Lake Hourtin

A vast playground nestled between a lake, a forest and beaches

The atmosphere at Lake Hourtin varies depending on where you are and the time of day. In the morning, Hourtin-Port slowly comes to life around the terraces, with the first paddleboard hire spots opening and sailing boats leaving the harbour. Further along, Piqueyrot retains an almost timeless atmosphere, with its old beach huts, shaded beaches and pine forest stretching right down to the water’s edge.

Around the lake, there’s something for everyone: a supervised family beach, a more secluded cove, a jetty from which to watch the sunset, or a picnic area in the shade of the pine trees.

Unlike the Atlantic Ocean, the atmosphere here is more peaceful. The waters are calm and the beaches are safe for children. It’s easy to alternate between swimming, playing in the sand, cycling and enjoying a tasty break on a terrace, without ever having to leave the lakeside.

Where can you go swimming at Lake Hourtin?

Lake Hourtin is one of the best spots for family swimming in the Médoc Atlantique region. Its calm, often shallow waters make it easier for children to play and swim than in the sea.

In summer, there are several lifeguard-supervised beaches where you can enjoy the lake with complete peace of mind:

– Port Beach in Hourtin-Port, a favourite with families thanks to its proximity to restaurants, play areas and water sports;

– Piqueyrot Beach, which is more natural and shaded, is ideal for a peaceful day out;

– The beaches at Maubuisson, on the Carcans side, known for their shallow waters and family-friendly atmosphere.

For those seeking a more peaceful atmosphere, certain areas such as Lachanau or La Banane beach offer wilder landscapes, set in the heart of the forest.

In the morning, the lake’s surface is often perfectly still. Children play at the water’s edge whilst the first paddleboards glide past the pine trees. As the day draws to a close, the beaches return to their peaceful state and the colours of the sunset are reflected on the lake.

Around the beaches, everything has been designed to make it easy to enjoy the day: car parks, shaded areas, toilet facilities, restaurants, water sports equipment hire and picnic areas.

Plan a family day out at Lake Hourtin

Water sports and leisure activities around the lake

Lake Hourtin is a vast playground for water sports. With its calm waters and wide open spaces, it’s the perfect place for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts.

In the morning, when the water is perfectly calm, you can explore the lake at a leisurely pace by stand-up paddleboard, canoe, kayak or pedalo. When the wind picks up, sailors and kitesurfers or wingfoilers take to the water.

Boating enthusiasts can also enjoy the lake by sailboat or motorboat, whilst respecting the designated areas and protected natural spaces.

Here, everyone can tailor their holiday to suit their own pace: a paddleboarding trip at dawn, an afternoon of sailing with the family, a spontaneous dip between activities, or simply relaxing with your feet in the water.

See all activities around Lake Hourtin

Explore the lake by bike or on foot

Around Lake Hourtin, cycle paths and footpaths offer the chance to explore a wide variety of landscapes, including forests, dunes, marshes and lakeside areas.

The Tour des Lacs route connects Hourtin and Carcans-Maubuisson via the Médoc pine forest. By bike, it’s easy to reach Hourtin-Port, Piqueyrot, the Contaut lagoon or the lakeside beaches without using a car.

Here, walks take on a whole new dimension: the scent of pine trees warmed by the sun, light filtering through the forest, shaded paths that suddenly open out onto the water… The lake is worth visiting as much for its scenery as for that feeling of being completely disconnected.

On foot, there are also several routes that allow you to walk along the shores, explore the protected natural areas or reach the wilder parts of the lake.

The early morning and late afternoon remain the best times to enjoy the peace and quiet and the changing light on the water.

Discover the walks and trails around the lake

Unspoilt nature amidst dunes, marshes and pine forests

Lake Hourtin is set within a stunning natural environment, surrounded by pine forests, wetlands, dunes and marshes. Part of the area is protected by the Hourtin Dunes and Marshes National Nature Reserve, which is home to a rich and fragile ecosystem.

Here, nature sets the pace for each day. In the morning, Lake Hourtin is calm and bathed in light. During the day, it comes alive with swimming, boating and outdoor activities. Then, as evening falls, the colours change, reflections appear on the water and calm gradually returns to the beaches and harbours.

Around Contaut Lagoon or in the wilder parts of the lake, it’s not uncommon to spot birds, dragonflies or breathtaking scenery. You can also set off to explore the Contaut Lagoon trail.

An ideal destination for families

Lake Hourtin is particularly popular with families for being accessible and safe. Here, children can enjoy the gently sloping beaches, games by the water’s edge, bike rides and a wide range of water sports suitable for all ages.

In Hourtin-Port, Île aux Enfants is the perfect way to round off the day, with its large wooden play structures, its castle and its lakeside play areas. Right next door, the splash park also promises plenty of laughter during the holidays.

With swimming, picnics, ice creams on the terrace, sunsets over the harbour and car-free days, Lake Hourtin has everything you need for a simple, enjoyable holiday.

Plan a family day out at Lake Hourtin