The pier was built using timber salvaged from the dismantled imperial residence of Napoleon III in Biarritz.
It was specifically designed to facilitate the access of fishing boats to the port by anchoring the jetty in the sand.
The structure is built primarily of Azobé wood, an extremely dense and rot-resistant timber chosen for its durability in saltwater.
During the Second World War, the structure was partially dismantled by German forces to prevent potential Allied landings.
The pier is a critical observation point for the 'Gouf de Capbreton,' an underwater canyon that reaches depths of over 2,000 meters just a few kilometers offshore.
It is technically classified as a 'jetty' rather than a pleasure pier, though it functions exclusively as a promenade today.
L'Estacade de Capbreton is a 189-meter-long wooden pier extending into the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Boudigau river. Originally constructed in 1858 under the direction of Napoleon III, the structure was designed to protect the harbor entrance from silting. The pier serves as a landmark for mariners and a pedestrian walkway for the public. It marks the transition point between the urban beach area and the open sea. The current structure underwent a major renovation in 2010 to restore its wooden pilings and decking. It remains the most recognizable symbol of the town of Capbreton. The pier functions as a breakwater that influences local currents and sand deposits.
From the beach at the base of the pier, capturing the full 189-meter line leading toward the horizon.
Walk to the very end of the pier for a panoramic view of the Pyrenees mountains on clear days.
Keep a firm hold on children and belongings, as the wooden deck can become slippery when misted by sea spray.
Visit during high tide to see the waves crashing directly against the wooden pilings.
Do not attempt to climb or sit on the outer railings, as the wood can be unstable and the drop into the current is significant.
