On your arrival
Welcome to Casita, and welcome to Andernos! We are delighted to have you. This is a little corner of happiness for us, and we hope it becomes yours during your holiday. This guide brings together everything you need for an easy stay and wonderful discoveries.
Have a lovely stay, and enjoy the Bassin. Guillaume and Lydie
🔒 Access and codes
The keys (in the key safes) and the Wi-Fi. Enter the guide access code just once (shared with your booking).
🔑 The keys
The keys are colour-coded:
- Green and Blue: main house entrance (2 locks)
- Yellow: house kitchen
- White: entrance gate
- Orange: studio entrance
There are 2 key rings, one of which holds the remote for the car gate.
🔒 The key safe codes are shared with you privately before your arrival.
🅿️ Parking
In the driveway: up to 2 cars, behind the electric gate (which closes again). You can also park in front of the house, along the low wall.
🔌 A socket to charge electric cars is in the driveway, to the right of the small gate leading to the courtyard.
The house day to day
The spaces
🛏️ The bedrooms
Casita has 3 bedrooms and a studio, so 4 sleeping spaces. The bedrooms all look out onto the pool and have electric roller shutters.
- Children's room: with a tepee bed. A cot is available if needed, with its bedding, stored in the cupboard.
- Beds: 160 cm beds in the bedrooms, and a 180 cm bed in the studio. Comfortable bedding, with good mattresses.
- Bathrooms: each bedroom has its own.
🏘️ The studio
Casita also includes a separate studio, with its own entrance, that also connects to the inside of the house. It has a 180 cm bed, a kitchenette (hob, microwave, crockery), a shower room with a toilet and a TV.
🍳 Kitchen
The kitchen is fully equipped, you will find everything you need:
- Coffee maker, kettle, microwave, oven, dishwasher and cooking utensils.
- American-style fridge with a cold water dispenser and freezer.
- Wine glasses and champagne flutes.
- For children: plates, bowls, cutlery and suitable cups, a learning tower to help out in the kitchen, and a booster seat for the little ones (no high chair).
- Various condiments available. For the bravest: try the Réunion chilli!
🧸 Desk and games corner
A desk corner brings together plenty of games for young children, as well as books, fun activities and board games. Help yourselves!
🛋️ Living and dining room
A comfortable living room to relax in and a large dining room for meals all together.
☀️ The conservatory
Ideal when it rains: open the sliding glass doors wide to enjoy the outdoors while staying sheltered, or close them when it gets cooler.
Equipment and comfort
📺 Television
Two TVs: one in the living room, one in the studio. Connected to Wi-Fi with Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, etc.
🔐 Sign in with your own logins, and please remember to log out of your accounts before you leave.
🔊 Music (Sonos)
Three Sonos speakers: kitchen, conservatory and living room. Play your music from your phone.
- Connect your phone to the house Wi-Fi.
- Install the Sonos app (or use Spotify / AirPlay depending on your phone).
- Open the app: it detects the speakers. Choose the room (kitchen, conservatory, living room).
- Start your music and adjust the volume per room.
🧺 Washing machine
The washing machine is in the utility room, in the conservatory area. The room is being renovated: it is not the prettiest, but it is very handy.
Available: 1 laundry basket, 2 laundry hampers, and a drying rack on the terrace.
📶 Wi-Fi
The Wi-Fi logins are in Arrival and departure, Access and codes (protected by your access code).
🌡️ Heating / ventilation
No air conditioning: fans are available for you. Electric heating is fitted in the bedrooms, but we advise against turning it on in high season.
🚿 Hot water
The showers in the 3 bedrooms are supplied by a hot water tank, enough for several showers in a day (but worth keeping in mind). As the back bedroom is the furthest away, the hot water sometimes takes a little while to arrive: the tap can be a bit slow to react.
🪟 Living room and study shutters
These shutters are original, as old as the house and a little fragile. Please handle them with care.
🚨 Alarm
An alarm is installed in the house. It is not activated during your stay. Please do not move anything that could set it off.
🧽 Cleaning
Everything you need is in the hallway cupboard: bin bags, vacuum cleaner, broom, cleaning products, cloths, basin.
🏖️ Little extras
In the living room: a mini Bluetooth karaoke and a light-effects lamp. The board games and children's games are in the desk corner; the pool toys, ball, inflatable mattress and sand toys are in the terrace chest (see Outdoors).
Enjoy
The pool
Casita's big plus. A few pointers to enjoy it with total peace of mind.
Safety first
Children must never be left unattended near the pool, not even for a moment.
⚙️ How it works
Saltwater pool (no chlorine), set to 28°C, with automatic filtration. There is nothing for you to adjust.
🤖 Robot and net
The robot cleans the bottom, the net skims the leaves off the surface. Both are kept in the plant room.
- Plug the robot into the power socket under the pergola, press the big button and let it run (several hours).
- It is quiet: it can run in the evening or the morning. No one in the pool while it runs.
- Once it is done, lift it out by gently pulling on the blue cable.
- To clean it: open the compartment and hose it down.
💧 Water level
In hot weather or after lots of swimming, the level can drop. The right level is about halfway up the skimmer. You can top it up with the garden hose next to it (keep an eye on it while filling).
🛡️ The pool cover
It runs on a rail: just slide it to open or close. Bulky but fairly light, ideally have 2 people. Put it back when the nights are cool to keep the heat in.
⚠️ Never hang from it, lean on it or lie on it: it is only there to protect the pool. It also acts as an access barrier for young children.
🧹 Maintenance
The company Extérieur Bassin looks after the pool, usually Matthieu, once a week on Friday.
📋 Pool rules
- Constant supervision of children: this is rule number one, an accident happens fast and silently.
- Of course you can swim! Just avoid cannonballs and anything that splashes water over the edge: the pool empties quickly, and water is precious.
- No swimming straight after applying sun cream or oil: it clogs the water and the filter.
- Have fun, but the neighbours are close: please keep the volume reasonable.
- In the evening, when the nights are cool, put the cover back: it keeps the heat in and reduces heating.
The outdoors
Pergola, terrace and garden: everything you need to enjoy the lovely evenings on the Bassin.
🌿 The bioclimatic pergola
The switch is on the right-hand post of the pergola: it controls the lighting and the opening / angling of the slats.
- Fine weather: open the slats for air and light.
- Light rain: close the slats, stay dry and still enjoy the terrace.
- Strong wind: as a precaution, open the slats to let the wind through (do not leave it closed).
🔦 Outdoor lighting
- Pool lighting: switch in the plant room.
- Terrace lighting: switch in the conservatory, a little hidden above the entrance to the passage to the boiler.
- Plant lighting: switch next to the fuse box, marked with a sticker.
Remember to turn them off at night.
🍽️ Terrace and dining area
The furniture can be arranged to suit you:
- 2 tables in a square: seats 8 comfortably.
- 2 tables in a row or apart: up to 12 people.
- A small table for the little ones.
The cushions are water-repellent, you can leave them outside; in heavy rain they may still get wet.
⛱️ Parasols and awning
- Large parasol: fixed to the ground but adjustable. A foot pedal swivels it, a crank opens it.
- Second movable parasol: move it wherever you like on the terrace.
- Conservatory awning: for lunch in the shade. Crank-operated (a workout for your arms!). Remember to fold it back in when it is windy.
🎲 Games and gear
A large black chest on the terrace holds the pool toys, inflatables and a Mölkky. Help yourselves, and please put everything back after use.
🌱 The plants
Watering is automatic: please do not touch it. In very hot weather, feel free to water them a little in the morning or evening to help them through.
🔥 The barbecue (gas Weber)
A gas Weber barbecue is available for you on the terrace. A few pointers for great grilling:
- Lighting: open the lid first, open the gas bottle, then light the burners. Never light it with the lid closed.
- Preheating: lid closed, full power for 10 to 15 min, then adjust the burners to suit the cooking.
- When you finish cooking: let it run at full power for a few minutes to burn off the residue, then brush the grill. Close the gas bottle, then turn off the burners.
- Maintenance: brush the grill after each use and empty the grease tray regularly (this prevents flare-ups and smoke).
- Gas: a spare bottle is in the pool plant room. Let us know if you use it, so we can replace it.
- Utensils: in the kitchen, including skewers for tasty homemade kebabs!
Explore Andernos & the Bassin
Andernos-les-Bains
The spirit of the Bassin on the natural, peaceful side: long family-friendly beaches, the longest pier on the Bassin (232 metres) and a lively oyster port.
Our tip: Bétey beach
A 10-minute walk away, the most family-friendly beach in Andernos: calm water, play areas for children, a shaded part under the trees and a Club Mickey for the little ones. Ideal with children.
📷 What to see locally
- The pier: the longest on the Bassin, perfect at sunset.
- The oyster port: colourful cabins, a small oyster museum, tastings by the water.
- Saint-Éloi church (11th century): frescoes and Romanesque decor, near the Gallo-Roman remains.
- Villa Ignota (Maison Louis David): Belle Époque seaside architecture in its grounds.
🏖️ The beaches
- The pier: family atmosphere, shops and restaurants all around.
- Les Quinconces: the wildest, between pine forest and salt meadows.
🧺 The town market (place du 14-Juillet)
Our favourite: a lively, mouth-watering market, one of the nicest on the Bassin. Not to be missed during your stay, for the fresh produce, the oysters and the morning atmosphere.
- Covered market: every morning in summer (7 am to 1 pm).
- Open-air market: Friday morning.
- Makers' market: Sunday morning.
The tradition: once the shopping is done, you treat yourself to a dozen oysters with a small glass of white wine, right there. A true Bassin moment.
Mind the tides
In Andernos, swimming depends on the tide: at low tide, the water goes out a long way. The best time to swim is around high tide. Check today's times (see Useful info).
Where to eat
🦪 Oysters at the oyster port
- Perlostrea, La Dégustation →: lovely wooden terrace facing the Bassin.
- Chez les Pêchous →: very fresh fish, excellent value for money.
- Cabane 31 →: shaded terrace near the moorings.
- L'Huître Bleue →: great view, friendly atmosphere.
🍽️ Restaurants
Near Casita
- Le Fish → (10-minute walk): superb spot right on the Bassin, seafood, and a tuna tataki that is a wonder. Very good cocktails, perfect at sunset.
- La Maison → (a few minutes away, bd de la République): refined French and Italian cooking, lovely seafood, and great value for money.
In the town centre
- Les Tamaris → (~5 min): an Andernos institution, with a beautiful view of the Bassin.
- Chez l'Oncle Phil → (~5 min): one of our favourite spots, especially for brunch.
🥐 Bakery
Les délices de Christophe →, a few minutes' walk away. Perfect for bread and morning pastries.
🍦 Ice cream
Le glacier d'Andernos →, on the main shopping avenue (~4 min): we love it, plenty of different flavours.
Activities
🚲 Cycling
One of the finest cycle path networks in France. An easy loop of about 8 km around Andernos, and a path to Arès through the pines.
Hire a bike:
- Vélocation « Ça Roule ! » (25 bd de la République), very close by: standard and electric bikes, child helmet and lock provided.
- Beach Bikes (4 bd du Colonel Wurtz).
🛶 Kayak, paddle, sailing
The calm waters of the Bassin are perfect for it, especially at high tide. Clubs and schools for lessons and rentals.
⛵ Boat
A trip around the Île aux Oiseaux, a crossing to Cap Ferret, fishing or sunset outings.
The Bassin d'Arcachon
You are perfectly placed to explore the whole Bassin. The must-sees:
⛰️ The Dune du Pilat
The highest dune in Europe (about 106 m), with sweeping views over the Banc d'Arguin and Cap Ferret. Free access. About 1 hour from Andernos.
🏝️ Cap Ferret
The peninsula and its villages, the lighthouse (258 steps, 360° view), ocean beaches and oyster cabins. About 45 min away.
🦩 Le Teich bird reserve
Trails through meadows, woods and marshes, with observation hides. A 2.5 km or 6 km route. Magical with the family. About 20 min away.
🛖 Île aux Oiseaux
The famous cabanes tchanquées on stilts, an emblem of the Bassin. Best seen on a boat trip.
🏛️ Arcachon
The historic seaside resort and its Ville d'Hiver, a district of 19th-century villas. About 40 min away.
🌾 Arès salt meadows
A very natural walk a stone's throw from Andernos, in wild surroundings. About 10 min away.
🦁 Bassin zoo
In La Teste-de-Buch, around 800 animals. A safe bet with children. About 40 min away.
🌊 Grand Crohot beach
On the ocean side (Lège-Cap-Ferret), a big sandy beach with Atlantic waves. Stunning. About 25 min away.
Shops and groceries
The centre of Andernos is built around the shopping avenue: shops and boutiques, cafés and restaurants, the ice cream parlour, a stone's throw from the market and the port. Everything you need day to day.
🛒 Groceries
- Spar (Bétey) → the closest for a quick top-up (~2 min).
- Intermarché → for the big shop (~4 min).
- Carrefour Proximité → (~4 min).
🚗 Arès retail park
E.Leclerc Arès → (~15 min): handy for a drive-through pickup, with a petrol station and a whole retail park (shops, car services).
🏧 Cash machines (ATMs)
Several cash machines in the centre, bd de la République and av. de Bordeaux (~4 min). See on the map →
🚬 Tobacconist and petrol
- Tabac Presse du Bétey → (~2 min).
- Le Pacha → (~5 min).
- Petrol station at the Intermarché and the Leclerc in Arès.
🐾 Vet
Clinique Andervet → (~5 min). 05 56 82 07 25.
Practical & departure
House rules
A few simple rules so everyone can enjoy themselves, neighbours included.
No access: the room above the conservatory is off-limits to guests (unfinished space, very steep stairs). Please do not go up there.
Smoking: smoking is strictly forbidden inside the house. It is allowed outside, but not on the artificial-grass area; ashtrays are available in the kitchen. And while you are at it, use the holiday to smoke a little less and breathe the lovely Bassin air!
Child safety: the garden gate closes with a latch up high, out of children's reach.
Please look after Casita as if it were your own. That is what lets us keep happily opening it to guests.
When you leave
👋 Before you leave, please
- Run the dishwasher.
- Gather and take out the bins (depending on the collection day).
- Close the windows and turn off the lights (indoors and outdoors).
- Tidy away the terrace furniture.
- Close the pool cover.
- Strip the beds and leave the sheets on them.
- Leave the house roughly as you found it. Thank you!
- Drop off the keys: hand them to Lisa, or leave them on the kitchen table and pull the door shut behind you.
♻️ Bins & recycling
Put the bins out the evening before (handle towards the road), and bring them back in after collection.
- Household waste (in bags): Monday and Friday (in summer). Put out on Sunday evening and Thursday evening.
- Recycling (packaging, paper, loose, never in bags): Wednesday. Put out on Tuesday evening.
- Glass: collected on the 3rd Monday of each month (blue-lidded bin, loose, no need to wash it), put out on Sunday evening. In 2026: Monday 20 July, Monday 17 August and Monday 21 September.
🌡️ In hot weather: close the bags well and take them out regularly to avoid smells.
Useful info
The tides, to check every day
Swimming, walks on the foreshore, boat trips: everything depends on the tide. Today's times for Andernos:
🚌 Getting around
- Bus: Alégo network (Andernos, Arès, Cap Ferret, Biganos). Line 601 to Bordeaux.
- Train: the nearest railway station is at Biganos-Facture.
- Airport: Bordeaux-Mérignac, about 1 hour by car.
- Taxis: Sébastien Guy 06 77 69 43 02, Audrey Benjamin 06 63 31 26 31.
- Private hire: Allocab (book online). For Biganos station, expect around 50€ by taxi.
🔗 Useful links
Any questions?
Contact the agency or Lisa directly.
Safety & emergencies
🏥 Healthcare nearby
- A&E: Hôpital Privé Wallerstein, Arès (24/7), 05 56 03 87 00
- Pôle de Santé d'Arcachon, La Teste-de-Buch, 05 57 52 90 00
- Pharmacies: in the centre and on bd de la République (on call: 3237).
- Doctors: several practices in the centre of Andernos.
A problem with Casita?
A question, something unexpected, something not working? The agency and Lisa are here for you, please do not hesitate to contact them. We want your stay to go as smoothly as possible!