Return route along the western shore of Lake Hourtin and Carcans

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A feast for the eyes along the western shore of Lake Hourtin and Carcans, following theGR®8and GRE9 trails, with several beaches perfect for swimming.
Important notes for the entire route: never climb over the fences; these are barriers made of acacia stakes belonging to the Water and Forestry Department. Fires are prohibited.

Details

n°21815127
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 9.94 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 236 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 230 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 154 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 46 ft
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Photos

Shades and Light...
Towards Pointe Blanche
Towards the Pointe de Gréchas
Path along the side of the dune

Description of the walk

Park at Piqueyrot, in the car park of the Hourtin Médoc Sailing Club.

(S/E) Walk up Allée de la Voile then turn right onto Avenue de la Marine. Pass the bar-restaurant Le Nautique and follow the shore to the headland. Walk to the end of Pointe de Piqueyrot to fully appreciate the size of the lake.

(1) Return to the sailing club via the picnic area along Piqueyrot Beach.

(S/E) Take the cycle path towards Maubuisson behind the club. You’ll easily reach the little Anse de Gaouléou.

(2) Turn left to reach the Pointe du Gaouléou.

(3) Return to the previous junction.

(2) Leave the cycle path and continue left along the lake on theGR® marked in red and white. Arrive at Pointe de Gréchas.

(4) Continue along theGR® and further on you will reach Pointe Blanche.

(5) Start a wide circular loop to the left here to reach La Gracieuse beach.

(6) Then start the return journey by turning left to reach the Maison Forestière de la Gracieuse. Join theGR® on the right, turn left onto it and stay on it until the Anse de Gaouléou crossroads.

(2) Turn left and follow the route back in the opposite direction to return to the car park of the Hourtin Médoc Sailing Club (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 52 ft - Car park at the Hourtin Médoc Sailing Club
  2. 1 : mi 0.5 - alt. 49 ft - Pointe de Piqueyrot
  3. 2 : mi 1.14 - alt. 49 ft - Gaouléou Cove
  4. 3 : mi 1.3 - alt. 49 ft - Pointe du Gaouléou
  5. 4 : mi 3.38 - alt. 56 ft - Pointe Blanche
  6. 5 : mi 4.53 - alt. 49 ft - Pointe de Gréchas
  7. 6 : mi 5.44 - alt. 49 ft - La Gracieuse Forest House
  8. S/E : mi 9.94 - alt. 56 ft - Car park at the Hourtin Médoc Sailing Club

Notes

Although you can cool off in the lake, there are no water points along the route. Make sure you bring enough water in hot weather.
A few short sandy uphill sections on the way there.
The route is fairly shaded, especially in the afternoon.

Worth a visit

(6) La Gracieuse Beach: an ideal spot for picnics and swimming.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Downloads
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Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
Ardechois33
Ardechois33

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The advice regarding parking at the start was very useful
I marked it as not very busy because we hardly saw anyone in the morning, but only on the way back from Bombannes, and even then there weren't too many people
A beautiful hike that I modified slightly so that it wasn't just a simple round trip but went a little way into the forest
Be careful, there is a section that may be closed in case of forest fire risk

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leadrap
leadrap

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 18, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk along the lake; as it was quiet at this time of year, I didn’t see a soul – it was all about the peace and beauty! I carried on a little further towards Pointe de la Gracieuse to enjoy the beautiful views a bit longer.

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Jurf
Jurf

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 23, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb route. The best part of the three walks is the section along the western shore of the lake.
A few sandy sections and climbs up the secondary dune are a bit of a challenge, but it’s well worth it! La Gracieuse is just as lovely whether you’re coming from the south (Maubuisson, Bombannes) or the north (Piqueyrot). We loved it!

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