The staircase to the top of Europe’s tallest sand dune – located in the south-west France département of Gironde – is making its grand return with the opening of the summer tourism season.
One of the most famous staircases in France is back. Every year, nearly 2 million visitors use it to access the spectacular view.
Since March 27th, the staircase on the Dune du Pilat has been reinstalled to facilitate access to Europe’s tallest sand dune, offering breathtaking views over the Arcachon Bay and the Banc d’Arguin.
As every year for the past 30 years, the structure is set up in early spring and dismantled on November 1st – otherwise it would be buried by sand during the winter storms.
It is stored away with Thierry La Goute, a boat repairman who keeps the 130 steps in La Teste-de-Buch (Gironde) and restores them during the off season.
During the winter, since there is no staircase, people still climb the dune, which creates a big hole in the sand. Tractors are on site to shape the sand back into place to create the best slope for the installation of the stairs. the installation will take place over three days, and cables will allow the staircase to be raised, like building a sandcastle.
Now 30 years old and significantly worn, the staircase is expected to be replaced soon. A study is planned, with a new structure potentially arriving by 2027 or 2028. In the meantime, it will continue to ease access for another season.
You should also know that using the staircase is not mandatory – it simply makes the climb easier.
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