Cousseau Pond Circular Walk

An unmissable walk for nature-loving locals. The Étang de Cousseau Nature Reserve is a haven of tranquillity accessible all year round and features three viewing points (including two towers) from which to enjoy the landscape, wildlife and flora.

Details

32259410
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.26 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 217 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 213 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 135 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 46 ft

Description of the walk

Parking is available at the main entrance, at the Marmande car park, or you can cycle there from the car park or from Lacanau-Le Moutchic or Carcans-Maubuisson.
Bicycles must be parked at the entrance to the lake; please bring a padlock.

(S/E) From the Marmande car park, head due east and follow the tarmac track (recently built cycle path) for about 500 m until you reach a fork.

(1) Turn right to join the more picturesque footpath (former cycle path). The two paths will cross several times.

(2) Cross the tarmac track to continue along the footpath opposite.

(3) Cross the tarmac track again and head towards the Carrefour de Cousseau.

(4) Continue straight on, due east, until you reach the entrance to the nature reserve.

(5) Then follow the signposted path to the right (Lesperon Tower). Walk around it and finish at the Galip Tower.

(6) Turn left and return to the entrance to the nature reserve.

(5) Head back in the opposite direction to the way you came.

(3) There are two ways to reach the Marmande car park (S/E):
- either continue in the opposite direction to the way you came,
- or take the tarmac track for a change, though it is less pleasant.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 49 ft - Marmande car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.37 - alt. 79 ft - Footpath
  3. 2 : mi 0.68 - alt. 115 ft - Crossing the tarmac path
  4. 3 : mi 0.98 - alt. 82 ft - Second crossing of the tarmac path
  5. 4 : mi 1.09 - alt. 92 ft - Cousseau Crossroads
  6. 5 : mi 1.61 - alt. 85 ft - Entrance to the reserve
  7. 6 : mi 2.42 - alt. 79 ft - Tour de Galip - Étang de Cousseau
  8. S/E : mi 4.26 - alt. 49 ft - Marmande car park

Notes

The reserve may be closed in the event of a high risk of forest fire. A sign indicates this risk at the Marmande car park and then at the entrance to the reserve.
Bring water and a hat in summer.

Worth a visit

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 5 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.4 / 5
User 26921210

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 22, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A walk taken out of season, which explains the low number of visitors despite the fine weather.
The approach to the nature reserve is a bit monotonous, as it largely follows a cycle path. Once inside the Cousseau Pond nature reserve, the route becomes more interesting with a much greater variety of flora. You pass by the two wooden towers, which offer lovely views over the pond.
Naturally, in summer, bring something to drink and protect yourself from the sun.

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User 17986791

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The route description is well done, thanks

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Tribu ren
Tribu ren

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk with a magnificent view

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mondmond
mondmond

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 07, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

It’s a shame there are mosquitoes

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Pippo69
Pippo69

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 12, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Whilst on a fortnight’s holiday in Lacanau Océan, I took advantage of a gloomy day to go on this 🚶 walking tour to explore the Étang de Cousseau. It was very informative. A young ranger was there who let us use a pair of binoculars to spot spoonbills. There are two wooden towers which offer splendid views of the lake.

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