Le canal des Étangs

Between pine trees, marshes and large lakes, the Canal des Étangs traces a peaceful line through the heart of Médoc Atlantique. Long designed to control water, it is also an invitation to explore: by canoe or paddleboard, following a gentle current, or on foot along the canal path, ideal for an accessible nature walk.

Open all year round
Fancy a gentle and accessible nature outing? Choose your starting point around the lakes, then let yourself be guided by the calm waters of the Canal des Étangs. Paddle away from the wind, or opt for a walk along the canal path in Carcans-Maubuisson...

Its history

The Canal des Étangs is a waterway connecting Lacanau Lake and Hourtin–Carcans Lake to the Arcachon Basin. It flows through Hourtin, Carcans and Lacanau: three municipalities where fresh water has shaped the landscape and local customs for over a century. On a regional scale, it is a veritable "corridor" between lakes and wetlands, punctuated by regulatory structures (locks) and bordered by a wide variety of environments: lakeside beaches, canals, reed beds and marshes.
Before the canal was built, the Médoc hinterland was largely marshy: water drained poorly, held back by the dune cordon. In the mid-19th century, engineer François Chambrelent proposed digging a canal to drain these wetlands and carry the water to the Arcachon Basin.

The work took place in two main stages: April 1860 to May 1864: construction of the section of the canal between Le Porge and Lège. June 1866 to October 1871: digging of the connecting canal, linking Lacanau Lake to Carcans–Hourtin, working from south to north to facilitate water flow. This project permanently transformed the landscape: the water level was lowered (by around two metres), the marshes receded and the forest gradually took their place.

Three towns, three ways to experience the canal

Hourtin: where it all begins The canal starts in the town of Hourtin and flows into Lake Hourtin–Carcans, which it crosses before continuing south. Here, you can really feel the vastness of the landscape: fresh water, forest, endless sky.

Carcans: the most accessible experience on foot At Carcans-Maubuisson, the canal becomes a real gateway to nature walks: the canal path takes you from the shores of the lake to the marshes, along the canal, to a lock and observation points.

Lacanau: arrival at Moutchic, between lake and forest On the Lacanau side, the canal joins the lake at Moutchic. This is an ideal area to continue your exploration: alternating undergrowth, calm water and panoramic views of the lake.

Paddling on the canal means choosing a gentle outing, sheltered from the wind, close to the reeds. The atmosphere is very different from that of the large lakes: more intimate, wilder, often conducive to observing (without disturbing) the marsh wildlife. Navigation on the lakes and canal is regulated (local regulations and rules). Before setting off, it is advisable to check the conditions, access points and authorised areas.

"Discovery" trip (1 to 2 hours): launch your boat in an area close to the lakes, then enjoy a leisurely trip before turning back.

"Exploration" version (half-day): take the time to travel up a section of the canal, take a break in nature, then set off again at a gentle pace.

The canal trail, a nature walk (Carcans-Maubuisson), is the perfect route for exploring the canal without any nautical equipment.

Along the route, you walk alongside the canal, learn about water management at the lock, and cross a marshland environment that is particularly interesting for observation.