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Create my bookAirbnb regulations in Arcachon: what the Le Meur Law changes from 2025
An iconic seaside resort on the Arcachon Bay in the Gironde department, Arcachon fascinates with its four seasonal quarters — the Winter Town and its 19th-century villas, the Summer Town and its central beach, the Autumn Town on the port side, and the Spring Town on the heights. Facing the Dune of Pilat and Bird Island, this municipality of 11,000 inhabitants sees its population increase tenfold in summer, creating extreme housing pressure. Arcachon applies a strict regulatory framework to preserve its residential stock while welcoming holidaymakers.
90 days
Annual limit
50 000 €
Maximum fine
Mandatory
Compensation
Rental day limit in Arcachon
In Arcachon, primary residences can only be rented as vacation accommodation for 90 days per year. Arcachon has set the cap for primary residence tourist rental at 90 days per calendar year. This threshold, lower than the national cap of 120 days, reflects the municipality's desire to limit rental pressure on a particularly tight residential market. Each night is counted and owners must keep a record available for inspection by municipal services.
Booking platforms (Airbnb, Booking, Vrbo) must block listings in Arcachon beyond 90 days. Any excess exposes the owner to a fine of up to 50 000 €.
Usage change and compensation in Arcachon
To convert a property into a vacation rental in Arcachon, a usage change authorization is required. Compensation: Mandatory.
Compensation is mandatory in Arcachon for any property rented as tourist accommodation that is not the owner's primary residence. The mechanism requires converting commercial floor area into housing or acquiring compensation rights to return an equivalent floor area to the residential market. This measure applies across the entire municipality, with particular attention to the Winter Town and its heritage villas.
Quotas and restrictions in Arcachon
Centre and bay
Arcachon applies quotas in the town centre and areas bordering the bay. The number of tourist rentals is capped by neighbourhood to preserve the balance between permanent residents and seasonal rental activity. The most closely monitored zones include the seafront, the Aiguillon neighbourhood and the Winter Town, where the concentration of short-term rentals is highest.
Fines and enforcement in Arcachon
In Arcachon, property owners in violation face fines of up to 50 000 €.
Owners in violation in Arcachon risk a civil fine of up to €50,000. Failure to compensate, exceeding the 90-day cap, absence of registration and non-compliance with neighbourhood quotas are the main sanctioned offences. The municipality has set up a dedicated team for tourist rental enforcement.
Specific rules in Arcachon
- Mandatory registration with an identification number issued by the Arcachon town hall, to be mentioned on all listings or commercial communications.
- Mandatory compensation for any property other than the primary residence, with supporting documentation to be provided when applying for a change-of-use authorisation.
- Compliance with neighbourhood quotas: the number of tourist rentals is capped in the centre, Winter Town, seafront and the Aiguillon area.
- Compliance with the architectural prescriptions of the classified Winter Town site for any development of 19th-century villas.
- Tourist tax collected and remitted to the SIBA (Arcachon Bay Intermunicipal Authority) according to municipality-specific rates.
Energy rating (DPE): Tourist rentals in Arcachon must comply with current energy performance standards. Properties rated F or G on the EPC have been banned from short-term rental since 1 January 2025. The Winter Town villas, some dating from the Second Empire, may require energy renovation work compatible with the heritage constraints of the classified site.
Le Meur Law: the complete guide for property owners
Discover all measures of the Le Meur Law 2025: taxation, energy ratings, national registration, co-ownership, and mayoral powers.
See also: regulations in nearby cities
Frequently asked questions
Arcachon chose to set a cap below the national maximum of 120 days due to the particular tension in its property market. The municipality has only 11,000 permanent residents but welcomes over 100,000 people in summer. This 90-day cap aims to maintain a stock of housing accessible to year-round residents.
No, compensation does not apply to a primary residence rented within the authorised 90-day limit. However, it is mandatory for secondary residences and any property that is not the owner's primary residence. You will then need to compensate by returning an equivalent floor area to the long-term residential market.
The Winter Town, a classified quarter housing 19th-century villas, is subject to a cap on the number of tourist rentals. The town hall may refuse new authorisations if the neighbourhood quota is reached. Owners wishing to list a property as a short-term rental should check availability with the urban planning department before beginning the process.
Yes, provided you comply with all requirements: registration at the town hall, compensation if it is not your primary residence, compliance with the neighbourhood quota and EPC conformity. Interior and exterior developments must comply with the classified site prescriptions. The Architecte des Bâtiments de France must approve any work visible from public space.
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