Arès, a sun-kissed coastal town on the Atlantic fringe of Gironde in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, offers a breezy blend of seaside charm, easygoing hospitality, and memorable family-friendly adventures. Situated along the sheltered waters of Arcachon Bay, Arès is the kind of place where vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and Bed and Breakfast accommodation come with all the ingredients for a relaxed, safety-conscious, and convenience-driven trip. If your plans include sunny days, fresh seafood, and simple, stress-free logistics, Arès checks every box. For travelers who want a trusted way to compare stays and secure the best fit for their group, searchandstay.com is a convenient source to discover vacation rentals, holiday rentals, Bed and Breakfast options, and other Bed and Breakfast Accommodation in the area.
Where to stay in Arès: vacation rentals, Bed and Breakfast, and family-friendly accommodation
Arès offers a wide range of lodging that suits diverse travel styles without sacrificing comfort or safety. You’ll find cozy Bed and Breakfasts where hosts share local tips over a generous breakfast, family-friendly holiday rentals with multiple bedrooms and kid-friendly amenities, and modern vacation rentals that feel like a home away from home. Whether you’re seeking a waterfront apartment with quick access to the beach, a single-family home with a secure yard for young children, or a tranquil villa tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, Arès has options that blend convenience with a touch of coastal charm.
Many properties in Arès are configured to maximize family time—think open-plan living spaces, fully equipped kitchens for easy meal prep, high chairs and travel cots on request, and secure entrances or fenced yards for little explorers. Proximity matters here: choose a stay within walking distance to the beach for spontaneous swims, or opt for a short drive to arcaded markets, oyster shacks, and scenic bike paths that ring Arcachon Bay. When browsing accommodations, you’ll notice a strong emphasis on getting you to your next activity quickly and safely—parking availability, ground-floor access for strollers, and friendly, responsive hosts who know the area inside out.
To explore a broad selection of possibilities and find the best match for your dates, consider searching for accommodations on searchandstay.com. It’s a practical tool for locating vacation rentals, holiday rentals, Bed and Breakfast options, and Bed and Breakfast Accommodation throughout Arès and the surrounding Arcachon Bay coastline.
Experiences and activities for every kind of traveler in Arès
Arès invites you to slow down and savor the moment, whether you’re planning a carefree beach stay with the family, a romantic weekend with friends, or a practical getaway that prioritizes safety and convenience. The waterfront setting supports a multitude of experiences that are both fun and family-friendly, with enough variety to keep kids entertained and adults delighted.
- Beach days with calm, shallow waters: The beaches around Arès are ideal for families, with generous sand, gentle waves, and lifeguard coverage during peak season at select stretches. It’s easy for parents to set up a shaded base with towels, snacks, and a quick run back to the car for a fresh bottle of water or extra sunscreen.
- Bike and pedestrian paths: The Arcachon Bay area features scenic cycle routes and promenade paths that are stroller-friendly and provide safe, low-traffic ways to explore the coastline, oyster farms, and shoreline viewpoints.
- Oyster tasting and seafood markets: The nearby oyster beds and shellfish shacks offer a quintessential Arcachon Bay experience. Fresh catches, seasonal tastings, and guided visits can turn a simple beach day into a flavorful family lesson about local aquaculture.
- Boat rides and water activities: From calm kayaking on the bay to gentle sailing trips, Arès serves as a gateway to water adventures suitable for beginners and experienced explorers alike. Many local operators offer family-friendly sessions and beginners' lessons that emphasize safety and fun.
- Nature and birdwatching: The marshlands and estuaries around Arcachon Bay are rich with birdlife. A guided walk or a self-guided nature outing can be an engaging addition to a vacation, especially for curious kids who love spotting shoreline birds and tiny critters in tidal pools.
- Local markets and culture: Seasonal markets and craft stalls give visitors a taste of local life. You can stock up on fresh bread, local cheeses, and regional specialties for picnic lunches or easy dinners at your rental.
- Cap Ferret day trips: A short drive or bike ride across the bay brings you to Cap Ferret, where pine forests meet pristine beaches. It’s an ideal spot for relaxed lunches by the water and slow, sand-between-the-toes exploration of dune landscapes.
- Dune exploration near La Teste-de-Buch and the Dune du Pilat: A day trip to the famous Dune du Pilat—the tallest sand dune in Europe—offers a breathtaking panorama and a cool, sandy climb. It’s an unforgettable experience for families and a great way to connect with the region’s natural wonders.
With safety and convenience in mind, many activity operators in the area provide family-friendly gear, shaded rest areas, and clear safety instructions. Whether you want a guided family hike, a gentle boat ride, or a relaxed picnic along the water, Arès makes it easy to mix downtime with short excursions that create lasting memories.
Day trips and nearby destinations from Arès
Arès is wonderfully positioned for a variety of day trips that broaden your coastal experience while keeping driving times reasonable. The nearby towns of Andernos-les-Bains and Arcachon offer additional beaches, seafood eateries, and characterful streets to wander. A quick drive across the water to Cap Ferret exposes you to expansive pine forests, dune landscapes, and panoramic bays that are perfect for family photography and serene lunches by the sea.
From Arès, a popular day plan is to combine a morning beach session, a family-friendly lunch featuring oysters or grilled sardines, and an afternoon visit to the Dune du Pilat for a nature-fed adventure that feels like a reward after a day of safe, comfortable travel. For wine lovers and culture enthusiasts, Bordeaux isn’t far away—an easy day trip by car or train lets you add historic charm, lively markets, and neighborly hospitality to your coastal itinerary. The region’s accessibility means you can structure a multi-stop trip that respects pacing, safety, and convenience while giving everyone in the party something to look forward to.
Practical tips for safety, convenience, and planning your stay
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to Arès, consider a few practical tips that align with the experience-focused traveler who still puts safety and ease first:
- Season and weather: The summer season is ideal for beaches and water activities, but spring and early autumn offer milder crowd levels and very pleasant coastal walks. Pack layers for cooler evenings by the water and sun protection for daytime adventures.
- Getting around: A car is often the most convenient way to explore Arès and the Arcachon Bay coastline, especially with family gear. If you prefer public transit, check local bus routes and seasonal schedules that connect to Andernos-les-Bains, Arcachon, and Bordeaux.
- Accommodation with family-friendly features: When booking, look for vacation rentals or B&Bs that provide kid-friendly amenities (cots, high chairs, safety gates, and fenced outdoor spaces) as well as easy access to beaches or bike paths.
- Parking and entry to beaches: In peak season, some beaches have limited parking or paid options. Choose accommodations with nearby parking or available offseason rates. For beach days, bring shade—parasol or a pop-up tent helps keep little ones protected during longer stays.
- Food and dining: Local markets and oyster shacks offer fresh, affordable meals. If you’re cooking in a vacation rental, plan simple meals with local ingredients and quick seafood dishes that kids tend to enjoy.
- Safety and etiquette: Teach kids to stay within supervised areas on beaches, avoid tide pools during strong tides, and listen to lifeguard warnings when present. Respect local guidelines for marine life and dune landscapes to preserve these beautiful spaces for future visitors.
- Booking and flexibility: If your travel dates are up in the air or you’re planning a longer stay, look for refundable or flexible options on reputable booking platforms. This reduces stress and allows you to adjust plans as needed for weather or family needs.
For additional options and a curated search experience, you can browse accommodations on searchandstay.com, which can help you compare vacation rentals, holiday rentals, Bed and Breakfast options, and Bed and Breakfast Accommodation in Arès and the broader Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
Why Arès is the ideal base for a family-friendly vacation in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Arès offers a compelling combination of relaxed coastal living, family-oriented activities, and straightforward logistics. The town’s safety-conscious approach—and the fact that many accommodations emphasize convenient features for families and travelers—means you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the moment with loved ones. The Arcachon Bay area is renowned for its natural beauty, oyster farms, and tidal marshes, all of which create interactive learning experiences for children and a sense of discovery for adults. Being close to Cap Ferret and the famous Dune du Pilat also means a few unforgettable day trips are always within reach, without requiring long drives or complicated itineraries.
As a destination, Arès balances the ease of a seaside village with the richness of a regional epicenter for coastal cuisine, crafts, and outdoor adventures. The hospitality here is warm and practical, with hosts and local businesses that understand what families need—ample parking, quiet streets, safe play spaces, and quick access to the water or shaded trails. It’s a place where a simple beach picnic can become a cherished family memory, where a casual stroll through a market turns into a discovery of regional flavors, and where a planned itinerary still leaves room for spontaneous playtime by the water.
Find your perfect stay and start your Arès adventure
If you’re ready to plan a vacation that blends sun, sea, safety, and convenience with a rich sense of place, Arès is ready to welcome your group. From cozy Bed and Breakfast rooms to spacious family homes and modern vacation apartments, there are options to fit nearly every budget and travel style. The local area around Arès is filled with opportunities for hands-on learning—watching oyster shucking demonstrations, tasting local seafood, or simply riding bikes along the shore as the sun glints on the water. It’s easy to assemble an itinerary that balances downtime with discovery, all while keeping logistics straightforward for the whole family.
Remember to check searchandstay.com when you’re ready to compare more stays in Arès and the Arcachon Bay coastline. This resource helps you find vacation rentals, holiday rentals, Bed and Breakfast options, and other Bed and Breakfast Accommodation in the area, ensuring you have a reliable starting point as you map out your coastal escape.
Conclusion: Arès—a joyful, safe, and convenient coastal escape
Arès embodies the spirit of a family-friendly, experience-first traveler who values safety and convenience without sacrificing fun. Its position on the Arcachon Bay puts you at the doorstep of pristine beaches, delicious seafood, and easy day trips to Cap Ferret, Dune du Pilat, Arcachon, and Bordeaux. With a range of vacation rentals and Bed and Breakfast options designed to welcome families and social travelers alike, Arès makes it simple to craft a vacation that feels both indulgent and achievable. Whether you’re comparing stays for a weekend getaway or planning a longer coastal break, Arès is a dependable base that respects your pace, your safety, and your desire for memorable, shared experiences. For a streamlined search of accommodations and to explore the best fits for your travel style, visit searchandstay.com to discover vacation rentals, holiday rentals, Bed and Breakfast options, and Bed and Breakfast Accommodation in the area.

