Architecture of Arcachon, France

The architecture and interesting history of Arcachon, France.

Ville l’hiver’ to the south of the main beach, is known for its extravagant 19th century villas, a wonderful mix of styles including Swiss chalet, Moorish, Neo-classical, and neo-Gothic, all set in manicured gardens on wide pine-shaded streets.

In the absence of penicillin and other medical marvels, fresh air was believed to be a cure for many illnesses, but mostly tuberculosis. Usually referred to as ‘consumption’ in the 19th century, this wasting disease had no cure until French bacteriologists created a vaccine in 1921. Before this, the sick were sent to various sanitoriums; or if they were wealthy, to Switzerland.

And so, an opportunity was created – bring Switzerland to the southwest coast of France, and the sick would follow. A large area of land at the highest point of Arcachon was chosen, and in the 1860s a housing estate like no other was born.