An unexpected visit to the sand dune

Ever thought about the tallest sand dune in Europe and where it is located? No? Me either. Until last thursday when after lunch my host mum told me that her husband, her and I would be climbing to the top of the highest sand dune in Europe, La dune du pilat. "Great", I thought "Just my cup of tea. Especially after feeling ill that morning, this will be fantastic!", note the sarcasm. Myself and hiking, or really any outdoor activity, do not tend to get a long too well, so this was set to be a challenge. I contemplated going and telling my host mother I still felt poorly and would rather not go, but I gave myself a mental slap in the face for being such a worry wart and scardey cat. So, after psyching myself out constantly googling the sand dunes, I decided to shut my computer lid and just go with the flow... and surprisingly, I did just that. I got dressed into my very attractive, note the sarcasm again, leggings, runners and beloved 'Jack Wills' hoodie, and climbed into the car automatically putting my headphones on and soothing myself with some music.

After around a 1 and a half hour drive we finally arrived at La dune du pilat (The Great dune of Pyla). Measuring from around 500m wide, 2.7km in length and 100-115m in height, the dune is absolutely extraordinary to look at, but not so spectacular to climb. In summer the dune is most popular so there are stairs that make it easier to climb the dune. But, seeing as we were climbing it smack bang in the middle of winter, the stairs were not an option to us. After climbing the dune the view was absolutely spectacular, showing the forest on one side and the ocean on the other.

Overall, I am happy I did it. Climbing the tallest sand dune in France is something few people can say they did!

Until Next time,
Kit. Xx