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Car park at the foot of the bell tower.
(S/E) Take the old road that runs behind the bell tower along the side of the dune and note the milestone on the Way of St James.
(1) The old wash house is opposite the cemetery on the other side of the road (take care if you go to see it). Take the side lane, cross the traffic lights and you’ll reach the Pont Rouge. On your left is the Gascogne Papier factory. Continue along the road.
(2) At the roundabout, turn right to go round the school. As you pass, note the enormous oak tree in the corner. At the far end of the car park, a signpost invites you to take a path lined with mimosas. This sandy path, 100 metres long, takes you up the dune to the highest point of the walk (20 metres). The path continues downhill, at the foot of the dune ridge. You are now in the “Lette du Raz” (a valley between two dunes).
(3) Right at the end, a signpost directs you to turn left. The path, which is slightly steep for 30 metres, leads you into the state-owned forest managed by the Office National des Forêts. Turn right immediately. The path winds its way between tall pines, oaks and arbutus trees. This is the habitat of woodcocks, roe deer, red deer and wild boar.
(4) After crossing the cycle path for the second time, you’ll reach the ‘3 Hills’ area. As you approach the ‘No Traffic’ sign, don’t miss the signpost telling you to turn right.
(5) You’ll reach the D87 opposite the campsite. Don’t cross the road; head left, following the cycle path to the golf course, and from there, cross the road to reach the lake.
(6) In front of you lies Lake Aureilhan – Mimizan; the path heads off to the right and follows the shore, but do feel free to take a short detour to the left towards Woolsack Castle (5 mins one way). After the campsite, still skirting the lake, a small footbridge leads into a floral paradise. The flower-lined walk is a must-see attraction which, on its own, is well worth the detour.
(7) To reach the other side of the lake, you’ll need to cross the stream. Take the large footbridge between the Hôtel du Lac and the playground, then turn right. Please note: after the waterfall, leave the signposted path and continue straight on between the houses.
(8) At the corner of the street is the Borne de Sauveté. To avoid the traffic, walk between the social housing blocks and continue across the grass. Turn right and cross Avenue de Vigon. Opposite, next to a transformer, the Route Noire begins: head there. Cross the small stream and, 50 metres further on, ignore the signpost and turn left onto Chemin Brémontier.
(9) At the second bend, continue along Chemin de Brémontier to reach Rue de l’Abbaye, then return to the starting point (S/E).
Tourist office
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