The highest in Europe and an exceptional geomorphological phenomenon, the Dune du Pilat is classified under articles L.341-1 et seq. of the Environmental Code (6 hectares including the user forest of La-Teste-de-Buch) .
Belonging to Great Sites – these emblematic landscapes and exceptional places recognized at the national level – the Dune du Pilat is listed among the busiest with nearly 2 million visitors estimated each year.
Its reputation goes beyond borders, it plays an important role in the local, departmental and regional tourist economy.
But if it is the most visited site in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, it nonetheless remains particularly fragile and vulnerable ; the fires of summer 2022 unfortunately illustrated this. The management of this natural space is part of the national policy of Grands Sites de France, an approach supported by the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion in partnership with local authorities. It aims at a objective of preservation, project and sustainable management of the territories concerned, with a view to obtaining the official “Grand Site de France” label.
In this context, the Syndicat Mixte de la Grande Dune du Pilat, a public establishment made up of the commune of La-Teste de-Buch, the department of Gironde and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, has been implementing for more than fifteen years, a major action program whose three main objectives are:
- the restoration and active protection of the landscape, natural and cultural quality of the Grand Site de la Dune du Pilat
- improving the quality of the visit (reception, parking, circuits, information, activities, etc.)
- local socio-economic development with respect for residents.
This program of general interest, approved by the Higher Commission for Sites, Perspectives and Landscapes on June 23, 2011, aims, among other things, to establish synergy with local stakeholders and partners (associative fabric, tourism professionals, natural area managers). …) relying on the influence and notoriety of the Dune du Pilat (Orientation no. 4 “Anchor the dune in its territory”).
Le Joint Association has been manager of the land since 2011 Conservatoire du Littoral, today the main land owner of the coastal fringe of the Classified Site, on which visitors and sporting and tourist practices concentrate. The owner and manager are working to coordinate these different uses in order to control their development and guarantee long-term access to the site for all audiences.
La requalification of the reception area, tourist facility of the Grand Site and main gateway used by 2/3 of visitors, was completed in June 2023. The site now has a qualitative reception system in line with the spirit of the place, practices in favor of eco-mobility and for the benefit of a better preserved site.
The realization of this large-scale project closes the program of theOperation Large Site carried out for more than 10 years and allows you to apply for the label Grand Site of France awarded by the Ministry responsible for ecology. This label is recognition of public action for the benefit of the preservation of fragile and protected natural areas and is subject to the development and implementation of a management plan for a period of 8 years meeting the principles of sustainable development. This future roadmap will bring together all the partners of the Syndicat Mixte de la Grande Dune du Pilat around a territorial dynamic, in shared governance.
The partnership with Gironde Tourisme
Gironde Tourisme and the Joint Syndicate have been collaborating for several years, notably through the partnership established in 2013 with the network of tourist offices which aimed to strengthen links and exchanges between the Grand Site de la Dune du Pilat and the Gironde territories.
Actions already implemented :
- Gironde Tourisme has modified the way it presents the dune in its communication media by highlighting the sensitivity of the place and the need to preserve it.
- A Web site is dedicated to the Dune on the website in the “Nature and ecotourism” section
- During the press receptions to which the Joint Union contributes by making its human and material resources available, the necessary protection of the site is systematically highlighted.
- Gironde Tourisme participated in the definition of the new communication for the Grand Site: “Let us place ourselves at its height”
- Gironde Tourisme was part of the working groups for the preparation of specifications for the redevelopment of the reception area
- A partnership already exists to allow tourist offices to come and promote the Gironde natural spaces open to the public to visitors to the Grand Site.
- The Joint Union regularly responds to requests from Gironde Tourisme to participate in thematic working groups and speak during Gironde Tourisme mornings
- The Joint Union via its website and social networks relays the major events organized by the Gironde Departmental Council and/or Gironde Tourisme.
The objectives of the 2024-2026 convention (Summary version)
- Role of Gironde Tourisme vis-à-vis tourism professionals: promote the respective policies and publicize the labeling process undertaken by the Joint Union
Gironde Tourisme plays a relay role to make the Grand Site policy known to its partners and tourism professionals. - Communication component – joint promotion: giving meaning to the visit to the Grand Site
Four orientations will guide the definition of joint promotion:
– local tourism
– Young audiences
– Ecotourism
– Reception of filming
Promotion of territories
From 2024, the tourist offices and partners of Gironde Tourisme will be able to come on site to promote their territory taking into account the constraints and regulations imposed on the Grand Site - Soft mobility
The rehabilitation of the reception area offered the opportunity to modify practices in favor of eco-mobility and for the benefit of a preserved site.
The Grand Site de la Dune du Pilat is committed to renewing its acquisition of the Accueil Vélo brand and to working on the creation of the new Pôle d'excellence Vélo benchmark. - Observations – surveys
Both parties wish to continue their collaboration in terms of tourist observation. - Accessibility to all – pricing policy
The Grand Site wishes to obtain the Tourism & Handicap label.
Gironde Tourisme will highlight the possibility of benefiting from a year-round subscription worth €15 for unlimited access to the car park.
