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Dune de Pyla (7th to 11th July)

Dune de Pyla (7th to 11th July)

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At 60Km from Bordeaux, in the South of the Arcachon Bay, it is the highest dune in Europe, the Great Dune of Pyla (or Pilat). The dune is 7km long, 107 meters high, and has a lovely view to the Atlantic Ocean, the Bay and pine forests. For some years now it has been a playground for paragliding pilots.

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The Dune was everything we had heard, seen (in numerous films) and imagined. We were extremely lucky to have 3 days of sunshine,  some full on strong wind kiting and awesome dune flying. Sunith was the designated photographer but sun, sand, and surf distracted him and after a few clicks he was out there on his own surfing the sand splashing the waves and having a total blast.

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We all had a blast here playing like children in a huge sandbox. Along with some great low flying and hardcore kiting sessions we also had an interesting camping experience being the only Indian family camping here at the Pyla Camping and possibly in all of France.

During this leg of our trip we were completely on our own. The day was dominated by the action at the Dune – flying, paddling in the Atlantic, surfboarding down the sandy slopes. Later in the evening we would head out to the restaurant where people met up for some family entertainment. We christened the place the Bandra Gymkhana – why? Because it was like that only! – As our friend Philippe says – ‘same same but different’.

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On our way back to Paris we visited Arcachon a must see if it is not flyable. Dinner out could be a good idea too.

Click on Nirvana Adventures at Dune de Pyla to see more pictures.

Back to Paris and Mumbai
Back in Paris we had Francois and Gwen’s flat to ourselves for a few days and although we missed them ( Shiva the cat included) we rambled all over Paris ( the metro is amazing). This time around it was museums, Montmartre, and Moulin Rouge crowned off by the Bastille Day concert and fireworks by the Eiffel Tower.

Author: Astrid Rao

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