A true "place to be" on the Atlantic coast, Cap Ferret intends not to give in to the whims of celebrity and ensures it preserves its identity against all odds. So, to avoid any faux pas and not look out of touch, make sure to adopt the ad hoc style: forget designer bags, stilettos, and frilly dresses! Here, espadrilles, Birks, loafers, and strappy sandals are mandatory, just like wicker bags and baskets in various shapes, cotton trousers, and linen shirts. Once you are styled in the local colors, here are a few must-visit addresses, including some very recent ones, to see and be seen at this hot spot favored by vacationers of good taste.
La Villa Colette
The opening of La Villa Colette is the event everyone is buzzing about in Cap Ferret! After many ups and downs, this 5-star hotel envisioned by Laurent Taïeb opened its doors in April 2026. Nestled right in the center of Ferret, it is housed in a brand-new, one-story building designed to look like an Arcachon villa from the last century. With its white balconies and walls accented with pink bricks, it looks as though it has always been there. A complete change of atmosphere awaits as soon as you cross the threshold: the decor, designed by the iconic Philippe Starck—who came as a neighbor, since his house is just across the street—does not look beachy at all. This is evident in the lobby, which serves as a reception, bar, and lounge decorated in an insolent lemon yellow. Guests sit there to enjoy a drink, a tea, or to play games: the table tops are inlaid with boards for backgammon, checkers, chess... clever!
A different atmosphere takes over the restaurant, which feels a bit more intimate with its soft colors and large bench seating, where the retractable glass roof is a major asset. The menu by chef Benjamin Six holds a great surprise: candied Angus beef gyozas, Madagascar shrimp popcorn with chili mayo, lobster roll, wild sea bass carpaccio with cucumber jelly, traditional Croque Madame, or a melting braised veal with pan-fried chanterelles—tested and approved. Thus, the menu cleverly mixes international creations with traditional dishes: we love it! The desserts are created by Pierre Hermé, unless you opt for the sweet treats from L’Atelier des Pains, an artisan baker in Lège-Cap-Ferret.
In the 22 rooms, all equipped with mini-gardens, balconies, or terraces, powder pink is the dominant color. It is best to choose a room opening onto the pine forest, as those on the ground floor facing the street might be noisy—the market is just a few dozen meters away... The designer’s creativity shines through with a frieze of small mirrors surrounding the room, each hosting a mini-photo in its center as a nod to the Basin, not to mention shocking finds like a chair that doubles as a bedside table, lampshade, and mirror. We also appreciate the well-designed bathrooms: pure Starck with square marble sinks. A nice touch: a few books from the Collection Blanche are available for guests. As for the 6 suites, they offer a generous living space ranging from 35 to 55 m². We must admit a weakness for the Colette suite on the 1st floor, which overlooks the carousel square with the Basin as a backdrop. Along with its fitness room, a mini spa has opened in a neighboring house while waiting for future developments: Laurent Taïeb has also acquired the neighboring 4-star hotel Côté Sable which, hopefully, will keep its identity without a hint of bling-bling...
The highlight: the terrace entirely covered by an awning, with its rattan armchairs and tables, is on track to become a true local headquarters for breakfast or a cocktail…
39 boulevard de la Plage, 33970 Lège-Cap-Ferret
La Maison du Bassin
A true institution of the Basin, located right next to the fishing village, this elegant boutique hotel and restaurant has quietly stood out for years. It has undergone a few changes since the arrival of its new owners, Laurent de Gourcuff and Cédric Mermilliod. The result? 17 brand-new rooms in total, all unique, as well as a new apartment. Fortunately, the renovations by Delphine Rouge Parsat have not altered the charm of this holiday-home-style venue, which features secondhand furniture and gives pride of place to wood and natural materials. In the bathrooms specifically, we adore the faded pastel blue, sea green, and sand tiling. This timeless, charming atmosphere sets in right from the new wooden reception desk.
Our only minor regret: Le Tchanqué bar, the witness to many wild parties, has been removed to make room for 4 new bedrooms. The restaurant has also received a quick refresh and new furniture, while still featuring its delightful shaded terrace and the same chef for 22 years: bravo! On the menu, plates to share: sea urchin tarama, tuna rillettes, cod accras, and slices of foie gras. Most importantly, seasonal products: sea bream tartare, grilled octopus, and the fresh catch of the day... For meat lovers, do not skip the famous dry-aged rib steak or the Black Angus burger.
The highlight: the famous dessert buffet, which wins everyone's vote, is still there: whew! We know some people who wait anxiously for the end of dinner just to rush over to it…
5 rue des Pioneers, 33970 Lège-Cap-Ferret
L’Hôtel de la Plage à l’Herbe
A former dormitory and canteen for resin tappers dating back to the end of the 19th century, this mythical establishment on the peninsula reopened two years ago after a highly successful top-to-bottom renovation: a true masterstroke. Set at the entrance of L’Herbe, the only oyster-farming village on the peninsula classified as a "picturesque site", it houses 12 new, uniquely decorated rooms lined with wood, each named after a celebrity regular of the venue. See the Janine and Michou room in tribute to the former owners, Lino named after Lino Ventura who used to play boules in the village, or Nathalie and Alain named after Nathalie and Alain Delon who used to have lunch on the terrace…
Even if you aren't staying at this authentic hotel, you can settle in from morning till night on its terrace or in its vast restaurant. The menu promotes local products: fish from the basin, clams from the Saubesty family, and oysters from Bart and Marien in the village, along with Périgord meats and truffles.
The highlight: the counter cabin that completes the venue’s offerings for afternoon snacks and tapas.
1 avenue de l’Herbe, 33950 Lège-Cap-Ferret.
Restaurants and bars
Le Sail Fish Café: The little brother to Ferret’s famous Sail Fish, this waterfront restaurant located by the port of Piraillan is completely different from its elder sibling! Guests dine on the terrace in a relaxed atmosphere, enjoying fuss-free dishes spiced up with a touch of Thai accent: baby shrimp tempura, chicken satay with grilled peanuts, but also cheeseburgers and "Mamie bateau" squid. Attentive service, all at reasonable prices: unbelievable but true. 124 route du Cap Ferret, 33950 Piraillan
Le Saint Martial: Opened just two years ago, this restaurant owned by Ferret-local Charles Gabriel Caliouw offers sharing plates in a highly elegant setting: tapenade, croquettes, chicken skewers, charcuterie platters, as well as classic dishes (hake, the Saint Martial burger, Caesar salad…). We appreciate the great cocktail list and the softly priced non-alcoholic options. As for the rooftop, it won our votes completely! 2 bis rue des Rossignols, 33970 Cap Ferret
Frédélian: For decades, Frédélian has been the local institution where people buy sublime cakes, crêpes, waffles, and ice cream... After a serious investigation (supported by a blind tasting) led by the author of these lines and her crew, it appears that the homemade cannelés are the best on the peninsula… You can also sit there for a quick bite or a simple lunch: "belle du Ferret" salad, linguine alla vongole, sea bream ceviche, truffled croque monsieur… A piece of advice: choose a table on the upstairs terrace to get a view of the basin as a bonus. 33 boulevard de la Plage, 33970 Cap Ferret
Le Wharf: An institution at the port of La Vigne, this restaurant overlooking the harbor is also a great place to hang out after a boat trip. Reopened at the end of May under the leadership of Christophe Juville with a new decor designed by Studio Caliente, it offers two experiences: a generous dining table and another area dedicated to oysters, sharing plates, and wine. The menu leans towards seafood: sardines marinated in Espelette pepper, cockles, pork belly, catch of the day… But people also go there for the famous prime rib to share. Port de la Vigne, 33950 Cap Ferret
La Turlutte: Named as a nod to the lures used for catching cuttlefish, squid, and calamari, this mini bistro—opened 3 years ago with an open kitchen and a large counter—is a true find! On the menu: flawless fish and small sharing plates. Funny detail: the knife handles are shaped just like the lures: turluttes. 22 rue des Goélands, 33970 Cap-Ferret
A bit of shopping
DayCo: You can find everything at DayCo, aka the dream spot to buy a gift for someone who already has everything! From tablecloths and candles to small furniture pieces, it is hard to leave empty-handed. We completely fall for the paper napkins adorned with lobsters. 31 boulevard de la Plage, 33 970 Cap Ferret
Vila Nova: This lovely home decor boutique offers a selection of items inspired by coastal style, blending local craftsmanship with contemporary design. 2 bd de la Plage, 33 970 Cap Ferret
Laet it be: This is an unusual concept store that combines fashion, flea market finds, and a wine cellar. This consignment shop, unique on the peninsula, offers beautiful items with a sharp selection of women's clothing. An original and creative spot well worth the detour. 147 route du Cap Ferret, 33950 Le Canon
Hello West: We love this boutique where the welcome is lovely and where you can find many small items, often with Moroccan influences (glasses, stools…), as well as a variety of accessories, sweaters, trousers, tote bags, and hats… All at reasonable prices, which is well worth noting! 19 boulevard de la Plage, 33 970 Cap Ferret
Boulevard des Filles: Here, you have everything you need to dress from head to toe! It is pretty, practical, and perfectly matches the Ferret style: chic and casual! 29 boulevard de la Plage, 33 970 Cap Ferret
Voyage: In her delightful boutique, Joanne de Lépinay showcases elegant and original items for the home, along with a few clothes of indisputable elegance! The finest in Ferret (in our opinion!), worth making a little extra effort for your wallet. 69 boulevard de la Plage, 33 970 Cap Ferret
Victoire: The elegance and chic of the Parisian fashion house can be found here tailored into a beachwear selection. For women, the collection consists of basics (shirts, trousers, cashmeres…) in perfect fabrics and cuts. For men, shirts available in 5 different fittings adapt to all body shapes. A few pieces from Italian designers complete the collection. 27 boulevard de la Plage, 33970 Cap Ferret
Jane de Boy: This is THE concept store in Cap Ferret! You can find flawless clothes for both men and women—with a special mention for the huge stoles by Fabio Sarti—as well as perfumes, canvas bags, posters, and even paintings, home decor, designer lighting, storage solutions… In short, the list of wonders to discover in this vast boutique is endless! 13 boulevard de la Plage, 33970 Cap Ferret
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