Arès

Arès is a pleasant maritime commune located on the northern edge of the Arcachon Bay in the Gironde department. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, Arès provides a stark contrast to the more commercialized tourist spots nearby, focusing instead on environmental preservation and traditional maritime activities. The town's lifeblood is the oyster industry, centered around its pretty port where rows of wooden huts offer direct-from-the-sea tastings. One of the most significant geographic features is the 'Prés Salés' salt marshes, a vast protected nature reserve that acts as a haven for biodiversity, particularly migratory birds and rare halophytic plants. Arès gained international curiosity in 1976 when the local mayor officially inaugurated the world's first 'UFO landing pad,' a humorous landmark that still attracts quirky tourists today. Architecturally, the town features a mix of traditional fishermen’s cottages and early 20th-century villas. The waterfront area is first-rate for families due to the calm waters of the bay, while the surrounding pine forests of the Landes provide extensive trails for hiking and cycling. Arès remains a key destination for those seeking an eco-friendly escape that highlights the culinary and natural riches of the French Atlantic coast.

Nearby cities

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Anglet

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Mont-de-Marsan

Mont-de-Marsan is the 'city of three rivers' and the capital of the Landes department, famous for its sculptures and Gascon culture.

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Saint-Médard-en-Jalles

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