Hourtin offers a range of experiences for your stay: Lac de Hourtin-Carcans, dunes and wetlands, walking and cycling trails, and the history of its lighthouse and town. The lake is France’s largest natural freshwater lake and is shared by Hourtin and Carcans. If you’re looking for accommodation in Hourtin, you can choose your focus based on the experiences you’re interested in: water and beaches, nature trails, or the history of the community.
Lake, Dunes and Wetlands
The RĂ©serve Naturelle des Dunes et Marais de Hourtin covers 2,150 hectares. It brings together the landscapes of the Aquitaine sandy coast: beaches, dunes, pine and holm oak forests, marshes and a lake. Thus, alongside coastal and forest landscapes, wetlands are also part of the natural environment.
Trails, Routes and Guided Tours
The Sentier des ChĂŞnes in the RĂ©serve Naturelle de Hourtin starts in Hourtin, is 3.2 kilometres long and is rated moderate; the walk takes about an hour. For a longer bike ride, the Boucle des GenĂŞts starts in Hourtin: it is 14 kilometres long, rated moderate and takes about two hours. The approximate times can help you decide: the walk takes about an hour, while the bike ride takes around two. As trail conditions may change, check the information before setting out.
A forest road leads to the Phares d’Hourtin. It is closed to cars but open to pedestrians and cyclists. Check access conditions before your visit. At the Lagune de Contaut, a nature trail runs over a wooden platform through the marsh. It is accessible to people with mobility and visual impairments; check this accessibility information again before your visit.
Free guided tours of the RĂ©serve Naturelle des Dunes et Marais de Hourtin are offered throughout the year for school groups and the general public. If a guided tour is part of your plans, check the dates in advance.
Beaches and Water Sports
On Lac d’Hourtin, you’ll find Plage de Piqueyrot: the water is shallow, swimming conditions are monitored, and the view stretches across the entire lake. Lifeguard supervision is seasonal. Plage surveillée d’Hourtin-Plage can be reached via a purpose-built path above the dune; a cycle path leads there from Hourtin, and the beach is also connected to the Vélodyssée. Access and beach conditions may be seasonal.
Sailing and other water sports are also among the seasonal options: Club de Voile d’Hourtin Médoc welcomes children aged five and over and adults from March to September. Check the season and course times before booking.
Lighthouses and Local History
The two lighthouses of Hourtin were built in 1860 and first lit in 1863. These dates mark two distinct stages: construction and first lighting.
The Musée Regards sur le passé is housed in the renovated former railway station. It traces the geographical, historical and sociological development of the community. Visits take place during opening hours and include a guided tour by a member of the association. As opening hours and arrangements may change, check the visiting information in advance.
Discover more destinations: Belvès-De-Castillon, Blanquefort, Gauriaguet, Saint-Philippe-D'aiguille, Roaillan, Illats, Sauveterre-De-Guyenne, Ambès.
For the broader travel overview: Gironde.
