Just south of the Bassin d’Arcachon, twenty kilometers from the 4-star Le Ker Helen campsite, the La Teste state forest is one of the few natural forests in the Landes. A concentrate of history, landscapes and biodiversity to recharge your batteries, breathe the fresh air and enjoy the calm of the forest!
A unique place in France, where sand and forest merge
An emblematic landscape of the Bassin d’Arcachon, the dune forest of La Teste, also known as the “Grande Montagne de La Teste”, extends over 3,800 ha, from the Dune du Pilat to Lake Cazaux. Situated along the Atlantic coastline, it forms part of the immense wooded dune massif that separates the ocean from the Etang de Cazaux and Sanguinet. The vegetation is dominated by maritime pines, to which are added pedunculate oaks, holm oaks and cork oaks, with occasional aspens, alders, wild pear trees, willows and birches.
Awarded the “Forêt d’Exception” label in 2018, the La Teste dune forest boasts a rare and fragile ecosystem, typical of dune environments. Among the plant species present in the forest are Portuguese heather, marsh fern and thyme-leaved toadflax, a plant endemic to the Aquitaine coast. As for the fauna, several protected species of birds of prey (Black Kite, Jean Leblanc Circaete…), as well as migratory birds (Stork, Woodpigeon, Woodcock…) frequent the site on a regular or occasional basis.
One of the Landes’ rare ancestral forests
The 2,000-year-old state forest of La Teste-de-Buch is one of the few natural forests in the Landes region, giving it the air of a “virgin forest”. It originates from a primeval forest that extended south of Arcachon. Thanks to a unique management model, the forest has been regenerating naturally for centuries. However, with the disappearance of gemologists and the decline in timber harvesting, the canopy is closing in and young trees are finding it hard to break through.
From forest to Pilat dune
An interpretation trail offers a different way of looking at the forest and the Dune du Pilat. From the parking lot to the dune, the walk allows you to discover the forest and its ecosystem. Between ocean and forest, let yourself be guided by the various desks set out along the trail, or set off into the heart of the forest in the company of Jean, raconteur de Pays (2-hour tour, bookings at the Dune reception area or tel. 05.56.22.12.85.
Walk in the Camicas dune forest
Between Arcachon and La Teste-de-Buch, the Camicas dune forest leads walkers along sandy paths through a dune massif wooded with pines and oaks. In the company of naturalist guide Tom, discover the flora and fauna of the forest and play an active role in its protection. It’s also an opportunity to understand the evolution of the Landes de Gascogne landscape and its uses, from the end of the 18th century to the present day. Information from the Tourist Office (05 57 52 97 97).
The forest of La Teste… connected
With the “Rando forêt littorale” app ( App Store and Google Play), discover the forest of the Bassin d’Arcachon in a different, fun and interactive way, through a walk enriched with photos, videos and audio content on the history of the forest, landscapes, flora and fauna, and forestry.
Also read on the campsite blog: “What to do in La Teste-de-Buch? Our ideas for the whole family! “