How the tides work
We inform you of the tide times for the Arcachon basin. Whether you’re a fishing enthusiast, a watersports enthusiast or simply curious about the movements of the sea, knowing the tide times is essential to making the most of your day.
Don’t forget that weather conditions can influence tide times and levels. It’s always advisable to check local weather forecasts before planning your sea outings.
Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and, to a lesser extent, the Sun on the Earth’s oceans. The Arcachon basin, located on France’s Atlantic coast, is subject to semi-diurnal tides, meaning that there are two tidal cycles per day, approximately every 12 hours and 25 minutes.
Tidal range
The amplitude of the tides, or tidal range, varies according to tidal coefficients. The tidal coefficient is a measure of the difference in water height between low and high tide. In the Arcachon basin, the tidal range can vary from 2 to 4 meters, depending on the tidal coefficient. High tides occur on new and full moons, while neap tides occur on the first and last quarter moons.
