La Dune de Pilat

We left the Basque region and drove north to reach La Dune de Pilat, Europe's largest sand dune. There's no admission fee to visit the dune but there is a charge for parking after the first free 30 minutes. It's €4 for 2 hours, €6 for 4 hours, €8 for 6 hours and €10 for 12 hours.

The sand is very soft. There is a flight of steps to make it easier to climb to the top of the dune.

The dune is 2.7 km long and still growing (by 1.5m every year).

Next to the dune is a forest of maritime pines, oaks, ferns and strawberry trees.

You can run down the dune for the fastest way down.

It's a popular spot for paragliders.

2018 05 23