Hotel for Bird Island and its cabins on stilts

Located in Arcachon Bay, Ile aux Oiseaux (Bird Island) and its Cabanes Tchanquées (cabins on stilts) are a must-visit attraction in the Bordeaux region and highlight a heritage dating back to the 19th century.
Discover all the places steeped in history, as well as a hotel where you can stay to make visiting them easy.

Visit the Cabanes Tchanquées, the region’s emblematic cabins on stilts

Off the coast of Arcachon, among the 53 cabins on Ile aux Oiseaux (Bird Island), two famous huts stand proudly above the sea. Unique to the region, these architectural wonders are known as Cabanes Tchanquées, named after the Gascon word for the traditional stilts used by shepherds. Built on stilts, they allowed oyster farmers in Arcachon Bay to keep an eye on their oyster farms without worrying about the tide. An unmissable excursion during your stay in Arcachon, get a closer look on one of the Union des Bateliers Arcachonnais shuttles! An order was issued in 1943 protecting Ile aux Oiseaux and the cabins from harmful human activity.

An incredible story
The very first cabin was built in 1883, but fell victim to a storm in 1943. Only the foundations remain visible at low tide. Based on the same model, carpenters from the town of Arcachon were authorised, in 1945, to build cabins over the water for the pleasure of locals of the time. This is cabin 3. The second cabin (which still stands today) is known as number 53 and was built by a building contractor in the public domain in 1948. The other cabin was donated to the town of La Teste-de-Buch. It was demolished in 2007, because of extensive damage, but was rebuilt identically and thus retains its unusual exterior appearance.

Visit Ile aux Oiseaux (Bird Island)

The inspiration behind Pascal Obispo’s song “Tombé pour elle” and once intended for grazing, the island is regularly submerged by the tides. It is now surrounded by oyster farms. A small wild paradise of just over 1 square mile, it is teeming with natural treasures. With an abundance of birds, no fewer than 150 species can be observed throughout the year. In the winter, there are between 300,000 and 400,000 individuals. Boasting exceptional biodiversity, Ile aux Oiseaux is home to the only salt marshes untouched by human hand on the Atlantic coast. It can be explored by boat, with or without stopping off on the island. But by far the best way to visit is by kayak. That way you can go under the cabins and travel across the island via the esteys, as far as the shore.

The perfect hotel to discover Bird Island

The All Suites aparthotel in La Teste-de-Buch is the perfect place for discovering Ile aux Oiseaux and the Cabanes Tchanquées. With direct access to Arcachon Bay, a stone’s throw from the Dune of Pilat, the hotel allows you to enjoy the calm of the region and its beautiful sunny beaches. The All Suites aparthotel in La Teste-de-Buch has more than 190 fully furnished rooms including several spacious, fully equipped apartments that can accommodate up to 6 people. Each room is fully equipped with a small kitchen with fridge, electric hob and microwave, and a bathroom tastefully furnished for the comfort of tenants.

Something for the whole family

The hotel also offers free access to the outdoor swimming pool and the tennis court. Free Wi-Fi is available to all occupants, as is a gym with dozens of machines to help you keep in shape. A Business Centre is available for meetings if you are travelling on business. The hotel and rooms are completely accessible for disabled guests.