The starting point is at the entrance to Audenge harbour, where it is easy to park and find something to eat.
(S/E) Set off along the swimming pool and then the start of the harbour.
(1) At this point, you leave the tarmac road leading to the harbour and take a sandy but easy-to-walk path. The trail runs along a dyke separating the basin from the old fish ponds.
After a short bend and passing a blocked path on your right, you reach an old fork in the path.
(2) Contrary to what the IGN map suggests, it is no longer possible to turn left here onto the embankment. So carry on straight ahead along this path, which now runs between the reservoirs on either side. After 500 to 600 metres, you’ll reach a canal (draining coastal streams) and turn sharply right, following the canal for nearly a kilometre.
(3) At the next set of junctions, keep turning left, crossing a small bridge over a narrow canal. You are now heading straight north-west through a landscape of meadows.
(4) After another bridge, you come out onto a fairly wide path: this time, turn right (due north). Shortly afterwards, you come to a barrier preventing you from continuing straight on. Fortunately, another bridge (on the right) allows you to cross the canal, then head towards the buildings of the Château de Certes.
(5) You’ll pass the recently renovated château (Gironde Departmental Council and Conservatoire du Littoral). Walk along the left side of this beautiful building, then head straight towards the main building.
(6) The reception area for the Domaine de Certes is located here. Turn around and head back towards the château to admire the other side.
(5) After passing the annexe building where the picnic area is located, take a path heading due south, then cross a vast meadow and rejoin the path you have already walked along.
(3) This time, turn left, then take a good path (heading south) running alongside the meadows. After a few right-angled bends, this path takes you back to the car park at Audenge harbour (S/E).