Messanges (Landes) walks

A family walk in the heart of Vieux-Boucau’s communal forest. The route follows sections of the pidgeon hunting hut and Mare aux Biches nature trails before returning via the Léon-Soustons cycle path. Along the way, there are numerous benches, picnic tables and information boards describing the area. 

A varied and magnificent landscape characterises this circular walk starting from Vieux-Boucau-les-Bains towards the Étang de Moïsan. The route passes at the foot of the dunes, through the forest, then near the Messanges Semaphore before skirting the Étang de Moïsan and the pastures of the Landes sea cows. Finally, the return journey via the Léon–Soustons cycle path takes you back to the centre of Vieux-Boucau.

An original, easy and relaxing circular starting from Vieux-Boucau, going around the Port d'Albret marine lake and then reaching Messanges via the beach, with your feet in the water or not, depending on the tide. The return route passes by the Messanges semaphore, the Étang de Moïsan lake, then enters the Landes forest before reaching the Vieux-Boucau bullring.

Depending on your time and fitness level, do the double circular loop or just one of the two circular loops. This double circular loop will take you through the Landes forest and along the Courant de Soustons. The route starts in the centre of Vieux-Boucau, where there are quite a few people. Then head into the forest via the Courant de Soustons and the Voie Verte to Soustons and back. Once you reach Soustons, you can also walk around the lake for a hike that will last the whole day. There is little tarmac except in Vieux-Boucau and Soustons.

A challenging circuit offering high-quality and varied sections. Full of contrasts, it takes you from the banks of the Étang de Moliets to the peaks of a few hills, from the lush vegetation of the wetlands to the perfectly smooth green of the golf course.

A large circular loop around the Port d'Albret marine lake. Port d'Albret, now called Vieux-Boucau (old mouth), could have been the first port on the Landes coast if the Adour had not been diverted in 1578 to give it its current estuary at Bayonne.

A very fine circuit, which can be modified to suit the length and type of path required. You follow the Huchet stream, a small river that flows from the Étang de Léon to the ocean. Spectacular flora and beautiful colours at the mouth of this walk through the Landes Amazon. Author's note 24 June 2024. Walk described on Visorando in 2019, done several times since then, but despite the work done on the footbridge, it is still closed. The forest rangers I met in October 2023 gave me no information about the reopening of the Nasse footbridge. The loop described in 2019 is therefore still not feasible in 2024. A return trip is therefore necessary. I recommend that you then drive to the mouth of the Huchet stream and follow the stream upstream, as the scenery is sublime depending on the time of day.

This walk, which goes from the Étang d’Hardy to the coast via a magnificent dune forest, should be undertaken using a GPS track or a mobile app. Otherwise, you will need at least a map and a compass. There are paths that appear on the map but do not exist on the ground, and conversely, paths that exist on the ground but do not appear on the map. The route follows only paths that are marked on the map. The walk presents no technical difficulties and the paths are easy to follow.

A short walk inspired by a local resident, to discover the moorland near the Étang d'Hardy and Étang Blanc lakes. There are also sandy passages and a pine tree harvesting site, as this is also part of life in the Landes region. The end of the route is along the road, as the path mapped on the left no longer exists.

A green circular offering a pleasant route through meadows, gardens, streams and ponds, small deciduous woods and a few sections of pine forest. Discover some fine architectural heritage.

A lovely walk along wide, comfortable paths where you can see meadows, fields, woodland, lakes, streams and even llamas. As well as some beautiful Landes-style houses.

Literally around the lake, following the shore.

A circular route that passes by the promontory called Tuc des Neuf Églises allows you to climb a few metres in a landscape that is otherwise rather flat.

This family-friendly walk will take you along the banks of the Adour and its alluvial plain. ¹ The alluvial plains are vast floodplains frequented by herds of semi-wild horses. The area is rich in wildlife, including storks, egrets and grey herons. This walk follows the old towpath along the banks of the Adour and can also be done by mountain bike. It has recently been tarmacked from the start to Saubusse. As mentioned above, as the alluvial plains are floodplains, it is best not to walk there after heavy rain.

As its name suggests, this hike runs along the Barrage d'Orx marsh in the nature reserve. The nature reserve consists of the Barrage marsh, which you can walk around, and the North Marsh and Central Marsh, which are closed to the public. The Burret Marsh, to the east, is located outside the nature reserve.

A flat route, very interesting for those who love nature and birds (best done during winter migration): grey cranes, ducks, geese, wading birds, etc.

This 7.5 km circuit, fully signposted, allows you to discover the twelve remarkable trees of the municipality of Labenne in the south of the Landes. Poplars, cork oaks and different types of pines, some of which are over 150 years old. There is an explanatory panel for each remarkable tree. This walk also allows you to immerse yourself in the Landes forest with its pines, eucalyptus trees, oaks and all the local vegetation (arbutus, broom, gorse, etc.). During this walk, you will pass behind Labenne Zoo where you may see lemurs or kangaroos. Please note that at the (8), you will need to climb a tuc (sand hill), which may be difficult for some people. Please respect nature (no picking) and be very vigilant about the risk of forest fires. Several of the plots you will be crossing are private, but the owners have given their permission.

Circular trail to discover remarkable wetlands and forests.

Three concentric circular loops run through the pine forest and are recommended by the Ondres and Tarnos Seignanx Tourist Offices. They are marked in red, green and yellow. The yellow-marked route is described here for use with Visorando.

This walk is only possible outside flood periods. You’ll be walking through the Heugas communal forest, admiring the many oak trees with storks, reaching the River Luy, passing under the D6 bridge, following a backwater of the Luy and reaching the forest track. From there, you can either take the Route de l’alluvial plain – Landes departmental footpath no. 6.5 – or return to your starting point. Please take care as you will need to cross the D6.

This route offers a wide variety of terrain, including streams, sunny stretches and shaded areas.

Published by the Landes Departmental Tourism Committee, this route is reproduced here for use with Visorando.