Dreaming of an escape to the heart of a protected natural area during your stay in Médoc Atlantique? Picture ever-changing landscapes — between ocean, forest, and wetlands. Located just ten minutes by car from our campsite in Hourtin, this treasure of biodiversity is waiting for you. This article is your detailed guide to discovering the Hourtin Dunes and Marshes Nature Reserve, an exceptional site in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
Where is the Hourtin Nature Reserve located?
The national nature reserve covers an impressive 2,150 hectares. It is situated in the Gironde department, across the municipalities of Hourtin and Naujac-sur-Mer. Its location is strategic — at the heart of the Hourtin state forest and the Médoc Regional Natural Park.
What makes it unique in France is that it protects a complete ecological transect. Here, you can observe the full succession of landscapes typical of the Aquitaine coastline: the Atlantic beach, the coastal dune ridge, the maritime pine and oak forest, and finally the back-dune marshes connected to Lake Hourtin-Carcans, the largest natural freshwater lake in France. This mosaic of habitats makes it an essential refuge for local flora and fauna.
Why was this nature reserve created?
Officially established on December 15, 2009, the reserve is the result of a joint effort by the French State and the National Forestry Office (ONF) to protect forest areas of great ecological value. It is managed by ONF Landes Nord Aquitaine and serves as a model of active conservation.
The site is considered a true open-air laboratory for studying biodiversity and the adaptation of coastal ecosystems to climate change. Numerous scientific partners, such as the LPO (League for the Protection of Birds) and Cistude Nature, collaborate on monitoring and biodiversity surveys. Their research has been compiled in the Biodiversity Atlas of the Reserve, published in 2020 — a document that highlights the area’s remarkable natural wealth.
Which trails can you take through the Hourtin dunes and marshes?
Exploring the Hourtin Dunes and Marshes Nature Reserve is an experience accessible to everyone. Several waymarked trails for walking, horse riding, or cycling allow visitors to immerse themselves safely in this exceptional environment. Trailheads are located at Hourtin Plage, Piqueyrot, and Contaut. A simple colour code helps you choose a route according to your level:
- Green: easy, less than one hour.
- Blue: moderate, between one and two hours.
- Red: challenging, for experienced hikers, more than two hours.
Among the must-do routes, we recommend:
- The Contaut Lagoon Trail: perfect for a first visit to the Hourtin Dunes Nature Reserve. This 1.1 km family-friendly loop, built on a wooden boardwalk, immerses you in the atmosphere of the wet forest. It’s accessible to everyone — even with a stroller.
- The Oak Trail: a 3.2 km route where you can admire centuries-old oaks and ancient wooded dunes.
- The Ridge Trail: for the more active visitor, this 5.5 km loop leads to the highest point of the reserve, offering a stunning view of the lake and surrounding marshes.
As you walk, the wildlife and plant life of the Hourtin dunes reveal themselves. With over 1,100 animal species and 280 plant species recorded, keep your eyes open! You might spot the elusive European pond turtle or the European otter. It’s the perfect destination for a nature-focused holiday in Gironde.
Are guided tours available?
Yes — and they come highly recommended! Throughout the year, the ONF team offers a free programme of activities to help visitors discover the reserve in a different way. These guided tours, led by passionate naturalists, are a unique opportunity to uncover the secrets of this protected area.
The programme is varied: sensory walks, excursions to listen to the deer rut, themed hikes, and even creative activities combining art and nature — such as musical storytelling or wild plant cooking workshops. All activities are free, but registration is required with the Médoc Atlantique Tourist Office at +33 (0)5 56 03 21 01.
The Hourtin Dunes and Marshes Nature Reserve is a must-visit during your stay. After a day of exploration and fresh air, you’ll enjoy returning to the comfort and facilities of our Les Ourmes campsite — the perfect base to relax and plan your next adventures in the Médoc region.