Thanks for your information Hoddy. I think I have come up with a good plan for this. I plan on flying to Bordeaux Airport, and there are a few cheap hotels around there where I could stay, then (as I am only going down for the one day) get the train from Bordeaux to Arcachon. However I am not sure when I will do this, I planned on October and fly out with BMI Baby (as they stop Manchester/Birmignham-Bordeaux servies after than) but I don't think I will be able to go then and might have to go next year. When is the best time to go for good weather, what is it like in the Spring?