Bienvenue 

We’re thrilled to welcome you, the European Seagrass community to the beautiful Bassin d’Arcachon in April 2025.

The Bassin d’Arcachon is a renowned European seascape that is characterised by a mosaic of coastal ecosystems. It is a system that has been shaped both by the ocean and by its freshwater rivers. From the Leyre delta, to the fringing salt-marsh and mudflats (home to one of the largest intertidal seagrass ecosystems in Europe), this remarkable seascape provides essential ecological functions that are important on a global scale.

From the vantage point atop the Grande Dune du Pilat (the tallest sand dune in Europe) the windswept dunes of the Cap Ferret peninsula frame numerous sandy islets, including the iconic Banc d’Arguin at the entrance to the Bassin. This opening serves as a true “ecological corridor,” connecting the lagoon to the ocean and enabling oceanic species like phytoplankton and juvenile fish to enter the Bassin, while facilitating other species to continue their life cycle at sea.

Located on one of the world’s most important migration routes, this seascape provides shorebirds with a wide range of nesting, resting and feeding habitats.

We look forward to welcoming you in Arcachon.

The ESRW2 Organising Committee