The Dune of Pilat in Arcachon Bay, southwest France

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Through thick and thin

Whether you've been here or not, you'll probably recognize the famous Dune of Pilat on the homepage today. Officially known as Dune du Pilat, it is situated in La Teste-de-Buch in the Arcachon Bay area, France. At 106 metres in height, 2.7 kilometres long, and 60 million cubic metres in volume, this dune is the tallest sand dune in Europe. Belonging to the coastal dunes of Aquitaine, the Dune du Pilat to this day is the only one of its kind still in motion. Each year, it moves between one and five metres eastward, driven by winds and tides, gradually covering the adjoining maritime pine forest.