The Dune of Pilat, Arcachon Bay, France

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Info. The Dune of Pilat in Arcachon Bay, south-west France

This huge mountain of sand nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and a pine forest is the tallest sand dune in Europe. Located at the entrance to Arcachon Bay, about 60 kilometres from Bordeaux in south-west France, the Dune of Pilat is over 100 metres high, almost three kilometres long and about 500 metres wide. If you're feeling brave, you can climb the dune on the soft sand, but it's easier to reach the top by walking the wooden stairs that are installed from April to November. At the summit, there are amazing views of the ocean and forest. Due to its steep angle and exposed location, the dune is a popular place for paragliding.