From Étang d’Hardy to Plage des Casernes via the dune forest

From Seignosse, take Avenue du Parc des Sports. At the Maison de la Réserve Naturelle de l’Étang Noir, turn right onto the D337. After 1.8 km, take the second road on the right, the D189 (Route de Soustons). 2.4 km further on, you will reach the starting point, which is 200 m before the bridge separating Étang d’Hardy and Étang Blanc. The start is in the commune of Soustons. Shaded car park near Étang d’Hardy.

(S/E) Head west along the path that runs alongside Étang d'Hardy.

(1) Continue along the lake until you reach a beautiful viewpoint overlooking it.

(2) Leave the lakeside by retracing your steps a few metres, turn right and head into the dune forest towards the north-west until you reach the junction with the D79 at a place called Loustalet.

(3) Cross the cycle path and the road carefully, then head left along the road and, 80 m further on, take the tarmac track running parallel to the road which leads to a three-way junction.

(4) 110 m further on, take a sharp right onto the track heading north-north-west then west. Continue along this track until you reach a junction.

(5) The straight track that the route crosses and which leads to the Plage des Casernes car park may be useful if a high tide prevents you from walking on the beach. Continue to the dune (viewpoint with a 360° view).

(6) Turn left and walk along the beach to a bunker at Plage des Casernes. On sunny days, when the temperature rises, you may find naturists on this wild beach.

(7) Climb back up the dune at the lifeguard station. Continue along the track leading to the beach car park. After 320 m, turn right onto a path (marked in purple).

(8) When you reach a crossroads, continue straight ahead. The path turns right (south) at the Les Oyats campsite; continue for 390 m and turn left (south-east) for 480 m to reach the D79.

(9) Cross the road carefully and take the green-marked path opposite, heading east for 500 m. Turn left (north) for 450 m, then right (east). (The section of the path marked with purple dashes below elevation 45 no longer exists).

(10) From elevation 11, follow the route carefully as it veers right, then left, then right, then left, and climb up to the highest point of the route with views out to the ocean.

(11) Head back down for 200 m westwards to the crossroads and turn right (east) at the hairpin bend. Turn left for 100 m, then right, leaving the Mailloques Lagoon on your right. After 500 m, join the D337.

(12) Cross the road carefully and take the red-marked path opposite until you reach a fork.

(13) Turn left onto the path heading south-east until you reach the edge of the pond.

(1) Turn right to return to the car park (S/E).