The seaside resort of Arcachon rose to prominence at the middle of the 19th century.  Streets and roads were mapped out, and casinos and villas rose from the sand.  Along the sea front, over nearly three kilometres, chalets and villas were quickly built, as the town became a popular summer resort.  The winter town is set behind the summer town.  Its plush villas in a variety of styles sprung up in a labyrinth of small "curving windbreak alleys".  Despite the traffic in the summer, the resort is well worth the visit.  There's plenty of things to keep you occupied - there's the large beach of course, the numerous restaurants, cafés and boutiques, the marina which is one of the largest on the Atlantic coast from which you can take a trip to the Ile aux Oiseaux or Cap Ferret, and finally the public lift which takes you up to the winter town.  Navigaia has everything you need to help you plan your visit to Arcachon, thanks to our video guide and town plan.