Arcachon to the Banc d'Arguin by boat.

The sandbank is a national nature reserve: part of it is open to visitors, part is protected for nesting birds (sandwich terns). Your skipper anchors by the authorised zones and briefs you on the day's rules.

Nothing at all — no shop, no shade, no fresh water. That is the point. Bring water, hats and sunscreen; we keep coolers aboard on request.

Around low tide, when the bank is at its widest — thousands of metres of white sand. Your skipper times the trip with the tide table.

Yes, the dune overlooks the bank. Most trips combine a swim stop at Arguin with a beach landing at the foot of the dune.