mooring pontoons are all equipped with water and electricity. With a wide choice of services: toilets and showers, laundry, wifi, weather forecast, water and electricity.

In summer. (Please contact the town hall or tourist office) in connection with the shuttles. To go to the beach, to the market, etc.

In this commune with its exceptional heritage, now listed as a Monument Historique, the port of Laurède was one of the main ports on the Adour in the ^17th century. Among the materials transiting through Laurède were mainly wines from Chalosse and Béarn, which were transported to Bayonne on gabares, traditional flat-bottomed boats. One of the port's warehouses, Larribère, still exists today. Port activity gradually declined before ceasing in the ^19th century.

Sheltered from the swell and the open sea, the Arcachon marina has 2,600 berths, including 250 for passage, spread over 28 pontoons. Boats must not exceed 30 meters in length, with a maximum draught of 6 meters. Marina staff are on hand to help with mooring. A full range of services is offered to customers: water, electricity, sanitary facilities, fuel, wastewater.