The harbour of Biganos is the oldest harbour on the Leyre. Colourful huts shaded by large oak trees define the setting, and the harbour is home to 150 boats of various sizes. After a 2 km journey along the river, these boats can reach the Bassin d’Arcachon. The harbour is therefore both a distinctive waterside location and a direct river connection.
Delta landscape and past uses
At Port des Tuiles, the typical vegetation of the Leyre delta takes centre stage: the site lies among reed beds and baccharis. Its past use also tells the story of oyster farming. Tiles coated with lime were stored here to collect oyster spat. In this motif, landscape and maritime history come together: Port des Tuiles can be understood both through the delta’s plant life and through a specific former function.
The history of ĂŽle de Malprat goes back to salt production. At the end of the 18th century, dikes were built around the island for this purpose; extensive fish farming later replaced this use. On the island, freshwater meadows fed by rainfall and an artesian well meet much larger saltwater ponds, supplied mainly by seawater. The meadow ecosystem is home to amphibians, otters, European pond turtles, minks, waterfowl and insects. The presence of individual species may vary with the seasons. Visits are possible only with a guide and by prior reservation through the tourist office. Check these conditions before your trip.
Mill history and art
The history of Moulin de Pont Neau dates back at least to the 16th century. In the 19th century, the mill was adapted for paper production. Information panels at the Moulin explain its successive functions as a grain mill, forge and paper mill. This makes it possible to trace the site’s changing uses through specific stages, rather than reducing its history to its later paper production.
Another cultural highlight is «Le Vieux Père», work no. 04 of the Forêt d’Art Contemporain in Biganos. The statue remains covered with a cloth; Laurent Kropf has left it in the condition it was in at its inauguration. This single, clearly described artwork stands alongside the historic sites, whose stories are shaped by their former economic functions.
Water activities on the Leyre
Canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, sea kayaking and trips in a Galupe are permitted on the ESI Leyre. The ESI Leyre water route is navigable by paddle craft for 90 km, from Commensacq (40) to the Leyre delta near Le Teich and Biganos (33). The 2 km refers to the river journey from the harbour to the Bassin d’Arcachon; the 90 km is the length of the water route from Commensacq to the delta. This distinguishes the short connection from the harbour from the longer route when planning activities on the water.
Discover more destinations: Gours, Saint-Sulpice-de-Pommiers, Néac, Saint-Genès-De-Lombaud, Carignan-De-Bordeaux, Pellegrue, Galgon, Le Pian-Sur-Garonne.
For the regional travel overview: Gironde.
