Europe was never known for its deserts, many of you might simply be strangers to the fact that a ‘Moving desert’ even exists in France. It is so unimaginably weird to even think of such a geological phenomenon occurring in the Arachon Bay area of Gironde District in France. Yet, the ‘Great Dune of Pyla’ happens to be the highest sand dune in the entire continent of Europe. It is also called as the ‘Great dune of Pliat’. The name is often very dubious and causes confusion between ‘Pyla’ and ‘Pilat’, both being correct. It is the tallest sand dune in Europe and a hotspot for tourists. Being just miles away from the city of Bordeaux, near the Atlantic ocean, it is a wonderful piece of nature that forces you into the illusion that you are somewhere in the middle of Africa.
This rare formation is relatively young as they have been formed between the 17th and the 19th century by the sand blown to this place from the nearby sand dunes because of the steady Atlantic winds. It has a maximum height touching the 107 meter mark. This phenomenon is about half a kilometer in width and abruptly 3 kilometers in length. It provides you with the ‘one of a kind’ experience of being in a small desert just hours away from the city. It is visibly huge and apparently looks like a big rectangle of sand when viewed from top. However, these dunes are continuously receding towards the land to engulf a portion of the human dwellings nearby.
This incredible geological formation is renowned for its inexplicable beauty across the globe. Tourists throng this landmark to enjoy the beautiful view from the top of the dune. It is often a sight for many adventure sports too. It bears an aura in which romance thrives best. You can have the time of your life while walking with your partner on these dunes.
Climbing to the top of the dune is an overwhelmingly enriching experience. The enthralling combination of the cool ocean breeze, the remarkably fresh odor of the pine forests along with the sensitive feel of the sand beneath your feet makes it altogether a mesmerizing experience. The contrast between the white sand, the green forests and the blue sky again adds to enigma of the unbelievable spectacle beside the Atlantic.
