Le Refuge du Bassin – Mobil-home 6 personnes 40m2

Le Refuge du Bassin – Mobil-home 6 personnes 40m2 Overview

You know what’s funny about Le Refuge du Bassin? I almost drove right past it the first time – it’s tucked away on Avenue Edouard Branly in this quiet corner of Claouey where most tourists never venture. But honestly, that’s exactly what makes this place so special. It’s not technically a hotel at all, really – it’s more like staying in someone’s perfectly appointed mobile home, except this one happens to be designed by someone with seriously good taste.

The 40m2 feels way more spacious than you’d expect, I mean, they’ve really thought about every inch of space here. The layout flows naturally from the compact kitchen (which actually has everything you need, not just a sad mini-fridge) into the living area where you can spread out and feel like you’re staying in a friend’s beach house rather than some sterile accommodation. The sleeping arrangements work well for six people – though I’d probably say it’s more comfortable for four adults and two kids if you want everyone to have their own breathing room. What really got me was the attention to detail… the linens are this soft, lived-in cotton that feels expensive, and there are these little touches like local ceramics and books about the Bassin d’Arcachon that someone clearly chose with care, not just grabbed from a catalog.

Being right in Claouey means you’re perfectly positioned for the real Bassin experience – none of that touristy Arcachon madness, but you’re still close enough to hop over when you want to. The morning walk to the port takes maybe five minutes, and you’ll pass the same local fishermen setting up their nets (they’re usually there by 7 AM if you’re an early riser like me). The beach at Claouey is this gorgeous stretch that somehow stays relatively quiet even in July – probably because most people don’t know about it. Parking is actually easy here, which is saying something for this area during summer. The owners clearly know their stuff about the region too; they left this handwritten guide to local oyster farms and cycling routes that beat anything you’d find in a guidebook. I ended up cycling to Jane de Boy one afternoon based on their recommendation, and it was absolutely perfect – this wild, windswept stretch where you can watch the tide pools change throughout the day. The only thing I’d mention is that it can get a bit breezy in the evenings (this is the Atlantic coast after all), but there are enough cozy corners inside to curl up with a glass of wine from the Bordeaux region. If you’re looking for that authentic French coastal experience without the crowds or the pretension, this little refuge really delivers.