The Great Dune of Pyla

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Great Dune of Pyla, viewed from the South. On the left, the Atlantic ocean; to the north, in the background, the entrance to Arcachon Bay
Great Dune of Pyla, viewed from the South. On the left, the Atlantic ocean; to the north, in the background, the entrance to Arcachon Bay
Aerial view of the Great Dune of Pyla
Aerial view of the Great Dune of Pyla

The Great Dune of Pilat (French: la Dune du Pilat) is the largest sand dune in Europe. It is located in La Teste-de-Buch in the Arcachon Bay area, France. It is a famous tourist attraction and visitors can park, camp, shop and eat in the facility between the eastern edge of the dune and the coast road.

[edit] Name

Pilat is sometimes spelled Pyla, hence the alternative name "dune of Pyla". More accurately, Pyla is the name of the closest town, Pyla-sur-Mer, which is part of La Teste-de-Buch municipality. The correct and original name of the Dune is the Dune of Pilat, but because of the confusion that occurred, both are now considered correct.

[edit] Size

The dune is about 60,000,000 m³, measuring around 500m wide (from East to West) by 3km long (from North to South). Its height varies from 100 to 117 metres above sea level.

[edit] External links

Coordinates: 44°35′24″N 1°12′42″W / 44.59, -1.21167

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