The Medoc lakes

Far from the noise of the city or, in season, from the summer crowd of the beaches, the lakes of the Médoc are a haven of peace, wild and preserved, between ocean and forest.

THE LAKE OF HOURTIN-CARCANS

This lake is the largest freshwater lake in France (about 60 km², 18 km long, 5 km wide). Surrounded by white sand dunes, forest and wild marshes, it shelters a magnificent fauna and flora. The D107, before arriving at Maubuisson, offers a superb view of the lake. You can discover this lake on foot, for example by the Gracieuse trail between Bombannes and Hourtin (13 km). Be careful : the old cycle track is partially broken, so walking shoes are preferable to cycling.
👉https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-la-piste-de-la-gracieuse-bombannes-hourt/#component=ajax&task=showPhoto&idPhoto=69121

By mountain bike, follow the trail of the lake in Maubuisson, a family walk of 4 km, which can also be done on foot, and will take you to Bombannes. Take advantage of the return trip to ride along the bike path. Another bike tour: La Boucle des Cavalles, 17 km long, will make you discover the lake, the forest and the ocean.
👉https://www.france-voyage.com/balades/lac-hourtin-carcans-landmark-30859.htm

But the most magical one is undoubtedly the discovery by canoe! There is no noise except the one of the paddles splitting the water and the singing of the birds, especially if you take the canal which crosses the natural reserve of Cousseau and links the lake of Hourtin-Carcans to the one of Lacanau. The blog below gives you an overview of the wonders to discover by canoe, between the lake of Lacanau and the lake of Hourtin-Carcans: http://www.lacdelacanau.com/archives/2009/06/07/13989384.html
See also on YouTube the video of Cap SudOuest: http://www.lacdelacanau.com/archives/2009/06/07/13989384.html

THE LAKE OF LACANAU

Located further south, this lake extends over 20 km² between maritime pines, gorse, broom and marshes. The fauna and flora are remarkable: swans, grey herons, cormorants, ducks, birds of prey… A marked out path starting from Longarisse allows to admire the most beautiful bay of the lake. It is possible to rent a stand-up paddle or a canoe to access the islands of the lake.
👉http://www.lacdelacanau.com/archives/2007/09/26/6339799.html

The Berle trail leaves from Lacanau town and leads through the forest of pines, oaks and birches to the observatory on the lake shore. The return trail will take you through the marshes.
👉https://www.gironde-tourisme.fr/itineraires/le-sentier-de-la-berle-un-sentier-naturellement-fun/

A vast network of bicycle paths also criss-crosses the region: https://lacanauocean.com/fr/velo-lacanau.htm
It is also possible to explore the lake by catamaran or traditional pinasse!

Whatever your choice of transportation to explore these lakes and this unspoiled wilderness, you won’t regret it 😊