Circulars between Port de Goulée and Richard Lighthouse

The hike starts at Port de Goulée, a small port on the estuary where there are picnic areas where you can eat before or after your hike. As with all hikes that run along all or part of the estuary, rainy periods or high tides can make certain sections difficult or simply impassable. You should therefore be aware of this before setting out on this route.

(S/E) Start from the Port de Goulée picnic area and turn immediately right onto the Passage du Port after crossing the Petit Chenal de Guy. Head towards the edge of the estuary.

(1) Turn left and follow it for about 600 metres.

(2) Turn left and return to the D2 (Route de Valayrac).

(3) Turn right and follow this road carefully: whenever possible, use the widest verges or the vineyards.

(4) Stop off at the archaeological site of the chapel and climb up onto the platform for a view of the site. Continue along the route for 200 metres.

(5) Leave the return path on your left and continue straight ahead to Port de Richard.

(6) Once you have crossed the bridge over the channel, turn right and walk along the harbour. Follow the GR®81 trail along the Richard channel, then along the estuary to the Richard Lighthouse (Ecomuseum).

(7) If you have the opportunity, climb up to the lighthouse (entrance fee) for a panoramic view of the estuary. Otherwise, continue along the dyke past the square fishing huts.

(8) Turn left onto Chemin de la Matte de Paul.

(9) At a place called Paul, turn left and take the D2 on the left for about 200 m. Take the GR®81 signposted on your right: follow it until you reach a three-way junction.

(10) Leave the GR®81 on the left (Chemin du Perey) and head towards the hamlet of Perey and the village of Dignac. Continue straight ahead until you reach a crossroads at the edge of the village.

(11) Follow the D103E3 to the left for a few dozen metres before turning right onto Chemin de Richard. Continue straight ahead until you reach Port de Richard, which you passed earlier.

(6) Continue along the road towards the archaeological site of La Chapelle. You will reach a fork in the road that you passed on the way there.

(5) Turn right and follow the GR®81 trail.

(12) At the hamlet of Goulée, turn left. Carefully cross the D102E2 and continue straight ahead. At the three-way junction, veer left, staying on the GR®81 to approach the D2. Before reaching it, turn right, then left, then right again onto the D2 to return to Port de Goulée (S/E).

This circular loop can be started from different places, but if you want to have a picnic beforehand, you can opt for alternative starting points at the following locations: (6) Port de Richard or (7) Phare de Richard. There are picnic tables where you can enjoy a pleasant meal.

The banks of the channels and estuary are often flooded or quite muddy. During rainy periods, it is advisable to check the conditions of these paths. The use of walking sticks and good footwear is strongly recommended.

There is very little shade on these paths, so remember to protect yourself from the sun.

The best time to do this route is during May, June and September/October, before the autumn rains.

General comment on the estuary banks in Médoc

The paths along the estuary are not maintained regularly. If there is tall grass, remember to protect your lower body from ticks.

Richard Lighthouse.

Port de Goulée.

Richard Harbour.

Archaeological site of the chapel: Antiquity/Middle Ages.

Fishing huts along the estuary.