Circular Hourtin and Contaut lagoon via the ridges.

de fr

Hiking in the Contaut lagoon via trails through the dunes, marshes and forests. Beautiful views of the Étang de Contaut and Lac de Hourtin. Discover the flora and fauna, paths and trails with some elevation changes and some sandy sections.

Details

n°2955851
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.69 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 76 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 69 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 66 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 15 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐
    Area: Médoc
  • ⚐ District: Hourtin (33990)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 45.215895° / W 1.129017°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 1434OT
  • Hour-by-hour weather
    Discover Visorando Premium
Downloads
Open in the mobile app
Download GPX GPX
Download PDF PDF

Photos

Panorama
The path above the lagoon

Description of the walk

Park in the Contaut car park.

(S/E) Take the path north towards the lake. A wooden walkway crosses the lagoon for several hundred metres, allowing you to discover the amazing flora and fauna. Birch trees and royal ferns, a variety of giant fern that can grow up to three metres high, reign supreme here! The marsh is a biological reserve for a multitude of animal species: deer, squirrels, grey herons, dragonflies and turtles.

At the end of the boardwalk, take the path on the right to join the cycle path, then continue straight ahead. You will see the "Petit Mont" forest house on your left. You will come to a three-way junction (not shown on the IGN map).

(1) Take the small picturesque path furthest to the right, which descends towards the edge of the marsh.

(2) Cross the cycle path, then take the sandy track diagonally to the left which climbs uphill. Turn left again onto the path after about 250 m.

(3) Halfway up the hill, take the small path on the left that descends between the pine trees and joins the cycle path at the D101 E7.

(4) Cross " with caution", walk 50 m along the cycle path, then take the path on the left. Continue straight ahead on this path until you reach a junction of several paths. Enjoy the panoramic view of the lagoon, the lake and the former marine commando base on this section.

(5) Take thesecond path diagonally to your right, continue straight ahead until you reach a carriageway after crossing three paths, turning slightly right/left at the second.

(6) Turn left onto Rue de la Corvette, a very quiet forest road with a view of the lake. Keep left at the fork and after thesecond house (former residence of the admiral of the marine commandos), turn left and then immediately right onto Rue de la Corvette. Cross the housing estate towards the pylon and the water tower.

(7) Take the path (not well marked) on the right along the fence of the pylon, go down to the track and continue right on the path for a 50 m stretch taken in the other direction previously. Go to the multiple intersection.

(5) Turn right onto the steep path towards the road (Avenue de la Marine). Cross carefully and turn left to return to the car park where you started (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 16 m - Car park at the Contaud lagoon on the D101 E7.
  2. 1 : km 1.22 - alt. 20 m - Three-way junction, take the path on the far right.
  3. 2 : km 1.83 - alt. 20 m - Cycle path
  4. 3 : km 2.66 - alt. 42 m - Path on the left
  5. 4 : km 3.66 - alt. 27 m - Route D101 E7
  6. 5 : km 4.61 - alt. 33 m - Crossroads of the double circular
  7. 6 : km 5.45 - alt. 34 m - Carriageway, on the left
  8. 7 : km 6.25 - alt. 46 m - Path on the right after the pylon.
  9. S/E : km 6.69 - alt. 16 m - Car park at the Contaud lagoon on the D101 E7.

Notes

Lagoon car park.
Toilets 100 m away next to the chapel, grocery store on Avenue de la Marine next to the police station.
Restaurants, water sports centre, picnic area and beach at the end of Route de Piqueyrot (approx. 1.7 km away).
Campsite and shops in Hourtin beach during the season, approximately 6 km away.
Shops and medical centre in Hourtin village, approximately 6 km away.

Worth a visit

"La Lagune de Contaut":
In the heart of the Hourtin nature reserve, the Contaut lagoon is one of the wetlands that stretch out behind the coastal dunes. This well-hidden gem is packed with countless wonders and marvels in a small space. A wooden walkway ensures a comfortable exploration and allows you to appreciate the typical vegetation of wetlands undergoing natural drainage. The land is thus transformed into peat and becomes a biological reservoir for a multitude of animal species.

"Panoramic views"
At several points along this hike, you can enjoy sweeping views of the lagoon, lake and forests stretching as far as the eye can see.

"Former marine commando training centre"
A place closed to the public, but a source of memories for many conscripts. The buildings have been falling into ruin since its closure in 2000, awaiting a holiday home and marina development project.

"Piqueyrot beach":
Located on the western shore of Lake Hourtin, this beach (supervised in summer) is considered by many to be the most beautiful on the lake, with its small village and sailing club offering catamarans, windsurf boards, canoes, stand-up paddle boards and pedal boats for exploring the lake.
For refreshments, you can choose between a very pleasant picnic area and two restaurants facing the lake.
Starting point for cycle paths.

"Hourtin beach":
A paradise for beach and ocean lovers with a variety of shops, restaurants and campsites.

"Hourtin port"
On the other side of the lake, with its beach, marina, children's island, a must-see for young and old alike, its jetty jutting out into the lake, holiday residences, shops and restaurants, etc.

Numerous cycle paths and mountain bike trails. Compostela Way, GR®8.

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
Open in the mobile app
Download GPX GPX
Download PDF PDF

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 8 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
Titine du 8-7
Titine du 8-7

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : May 07, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Not a very busy route, but that's normal at this time of year. Very good route with a good elevation gain.

Machine-translated

fschmittstutz
fschmittstutz

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 08, 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 starting from the Contaut pond. The section along the ridges is a little dull, with few views (only one), but the oak tree route is interesting. The start of the walk by the pond is also nice.

Machine-translated

mc.binette@laposte.net
mc.binette@laposte.net
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 26, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very pleasant walk that is quite busy in season because it is very well signposted. However, its documented biodiversity route is very rich and enjoyable.
The end of the route, which differs from the standard walk, is rather pointless. It covers a few hundred metres in the residential holiday district.

Machine-translated

Thimy
Thimy
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very beautiful hike. The section on the cycle path is a bit busy with cyclists. The route was very varied. Thank you for this hike.

Machine-translated

netphi@sfr.fr
netphi@sfr.fr

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 06, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike on this route, which was a little short for us, so we extended it beyond the marked route using our GPS.

Machine-translated

Claudio65
Claudio65

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 24, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

A pleasant hike with a relatively easy climb along the ridge path, leading to a promontory overlooking the lagoon.
There are a few sandy sections, but the route is mostly shaded.

Machine-translated

JP Arnaud
JP Arnaud

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 03, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful walk, best reserved for the low season. We did it in January. Immerse yourself in a forest of diverse species around the lagoon. Well marked, no muddy sections. Beautiful scenery and peaceful.

Machine-translated

CVENEZIA17100
CVENEZIA17100

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 13, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

In the end, we did the route starting from the lagoon car park, and all you have to do is follow the red trail. A superb walk with our children (aged 9 and 13).

Machine-translated

Other walks in the area

Walking Naujac-sur-Mer circular via Le Pin Sec

Visorando member
Boucle Naujac-sur-Mer par le Pin Sec
↔7.26 km ↗+16 m ↘-13 m ◔2h 05 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Naujac-sur-Mer (Gironde)
A walk through a pine forest, returning via the beach. The route follows a section of the Way of St James. Depending on the time of year, be mindful of high tide and tidal coefficients.

Walking The Gracieuse trail (Bombannes - Hourtin)

Visorando member
La piste de la Gracieuse (Bombannes - Hourtin)
↔13.14 km ↗+40 m ↘-40 m ◔3h 50 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Carcans (Gironde)
In all seasons, Lac de Carcans Hourtin (the largest natural lake in France, 18 km long and 5 km wide) inspires tranquillity. We take the old La Gracieuse cycle path, which is unfortunately now in poor condition. It runs alongside theGR®8, the Way of St James, and leads from the Bombannes base to the tip of La Gracieuse on the western shore of the lake.

Walking The Atlantic Wall trail at Carcans Plage

Visorando member
Le sentier du mur de l'Atlantique à Carcans Plage
↔13.57 km ↗+22 m ↘-20 m ◔3h 55 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Carcans (Gironde)
The Atlantic Wall (Atlantikwall in German) is an extensive system of coastal fortifications built by the Third Reich during the Second World War along the western coast of Europe to prevent an invasion of the continent by the Allies from Great Britain. This walking trail follows the concrete road that served the blockhouses, which were used as forward posts.

Walking Montalivet les Bains circular loop

Visorando member
↔8.22 km ↗+3 m ↘-3 m ◔2h 20 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Vendays-Montalivet (Gironde)
This circular route around Montalivet will allow you to discover the different facets of this seaside town. It avoids sandy tracks and is therefore accessible all year round.

Walking Via the archaeological site of Brion in Saint-Germain-d'Esteuil

Visorando member
Par le site archéologique de Brion à Saint-Germain-d'Esteuil
↔15.93 km ↗+24 m ↘-24 m ◔4h 35 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Saint-Germain-d'Esteuil (Gironde)
With the only Gallo-Roman theatre south of the Garonne, the archaeological site of Brion is unique and unmissable. This hike will allow you to tour the commune of Saint-Germain-d'Esteuil and discover the ruins and Roman theatre of the Brion site.

Walking Cousseau Pond Circular Walk

Visorando member
↔6.86 km ↗+66 m ↘-65 m ◔2h 10 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Lacanau (Gironde)
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.

Walking Circular in the Lacanau National Forest

Visorando member
↔20.46 km ↗+86 m ↘-83 m ◔6h 05 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Lacanau (Gironde)
Most of the route consists of forest paths with a few sections on the road and cycle path. The hard surfaces are welcome as walking in the sand is tiring. You can enjoy views of the Étang du Cousseau and the Marais de Talaris with its flora and fauna. Le Moutchic and its calm waters, sailing boats, picnic spots and swimming areas. Finally, the ocean, with its rough waters that are perfect for surfers.

Walking Cissac-Médoc Fortified Castles Circular Tour

Visorando member
Boucle des Châteaux Forts de Cissac-Médoc
↔16.42 km ↗+50 m ↘-50 m ◔4h 50 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Saint-Sauveur (Gironde) (Gironde)
Known for its vineyards and wines, the Médoc is a land steeped in history dating back to ancient times. This hike allows you to discover the medieval fortresses of this region. From the commune of Saint-Sauveur, you will cross the Médoc vineyards to reach the châteaux of Breuil, Lamothe-Cissac and Fontesteau. These three properties date back to the Middle Ages and even further.

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.