Sentier des Rousserolles – Réserve Naturelle de Hourtin

"For an hour's effortless walk in the summer heat, head for the shady path of the Rousserolles de Hourtin: the view over the Pointe du Gaouléou lake is worth the diversions!

Walking along this shady path of maritime pines, pedunculate oaks and holm oaks is very pleasant in the summer heat, no need to slather your children with cream, here they are safe!

Even under the sun, the diversions to the Pointe du Gaouléou is almost indispensable, it is one of the rare places where you can enjoy a 360 degree panorama of the lake. Its reading table presenting the fauna and flora of the lake is undeniably enriching. The Pointe is also home to a reedbed, an area on the edge of the lake which should arouse your curiosity as it is home to numerous species of fish, dragonflies and passerines: a family of birds made up of blackbirds, sparrows, larks, etc. With a bit of luck, you will come across the red warbler, a small bird that flies around among the phragmites, and the tracks of otters freshly left in the sand will be revealed to you.

For flower lovers, the Dortmann's Lobelia, a heritage species, often points its pale blue or white petals in July!

Afraid of getting lost? Don't worry, the blue signs or markings on the trees indicate the direction to take, just let yourself be guided.

For the more adventurous who would like to reach the Pointe du Gaouléou in winter, think of boots, it may be flooded.

To get there, drive to the place called Piqueyrot, continuing straight on the Avenue de la Voile until you reach the car park on the edge of the lake, you can park next to the Club de Voile Hourtin Médoc: the start of the walk is here!

Let's not forget that, as in any Nature Reserve, discretion and patience are required to hope to discover all its mysteries! The richness of its places is also to be respected, indeed any other means of locomotion than the bicycle is prohibited. Dogs are tolerated, but only if they are kept on a lead. Finally, camping, fire, gathering or introducing species are forbidden. "