Sunny Arcachon living room with antiques, oriental rugs, and large balcony
Location: Arcachon, Aquitaine, France, Europe (45 min from Bordeaux Arprt, Paris TGV train direct in 4 hrs) View Map
Accommodations: Condo, 2 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 2 Baths (Sleeps 4-6)
Keywords: Condominium
You will love this sunny condo apartment and Arcachon, France!
A destination resort with beautiful beaches and boardwalks, Arcachon is the largest town on the Bay of Arcachon, which empties into the Atlantic just 45 minutes west of Bordeaux. The bay is Europe's oyster capital, and is a commercial and sport fishing center as well. Beautiful beaches (both on the bay and the ocean!) and all kinds of water sports and shopping await you in town, or you can use it as a base to explore the Bordeaux wine country or the Basque region (Pyrenees Mountains) and Spain.
Your toddlers will love the calm waters at the beach on the bay, and your teenagers will safely find lots to do within walking or biking distance; it's a great spot for families of all ages!
The condo is the ENTIRE very private top floor of a 4-story modern building, with elevator. It's a two block walk to the beach, and three blocks to the shopping district. It has two bedrooms; one with a queen-sized bed, and one with two twin beds. (Just bought a playpen, too) There are three balconies, a large double living/dining room with two sofabeds, lovely antiques and oriental rugs; a full bath with tub and in-tub shower, a tiled shower/sink room off the twin bed room, plus a "WC" powder room off the kitchen. With three sinks in the various bathrooms it never feels too crowded! Large by French standards, the condo is 863 square feet decorated in French blues and yellows, plus 295 square feet of balconies.
NEW for 2006: AIR CONDITIONING!! (la CLIME!)
and for 2007: Laptop in condo for your use with WIFI and free long distance calling!
now in 2009: OK, I've been dragged kicking and screaming, but there's now a 32" flat screen TV with satellite and both English and French channels!
2010: I can now accept most credit cards-more security for you!
The condo is on a very quiet residential street, but in five minutes you can walk into "centre ville", the wonderful large French daily market, the casino, the park, all the cute shops, and many restaurants. There are walking and tourist train tours of the area's unique "arcachonnais" architecture, which is sort of a cutesy Victorian. (Belle Epoque)(Click on link below to the tourist bureau's website to see photos of the bay and the town.) Many tourist boat excursions and ferries leave from the pier, a five-minute walk away from the condo. If the bay is too tame you can ride the ferry across to the ocean side at Cap Ferret and take surfing lessons, or learn to hang glide off the Dune de Pilat, the largest sand dune in Europe! Kite surfers have an ocean beach too.
The condo is equipped with all linens, and ample cookware for the gourmet chef. An oyster purveyor (a personal friend of the owner)has a stand just around the corner, and you will enjoy trying the croissants and the pain au chocolat each morning from the many bakeries within walking distance. The town market is open daily, too. The area restaurants have varied cuisines: Basque, Morrocan, Indian, Thai, Chinese, Italian and many, many seafood choices along with traditional French.
There are plenty of books to borrow and read, plus games to play with the family, and toys for the beach. There are French and American DVDs to watch, and CDs to play on the stereo. Even a guitar for the musician in your party! Bring your ipod and play your favorite tunes from the new Sony player.
Great day trips: St. Emilion for wine tasting and visit of the beautiful medieval town; Bordeaux for it's bistros, churches, designer shopping, museums, and antique dealers; Biarritz for lunch at the gorgeous Hotel du Palais; St. Jean de Luz for 15th century church, quaint port, and Basque shopping; San Sebastian, Spain for the Paris-like city and great 3-star dining; Paulliac for lunch and tours of Mouton Rothschild and Chateaux Margaux; the amazing Chateau La Roquetaillande belonging to Montaigne's descendants, and Chateau La Brede, Montesquieu's former residence; the very chic Caudalie spa for massages and lunch. Or just spend your time relaxing in Arcachon on the beautiful beach!
Arcachon is easy to get to: you can fly to Bordeaux from European hub airports and rent a car, or take the "TGV" fast train from either Charles de Gaulle airport or from the Gare Montparnasse in downtown Paris. (Good option if you want to spend a few days in Paris!) At least one train daily from Montparnasse station is direct all the way to Arcachon, and from Charles de Gaulle airport you can change trains easily at the Bordeaux train station. From the train station in Arcachon it's a seven minute walk to the condo, so a car is not necessary unless you want to explore!
The condo is owned by Ann Sanford, a veteran (34 years!)Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley in Toledo, Ohio, USA, and avid francophile. Ann can help you plan your trip to Arcachon and give you lots of tips if you want to spend time in Paris or other regions of France as part of your vacation.
Make sure and check the link below to the rental calendar, which is religiously updated for all available weeks, before you email or call. You can also view the Guestbook for comments from past visitors. Thanks for viewing this! Bon voyage!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Linens Provided : lots of towels including beach towels! Bath towels are large US variety.
- Elevator
- Washer : washer-dryer all-in-one unit
- Garage : garage available during high season when street parking is difficult.
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Twin/Single Bed (2)
- Convertible Bed (2)
- Crib
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : satellite TV with English news channels, French basic 20 stations and lots of other language stations
- DVD
- Video Library : lots of DVDs you can watch on code-free player
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Balcony (3) : Large balcony runs width of living area, smaller balconies off kitchen and second bedroom
- Communications
- Telephone
- Free Long Distance : free calling to the U.S.
- Computer : laptop in condo for your use, wifi also
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Wine Tasting, Aquarium, Hang-gliding, Canoeing, Petting Zoo, Water Park, Thallassotherapy Spa
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
High Season ...... (Jul-Aug) .... $1600/week.
Shoulder Season .. (Jun & Sep) .. $ 1200/week.
Low Season (all other months).... $ 900/week.
Rentals are Saturday to Saturday.
Discounts for multiple weeks: subtract 5% for each additional week
To reserve, a deposit of 10% will hold your week(s).
The remainder is due 30 days before your arrival.
Most credit cards accepted
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Penthouse Condo Close to Beach in Arcachon, France
Year Purchased: 2000
Why the Owner Chose Arcachon
Ann fell in love with Arcachon while visiting friends. It's architecture, weather, and culture make it the perfect place to spend a week or six months. The town is full of interesting shops, great restaurants, and the whole west coast of France is one long beach! Pop stars, ballets, and operas come to town frequently, and you can also take the train to Bordeaux for cultural events. Did we mention the wine?
The Unique Benefits at this Condo
Ann is obsessive about equiping her apartment with everything one needs to have a happy stay, from hair dryers and magnifying mirrors to crepe pans and oyster knives. With free calling to the U.S. and free computer/wifi use you can enjoy your home away from home to the fullest. Ann is always available to answer questions and give tips on France travel, and truly enjoys meeting the families who visit Arcachon. Two renters have gone so far as to buy apartments in town themselves and many return year after year.
Yes, it's a real casino! Not huge but you can play slot machines and other games. In French, of course!
The station is about a 7 minute walk to the condo, and has trains to Bordeaux about every half an hour, plus one train a day direct to Paris.
The market is a must-see, full of fresh fish from the local fishermen, oysters from the bay, cheese, meat, bread, and several places to buy prepared dishes like Moroccan couscous and fab roast chicken!
My friend Pascal Petit has an oyster stand here which is open daily, and he will shuck them for you if you ask. Bring the platter from the dining room and fill it up!
This is a beautiful, groomed beach which runs for miles. Here at the bay it's calm. The tourist boats and ferries leave from the pier (jetee)which is very close.
this is the closest grocery, and there are two others in town, plus the wonderful market
Owner's Map of Arcachon
Ann Sanford is a First Vice President at Morgan Stanley in Toledo, Ohio. She spent her junior year of college in Paris in 1973-74, and has been a Francophile ever since. Ann graduated magna cum laude from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa while there. She serves on countless non-profit boards and committees, and was recently given the YWCA Milestones award for Volunteerism in NW Ohio.
Property Photos
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- Sunny Arcachon living room with antiques, oriental rugs, and large balcony - Arcachon, Aquitaine, France - Explore the Bordeaux Wine Country!
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- Double living/dining room with antique baker's rack and 2 sofa beds - Arcachon, Aquitaine, France - Explore the Bordeaux Wine Country!
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- - Arcachon, Aquitaine, France - Explore the Bordeaux Wine Country!
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- The perfect place for reading, cocktails, or lunch
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- Main bath with deep tub and shower
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- Kitchen and powder room on left, full bath on right, shower in smaller bedroom
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- Powder room with faux wine label wallpaper!
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- Sunny eat-in kitchen with balcony (not shown at left)
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- dinette in kitchen corner
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- Antique pier glass in entry hall
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- Louis Phillippe dresser in master bedroom
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- dining area with antique buffet, table and chairs
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- guest room with twin beds
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- oyster beds in the bay
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- sunset on the bay, looking over to Cap Ferret
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- the beach-kids' summer camps and carousel in the distance
Traveler Reviews (26)
Beautiful "home away from home" in lovely neighbourhood
Guest: MTS
(Penarth, Wales UK)
Date of Stay: 05/28/11
Review Submitted: 06/03/11
On this our second visit to Arcachon we had the good fortune of spending our week at Ann's wonderful apartment which provided a perfect base for my husband, two boys (5&3) and I. Stylish yet relaxing and with every little detail considered, it is located on a quiet street very close to centre-ville. Just a stroll from "the prom" and short driving distances from Dune de Pyla, charming neighbourhoods such as Le Moulleau, the lakes at Cazaux, the Kid Parc (perfect for smaller children).... Etc... Etc.. you will also be spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants and some of the best ice cream& sorbet youve ever had! (by the Casino).
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, girls getaway, families with young children.
Spacious light-filled condo
Guest: Barbara
(Toronto, ON, Canada)
Date of Stay: 09/06/10
Review Submitted: 02/06/11
Originally 2 separate apartments turned into single unit on the top floor of the building, this is a very spacious (by French standards) and comfortable place to live. My husband and I spent 4 weeks in September in this large sunny condo. We went for strolls along the beach, walked to the market and the bakery, took a cruise of the Bassin, tried out the spa, toured the surrounding area and enjoyed champagne on the terrace. Ann, the owner, was extremely helpful, responding immediately to our every request and even found a wonderful doctor for us when we both came down with chest colds. We really felt at home here, so much so that we are returning for 5 weeks next year.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, people with disabilities, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Lovely Apartment in Beautiful Town
Guest: Trisha
(San Anselmo, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/10/09
Review Submitted: 12/24/10
Very well-equipped apartment a few short blocks to the beach. Clean and comfortable and Anne is so helpful and will ensure you have a wonderful time. The bikes are great--we rented two more for our kids and didn't even have a car the week we were there. Aracachon is a beautiful town, and don't miss the ferry to Cap Ferret, one of the most beautiful beaches in France, and the dunes are spectacular. Great place for kids (but not overrun with them). This apartment is a great value--you'll be delighted you rented it!
Owner response:Thanks! Hope you get to come back another time for some R & R!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Arcachon Condo August 2010
Guest: Zed
(Surrey England)
Date of Stay: 08/07/10
Review Submitted: 09/02/10
My family and I have just spent a fabulous week in Anne's wonderful apartment....it really is a home from home and Anne was so nice calling to make sure that everything was ok and that we didn't need anything. We were delighted with the fabulous balconies.....she even grows herbs to cook with...and the flat contained everything you could possibly need...bags to go to the market with, books on the area, dvds in English and French etc. We loved the bikes, hired 3 more and even managed to fit these and our old Volvo in the garage that comes with the flat. Arcachon is a delight.....beautiful, clean beaches, friendly people and lovely shops...and of course the market. Wow! Our only complaint is that we weren't there for long enough. We really hope to return one day soon.Thanks Anne...we had such a lovely time.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, people with disabilities, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Guest: Bill Schulz
(Houston, TX)
Date of Stay: 08/09/09
Review Submitted: 08/09/09
Ann's Condo was the perfect home base for us to savoy the treasurer's of southwest France. We were able to venture out in all directions and return home knowing we had a parking space. (from previous experience, parking can be a problem in France) We especially enjoyed being in Arcachon over Bastille Day. The fireworks on the beach were great. The beaches are on par with Maui's beaches and that says a lot. We also enjoyed our daily walk to the market, its open seven days a week. We booked the condo knowing there was no TV which was fine for us. However, I didn't realize that this time of year it doesn't get dark until after 11:00 pm. We were looking for something to do between the hours of 9:00 and 11:00 pm. If there is one recommendation we could make would be to get a TV. The computer was great but I would liked to have kept up better with the news. Ann was extemely accomodating and went out of her way to check on us while we were there. We would definately return. Thanks for the opportunity to be in your home. Bill
Owner response:TV coming soon!
Recommended for:
Guest: Maggi1
(Detroit, MI)
Date of Stay: 05/26/09
Review Submitted: 05/26/09
My husband, myself and our friend spent a week in mid-May in this lovely apartment in Arcachon. We were pleasantly surprised at the beauty of the area and wished we had more time to explore. The free internet and telephone were a huge help to us and greatly appreciated, as were the two bikes in the garage. We loved the location of the apartment and its proximity to the beach. The owner thought of everything: from maps and local information to a great little DVD collection. We can't wait to return!
Recommended for:
Guest: Michelle Sheppard
(New Canaan, Connecticut)
Date of Stay: 01/21/09
Review Submitted: 01/21/09
My mother and I found this lovely apartment on the internet while looking for a hotel in Arcachon. This was the perfect alternative for us, and a better value than staying in one of the hotels nearby. Annie's apartment is very conveniently located, 3 blocks from the beach and supermarket, a 5 minute walk to the train station, shops and restaurants. There are some lovely boutiques to explore! You don't really need a car in Arcachon unless you want to explore the region further, such as Bordeaux (great antique shops), St. Emilion, Biarritz, St. Jean-de-Luz, Spain, etc. This is the second time I rent a property in Arcachon and was very pleased with this choice. The penthouse apartment is very spacious, it could probably accommodate a family of 6 since it has a sleeper-couch in the living room, plus 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, in addition to an extra WC. he kitchen was well equipped, although we never quite figured out the clothes washer/dryer. We very much appreciated having the peace and quiet as we rented the flat in September 2008 and the tourists had all gone. This was a good time to visit as the weather cooperated for the most part and it rained only a few days with the rest being very bright and sunny, with temperatures in the mid to upper 70's(F). This was a very successful visit to Arcachon, and we appreciated having this pied-a-terre so close to everything. Also, thank you, Annie for letting us use your laptop, it was great to be able to keep in touch with our family back in Florida and Connecticut! Thanks also for the dvds you left for us to use. It's a good thing we speak French, because sitting there reading the subtitles cannot be comfortable! It would have been nice to have a tv in the apartment, but we managed without it. Also a minor nuisance was the fact that we couldn't use water or flush toilets between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., but we managed... When I return to Arcachon I hope to be able to stay here, unless I buy my own place! I recommend this highly to anyone contemplating a visit to this lovely town!
Owner response:The not using water at night is just a courtesy to the neighbors below, common in France, which I ask people to try and observe...not an ultimatum----Ann
Recommended for:
Guest: Konni Bostleman1
(Toledo, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 01/13/09
Review Submitted: 01/13/09
In July 2008, I spent a week at Ann's condo in Arcachon with my son, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren (ages 4-12). Arcachon was a delightful town to explore. The kids really enjoyed the nice beach. A visit to the immense sand dune, Dune du Pilat, was a fun experience. We took a few day trips to some other towns. Our favorite day trip was to St. Emilion, a charming medieval village. We had a great vacation!
Recommended for:
Guest: Mary73
(St. Louis Park, MN)
Date of Stay: 01/07/09
Review Submitted: 01/07/09
We stayed in Ann's apartment for two weeks in June of 2008. There were six of us altogether, including my husband and I, our two children, and my parents, and we didn't feel cramped at all. The apartment was delightful and close to everything in town, including the gorgeous beach. We rented a car a couple of days and went to St. Emilion (well worth the 2 hour drive), Biarritz, and Bordeaux. Plus, we started our vacation with three days in Paris and then took the TGV direct to Arcachon. Our kids loved the TGV and it was so much fun to do both the big city of Paris and the small lovely town of Arcachon. The weather in June is beautiful and we would definitely take this vacation again. My four year old son keeps asking me when we're going back to France so he can get more Kinder eggs (3 for 1 euro at the grocery store in Arcachon).
Recommended for:
Guest: Gill1
(Liverpool, England)
Date of Stay: 01/04/09
Review Submitted: 01/04/09
My mum and I stayed here for one week in June 08. The apartment was lovely and very well equipped, like home from home. We have visited France many times but this was an opportunity to explore a new area and we loved it. Arcachon is very relaxed,plenty of shops for us and good places to eat. The apartment is only a short walk from all amentities, yet in a very quiet street. I used one of the bikes most days while my mum rested on one of the balconies. Shame about the weather, we expected more sun in June. We are only a short plane ride from Bordeaux and definitely hope to visit again and take advantage of Anne's very useful information guides.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #25312
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