Hourtin walks

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.

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.

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.

Starting from the church in Saint-Izan-de-Médoc, this circular route takes you around the former viscountcy of Castillon, which in the Middle Ages had the privilege and exclusive right to trade wine from the Médoc to England. It will allow you to appreciate the unique natural features of this part of the Médoc.

A pleasant hike to discover two Médoc châteaux (Beychevelle and Ducru Beaucaillou) and the estuary with its carrelets. This route, with its varied landscape and modest length, is ideal for a lovely family walk.

This walk takes you from the charming port of Goulée to the picturesque site of Richard Lighthouse via the port of Richard. It alternates between paths, quiet roads and natural areas. Along this easy route, you will discover all aspects of the estuary: ports, marshes, vineyards and historical heritage.

Lamarque is located in the Médoc region, in the heart of the great wine appellations, south of the prestigious Saint-Julien Beychevelle and Pauillac appellations, and less than 10km north of Margaux. The village is unique in that it has the highest point on the Médoc peninsula. The dome of the church, perched at a height of 35 metres, offers a unique and breathtaking view of the great wine region.

Formed by the confluence of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, the Gironde Estuary is the largest estuary in Western Europe (600 km²) and the best preserved in terms of landscape and environment. Bordered by the vineyards of Médoc and Côtes de Blaye, this estuary is home to many inhabited and uninhabited islands that are well worth visiting.

An easy hike through the woods on forest tracks.

Take a section of the Tours route on the way to Santiago de Compostela to reach the village of Plassac with its old streets and immerse yourself in antiquity as you discover the Gallo-Roman villa! Head to the banks of the Gironde, reach the marina and set off to conquer the hillsides. Shady paths, vineyard landscapes and beautiful views around the Vierge de Montuzet are all on the menu for this walk!

A pleasant route to discover the former gravel pits of Arsac, now transformed into lakes and ponds, the gravel pits of Avensan and the woods adjacent to them. The hike is on good, soft sandy paths. It offers a variety of landscapes and a great moment of nature after passing through the peaceful neighbourhoods of Arsac. The starting point is near the beautiful Saint-Germain church.

An easy route near the vineyards, then through the forest and around two lakes.

Route suggested by the Association for the Preservation of Gauriacais Heritage. Magnificent views of the Gironde estuary, the Bec d'Ambès, the Île du Nord and the Médoc. The route is dotted with beautiful houses belonging to sea captains, fishermen, carrelets (fishing huts) and troglodyte dwellings, all the way to the small port of Roque-de-Thau. It also crosses a protected wooded area, the Château de Thau and the church... 17 information panels provide walkers with information about the sites and structures they encounter.

An easy circular path through the shaded forest, following two tributaries of the Jalle de Martignas.

A very refreshing hike along the Gironde estuary.

South-east of Royan, near the famous village of Talmont, this is a lovely, easy route to enjoy with friends or family. Don't miss the old Monards flour mill, Chenac Church and the views of the Gironde estuary.

The vine-covered hillsides of the Gironde are dotted with small hills planted with various crops and vines. The landscapes open up along the paths leading to the estuary. The marshes can be seen from the Beaumont hill. There you will discover a cone-shaped tower dating from the 19th century, but whose first constructions probably date back to the Middle Ages. Even today, the Beaumont Tower still serves as a navigation landmark.

Start near the small12th-centuryRomanesque church of Saint-Seurin. The route takes you through vineyards and then through the forest and is not difficult.

"Muddy waters"! With its muddy waters, the Gironde estuary is every bit as impressive as the Mississippi. On the edge of this austere expanse sits one of the most beautiful villages in France, Talmont-sur-Gironde.

Between the sea and the countryside, enjoy a peaceful stroll along small roads and paths, visit Talmont and the marshes, and return via the cliffs of Meschers.

A walk along four beaches and cliffs between Meschers and Saint-Georges de Didonne. It can be shortened by almost 6 km by not making the round trip to the Vallières lighthouse on Saint-Georges beach. The walk will be easier if the tide is not too high, as the route follows the beaches.

Hike under the holm oaks of the coastal path, at the top of the cliffs overlooking the mouth of the Gironde estuary, through the Suzac Forest and the beaches of Meschers-sur-Gironde or Saint-Georges-de-Didonne. Along the way, you'll see the remains of the Atlantic Wall, and offshore, the famous Cordouan lighthouse, known as the Versailles of the sea. To the right, looking towards the mouth of the river, you'll see Royan and Saint-Georges-de-Didonne.

This is a short, flat walk along the Canal des Étangs, between the D106E5 bridge and the Pas du Bouc bridge. On this section, the canal takes on the appearance and flow of a small river full of charm and wildness, a sort of miniature Amazon with orange-coloured waters. North of Pas du Bouc, it is still a canal, while south of the D106E5, it takes the name Courant de Lège and prepares to flow into the salt meadows of the Bassin d'Arcachon.

A lovely outing, close to the Bordeaux metropolitan area without the drawbacks of the Arcachon Basin.

This is a circular route that allows you to discover the green spaces of western Bordeaux, a privileged area. As in many cities, the air in the west, coming from the sea, is supposed to be healthier. This area has many quiet, shaded streets and well-maintained parks and squares that are closed at night. The route can be done by bicycle, taking care.