The Dunes and Marshes of Hourtin nature reserve
Are you dreaming of an escapade in the heart of a preserved natural area during your stay in the Médoc Atlantique? Imagine changing landscapes, between ocean, forest and wetlands. Just a 10-minute drive from our campsite in Hourtin, this treasure trove of biodiversity awaits you. This article is your detailed guide to the Dunes et Marais d’Hourtin nature reserve, an exceptional site in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
Hourtin nature reserve: opening hours, access and advice
Pour bien préparer votre journée, voici un tableau récapitulatif des informations essentielles.
| Information | Details | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Main access via Contaut (on the D101), Piqueyrot and Hourtin Plage parking lots. | For first-time visitors, the Lagune de Contaut parking lot is the easiest and most educational. |
| Schedules & Rates | Free access to trails all year round, 24/7. Free events with advance booking. | Consult the Médoc Atlantique Tourisme agenda online. Events are in great demand, so book well in advance, especially in summer. |
| Parking | Free parking is available at the trailheads. | In high season (July-August), arrive before 10 a.m. or in the late afternoon to find a seat easily. |
| Catering | No on-site catering. Picnic areas are provided. | Pack a picnic lunch for a day out in nature, or head for the restaurants of Hourtin Port or Hourtin Plage, just a few minutes away. |
| Animals | Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash on all courses. | This rule protects wildlife, especially ground-nesting birds and young mammals. |
Where is the Hourtin nature reserve?
The national nature reserve covers an impressive 2150 hectares. It is located in Gironde, in the communes of Hourtin and Naujac-sur-Mer. It is strategically located in the heart of the Hourtin national forest and the Médoc Regional Nature Park.
What makes it unique in France is that it protects a complete ecological transect. Here you can observe the entire succession of landscapes along the Aquitaine coast: the Atlantic beach, the dune belt, the maritime pine and oak forest, and finally the back-dune marshes connected to Lac d’Hourtin-Carcans, the largest natural freshwater lake in France. This mosaic of natural environments makes it a fundamental site for the local flora and fauna.
Why was this reserve created?
Classified on December 15, 2009, the reserve is the fruit of the determination of the French government and the Office National des Forêts (ONF) to protect ecologically rich forest areas. Its management, entrusted to ONF Landes Nord Aquitaine, is a model of active conservation.
The site is considered a veritable open-air laboratory for the study of biodiversity and the adaptation of coastal ecosystems to climate change. Numerous scientific partners, such as the LPO (Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux ) and Cistude Nature, collaborate on inventories and monitoring. Their work has been compiled in the Atlas of the reserve’s biodiversity, published in 2020, a document that bears witness to the site’s exceptional richness.
Which trails are best for hiking in the dunes and marshes of Hourtin?
Discovering the Dunes et Marais d’Hourtin nature reserve is an experience accessible to all. Marked hiking, horse-riding and cycling trails allow you to immerse yourself in complete safety. Departures are from Hourtin Plage, Piqueyrot or Contaut. A simple color code helps you choose your route according to your level:
- Green: easy, less than an hour.
- Blue: medium, between one and two hours.
- Red: for experienced walkers, more than two hours.
We recommend the following itineraries:
- The Lagune de Contaut trail: ideal for a first visit to the Hourtin dunes nature reserve. This 1.1 km family loop on a duckboard path plunges you into the atmosphere of the rainforest. It’s accessible to all, even with a baby carriage.
- Le sentier des chênes: a 3.2 km trail to admire centuries-old oak trees and ancient wooded dunes.
- Le sentier des crêtes: for the more athletic, this 5.5 km loop takes you to the highest point of the reserve, with a remarkable view of the lake and marshes.
As you stroll along, the flora and fauna of the Hourtin dunes reveal themselves. With over 1100 animal species and 280 plant species listed, keep your eyes peeled! You may come across the discreet Cistude d’Europe, a small freshwater turtle, or the European Otter. It’s the perfect place for a nature-focused vacation in Gironde.
Is it possible to take a guided tour of the reserve?
Yes, and it’s highly recommended! Throughout the year, the ONF team offers a program of free activities to help you discover the reserve in a different way. These tours, led by passionate naturalists, are a unique opportunity to discover the secrets of this protected area.
The program is varied: sensory walks, outings to listen to the stag bellow, themed hikes, and even events combining art and nature, such as musical storytelling or wild plant cooking workshops. All these outings are free of charge, but registration is compulsory with the Office de Tourisme Médoc Atlantique on 05 56 03 21 01.
The Dunes et Marais d’Hourtin nature reserve is an essential part of your holiday. After a day rich in discovery and fresh air, you’ll appreciate the comfort and services of our Les Ourmes campsite. It’s the perfect place to recharge your batteries and plan your next adventure in the Médoc.
