Are you looking to combine a camping holiday with an outdoor getaway? The Hourtin region, in the heart of the Gironde, is perfect for walking enthusiasts. Its varied trails, Gironde landscapes, dunes, marshes and vast Médoc forests are sure to please! From our campsite in Hourtin, Les Ourmes, every hike promises a breath of fresh air, changing light and soothing scenery. Ready to map out your own itinerary? Discover our must-do routes and start the adventure as soon as you arrive at our campsite!
Our selection of walks in Hourtin
| Trail name | Main theme | Distance | Average duration | Vertical rise | Level of difficulty |
| Sentier des Genêts | Atlantic ocean and forest, dunes. | 4.5 km | 2 h | +51 m | Moderate |
| Sentier des Crêtes | Panoramic views, wooded dunes, Lac d’Hourtin, historic remains. | 5.3 km | 1h30 to 2h00 | +76 m | Medium to Advanced (Red Beacon) |
| Sentier des Chênes | Shade and serenity, a forest of pines and oaks. | 3.2 km | 1 h | Low | Easy |
| Sentier des Chevreuils Sportifs (Sporting Deer Trail) | Challenge express, dynamic terrain (climbs/descents), Anse du Gaouléou. | 3.9 km | 1h00 to 1h15 | +42 m | Medium (Sporty) |
The Genêts trail: between ocean and forest
Looking for an experience that combines breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and immersion in the cool forest? The sentier des Genêts is the route for you. This hiking trail in Hourtin is a loop that takes you directly onto the dune belt, with a striking contrast between the blue of the water and the dense green of the Landes de Gascogne.
This trail is an excellent way to discover the first chain of dunes, now wooded, that line the coastline. Take a deep breath of salt air as you alternate between sandy paths and shady trails. This hiking itinerary in Hourtin promises a varied and invigorating stroll for all nature lovers.
Starting point: Hourtin-Plage.
Distance: 4.5 km.
Average time: 2 h.
Ascent: +51 m.
Level of difficulty: moderate.
Defying the dunes: the Crêtes trail and its exceptional panorama
For walkers wishing to take in the Medoc landscape from above, the Crêtes trail is the ideal loop. This circuit is marked in red, classifying it as an itinerary for regular walkers. Nevertheless, the effort is amply rewarded by a unique panorama of the entire protected area.
The route takes you to one of the highest points in the reserve, offering a breathtaking view of Lac d’Hourtin and the marshlands.
The path winds between ancient wooded dunes, revealing unexpected historical relics along the way. Experienced hikers will discover the Pelous spring, where “La Souveraine” natural mineral water was marketed in the early 20th century. Choosing this hike in Hourtin is the assurance of a complete and varied adventure in the region’s dune landscape and history.
Departure point: Contaut parking lot, 8 km from our campsite.
Distance: 5.3 km
Average duration: 1h30 to 2h00.
Ascent: +76 m
Level of difficulty: medium to advanced (Red)
Sentier des Chênes: the soothing shade of the forest
If the summer heat has you seeking shade, the sentier des Chênes promises the perfect refuge. This trail winds its way through a forest of pines and oaks. Particularly appreciated for its serenity, this Hourtin hike is ideal for those who want a fairly long, immersive walk that’s less physically demanding than the Crêtes trail.
Distance: 3.2 km
Height difference: slight.
Average length: 1 hour.
Level of difficulty: easy
The express challenge: the Chevreuils sports trail
The Chevreuils Sportifs trail is a circuit designed for lovers of dynamic, fast-paced physical activity. Although the distance is short, the word “sporty” comes from the terrain, which requires an excellent muscular workout through short climbs and descents, characteristic of the dune system.
This circuit is ideal for trail runners or discerning walkers looking for an express challenge in the heart of nature before returning to the comfort of the campsite. The route takes you to the Gaouléou cove, where you can approach the shores of Lac d’Hourtin and admire the contrasting landscapes of water and forest. Planning this hike in Hourtin allows you to reconcile nature and performance in a controlled timeframe.
Starting point: Hourtin (Contaut/Piqueyrot)
Distance: 3.9 km.
Ascent: +42 m.
Average duration: 1h to 1h15
Level of difficulty: medium
Our advice: for even more precise information or detailed maps, don’t hesitate to contact the team at our Les Ourmes campsite or the Médoc Atlantique tourist office.
Would you like to discover these magnificent Gironde landscapes? Put on your walking shoes, pack your rucksack and get ready for adventure! Hourtin’s circuits are waiting for you. Book your stay at our campsite now and set off to discover this unspoilt area of the Médoc. Happy hiking!