Located 2.5 km from the town center, the port of Hourtin offers nearly 500 moorings along the eastern shore of the lake, the largest natural freshwater lake entirely within France. Sailboats, pontoon boats, outdoor cafes, and bike rental shops come together to create a vibrant community hub.
Campsite Les Ourmes, our campsite in Hourtin, is located just 500 meters from this body of water. Here’s what you need to know before you go: water activities, dining options, evening entertainment, and practical information.
This Topic at a Glance
- Port capacity: approximately 500 berths.
- Location: on the east shore of the lake, 2.5 km from the town of Hourtin.
- Lake area: 5,800 hectares, 18 km long, 5 km wide, with a maximum depth of 10 m.
- Top activities: sailing, fishing, water skiing, boat and bike rentals.
- Dining: outdoor seating areas and snack bars on the Christian Renard Esplanade.
- Prohibitions: jet skis and towed watercraft are prohibited throughout the lake.
A 500-slip marina on the east shore of the lake
The port of Hourtin has nearly 500 mooring spaces, located 2.5 km from the town center on the lake’s eastern shore. Two breakwaters mark the entrance and shelter the docks. Along the pier, small huts house the harbor master’s office as well as the lake fishermen’s association, which provides boaters with information on current regulations.
The body of water that stretches out before you is impressive: 5,800 hectares, 18 km long and 5 km wide, with a maximum depth of 10 m. This size earns it the distinction of being the largest natural freshwater lake entirely located within France. It also explains the prominence of sailing at the port of Hourtin, since the wind finds a rare expanse of water there for an inland location.
What water sports can you do at the Port of Hourtin?
The port of Hourtin offers access to sailing, fishing, and water skiing in designated areas, as well as motorboat rentals. The Hourtin Médoc Yacht Club, which has been based there for over 60 years, oversees some of these activities and manages the docks.
Here are some things you can do starting from the docks:
- Sailing is at the heart of the club’s activities, ranging from light dinghies to catamarans.
- Anglers cast their lines from the docks or set out in rowboats, fishing licenses in hand.
- Water skiing is permitted only within the marked loops shown on the lake map.
- Several rental companies offer motorboats for full-day or half-day rentals.
- Cycling extends the outing thanks to the bike paths that run along the riverbank.
Two restrictions govern boating: the regulations prohibit jet skis and towed watercraft throughout the entire body of water.
Good to know: The wind often picks up in the early afternoon on this very open lake. Calm mornings are therefore better suited for paddleboarding, rowing, and fishing, while windsurfing and catamaran sailing really come into their own once the breeze picks up. Checking the webcam and the sailing club’s wind gauge before you head out can save you a lot of unnecessary back-and-forth trips.
Restaurants, shops, and the evening atmosphere
Facing the harbor, the Christian Renard Esplanade is home to a variety of dining options: sandwich shops, traditional dishes served on the patio, crepes, waffles, ice cream, and cold drinks. The tables overlook the water, turning a simple lunch into a relaxing break by the lake.
The walk along the waterfront really comes into its own at the end of the day, when the sun sets across the water, behind the pine forest. Around the esplanade, a mini-golf course, a Splash Park, and several bike rental shops round out the scene. This wealth of activities explains why the site attracts both boaters and families spending their vacations in the Gironde.
Our team at Campsite Les Ourmes also offers the same advice to our guests: “Come to the harbor in the late afternoon rather than at noon—you’ll get a parking spot, a table on the terrace, and the best view of the sunset.”
Practical information
A few things to keep in mind before heading to the docks:
- The marina is located on the eastern shore of the lake, 2.5 km from the town of Hourtin (33990).
- The harbor master’s office is located in one of the huts lined up along the pier.
- There are approximately 500 berths for both sailboats and motorboats.
- The maritime rescue service can be reached by calling 196 or on VHF channel 16.
- The regulations prohibit jet skis and towed watercraft throughout the entire body of water.
- Bike rental shops, the mini-golf course, and the Splash Park line the esplanade.
Directions from Les Ourmes Campsite to the Port of Hourtin
From the Les Ourmes campsite, it takes just a few minutes to reach the Hourtin harbor, which is about 500 meters from the water. Here are the directions:
Are you looking for a place to stay just a few minutes from the water, so you can go for a morning swim and then relax on a terrace at the harbor in the evening? Book your stay at our campsite, located 500 m from the lake and 10 km from the ocean, and enjoy Lake Hourtin from your very first day!
FAQ — Port of Hourtin
Where is the port of Hourtin located?
The port of Hourtin is located on the eastern shore of Lake Hourtin-Carcans, 2.5 km from the town of Hourtin, in Gironde. It can be reached by car from the village center, by bike via the bike paths that run along the shore, or by boat for boaters.
How many berths are there at the port of Hourtin?
The port of Hourtin has approximately 500 mooring spaces, spread out along the docks around the lake. Two breakwaters protect the entrance. The harbor master’s office and the lake fishermen’s association are housed in huts lined up along the dock and provide boaters with information on regulations.
Are jet skis allowed on Lake Hourtin?
No, jet skis are not permitted on Lake Hourtin, nor are towed watercraft. Water skiing is an exception: it may be practiced within the marked zones delineated on the lake map. The water sports club and the lake police regularly monitor compliance with these zones.
What water sports can you enjoy from the port of Hourtin?
From the port of Hourtin, you can go sailing in a dinghy or on a catamaran, fish from the docks or in a rowboat, water-ski in the designated area, and go motorboating. Rental companies offer boats and bicycles on the nearby esplanade.
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