The Hourtin Dunes and Marshes Nature Reserve
An open-air natural museum!
The Hourtin Dunes and Marshes Nature Reserve is managed by the Office National des Forêts. Its 2150 hectares encompass all the landscapes of the sandy coast of Aquitaine: foreshore, wooded and bare dunes, mixed forest, lake shore and marshes. In this cocoon of nature in the Médoc Atlantique, where the flora and fauna have been protected since 2009, fascinating guided tours and free events are organised all year round alongside expert naturalists.
Fauna and flora of the reserve
Fauna and flora of the reserve
What nature!
Among the protected species in the Hourtin dunes and marshes nature reserve, you’ll come across many reptiles, such as the viperine snake and the ocellated lizard (the largest in France), as well as birds of prey and rare birds, such as the broken-necked gravelot and the short-toed eagle. Discreet walkers may also spot an osprey or weasel as they approach the Contaut Lagoon.
Alongside naturalist guides, discover the observation protocols put in place to ensure their protection. For snakes, for example, natural thermoregulation plates have been installed at the four corners of the reserve to monitor their demography. As for flora, red-listed species such as Dortmann’s Lobelia are closely monitored, and the ONF favours wild mixed forests.
Protected but alive
The Nature Reserve, a place for memorable walks and unique experiences
Protected, yes, but not under a cloche: the Hourtin Dunes and Marshes Nature Reserve welcomes visitors all year round to raise public awareness of environmental protection. Choose from a range of self-guided walks, or one of the themed guided tours with a naturalist. They’re free and children always love them.
Regular crossovers between educational walks and sport, cookery or opera are even organised within the reserve, so that children can learn while having a good time, far from any moralism.
To find out more
Walks: ONF expert David's 3 favourites
For a view of the lake: go to the Pointe du Gaouléou (by the reading table). The more motivated can then take the “sporty deer” trail.
For a nice walk : the signposted path from Piqueyrot to Hourtin plage (but avoid this in midsummer when the flat flies arrive).
For the whole family: cross the marsh via the Contaut Lagoon educational trail.
The Contaut Lagoon
We’ve found paradise!
The Contaut Lagoon is a wetland behind the coastal dunes in the middle of the reserve. This unspoilt natural setting is a biological reservoir for numerous animal species! In summer, the ONF organises sensory walks that are a real change of scenery, where you can meet bats or listen out for the bellowing of the stag.
The signposted walking trail around the Contaut Lagoon is perfect for all the family, including pushchairs and new walkers. Just 1 km long, the trail is lined with information panels so you can learn as you relax in the shade of the trees. Children will love looking for animal tracks or spotting birds with their spyglass.
A few rules to follow in a Nature Reserve
We’re counting on you to protect the environment
Never forget that in a Nature Reserve, you are guests of the animals and wildlife, with all the respect and good manners that entails. Among the rules to follow: follow the marked paths, no beach games or campfires, no boating on the shores of the Reserve lake, respect the peace and quiet of the animals, etc. The rules are posted at every entrance. The ONF experts are sworn in, but we are counting on you not to end up having to pay a fine.
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