Pyla-sur-Mer Arcachon Bay, France
Renovated
2010
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Heritage LocalOutside the door
Dune-edge coastal folly
Perched beside Europe's tallest sand dune, the terrace buzzes from midday oyster lunches to evening DJ sets over the Atlantic.
“Philippe Starck’s 2010 renovation kept the bones of a 1930s neo-Basque hunting lodge – dark timber, frescoes, old Arcachon manners – then loosened it with cabins…”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Philippe Starck juxtaposes preserved 1930s neo-Basque timberwork with bright oyster cabins featuring whimsical asymmetrical mirrors.
Notable
A 1930s neo-Basque hunting lodge retaining its dark-wood lobby, original frescoes, and romantic central staircase.
Notable
Perched where pine forest meets the towering Dune du Pilat, looking out over the Banc d'Arguin oyster grounds.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Also in Wallpaper*.
The dark wood-lined lobby, with its oil paintings and period furniture, remains mostly true to the original.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Thick maritime pine forests surround the property, tumbling straight down to the base of the towering Dune du Pilat.
The rooms
Choose between main-house rooms with ocean-view balconies and freestanding timber cabins tucked along sandy pine paths.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The outdoor infinity pool sits on the terrace edge, looking out across the Banc d'Arguin sandbanks.
Treatments
Massage rituals and body treatments take place in private treatment rooms dressed in bright white tones.
Dogs stay too.
La Co(o)rniche Restaurant
Chef Christophe Beaupuy serves Arcachon oysters and wild fish across the panoramic terrace and indoor salon.
How it began
Former French rugby international William Téchoueyres reimagined this 1930s neo-Basque hunting lodge into an eccentric seaside retreat.
Good to know
Stay here
La Co(o)rniche
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Arcachon Bay
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.