On foot, by bike or by canoe, discover a little-known part of the Arcachon Basin: the Leyre delta. It’s here that the “little Amazon” flows. What to see and do in this secret corner of the Bay of Arcachon? Follow the guide!
MUST-SEE PLACES
At the mouth of the Leyre delta, to the south-east of the Bassin d’Arcachon, the communes of Le Teich, Biganos, Audenge and Lanton form the seafront of the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park. It is here that the Leyre, a small coastal river that rises in the Landes and ends its course in the Bassin d’Arcachon, flows between Le Teich and Biganos.
Discovering oyster ports
In this little corner of the Basin, where life is good, the oyster ports are part of the tourist picture postcard. They have preserved their typical appearance, with flower-lined alleys and colorfully painted huts. Discover them on foot, by bike or by boat.
Upstream from the Leyre, in the heart of the forest, the port of Biganos is the oldest. Here you can buy and taste oysters directly from the huts of small producers. Find out more right here! South of Andernos, in the commune of Lanton, the ports of Cassy, Taussat and Fontaineville are also well worth a visit.
Also worth reading: Audenge oyster port
Small, unspoilt beaches
Secret beaches to discover if you’re on vacation in the Arcachon basin. At high tide, they’re the ideal place to enjoy the pleasures of the seaside, in complete safety. Here’s where you’ll find them: plage Suzette in Lanton, plage de Taussat-les-Bains or plage de Graveyron in Audenge.
CLOSE TO NATURE
Les Plaines du Teich – domaine Fleury
Situated on the Leyre delta , Domaine de Fleury offers a foretaste of the great dyked estates of the Bay of Arcachon: reed beds, salt meadows, meadows and former fish reservoirs. After crossing the Leyre, you arrive at the entrance to the plains of Le Teich, where numerous species of birds frolic amid cows and horses.
> A hiking trail follows the outer dikes around the estate. 5 km loop, duration: 2 h, difficulty: very easy, see itinerary
The Teich ornithological reserve
Created in 1972 on former fishponds dug in the 18th century in the marshes of the Château du Teich, the Réserve ornithologique du Teich is a natural area specially designed to welcome wild birds and facilitate their observation. Nearly 325 species migrate or nest in this exceptional refuge.
> The reserve can be visited on foot, along a 6 km loop trail with 20 observatories. Activities are organized throughout the year to help visitors discover the reserve and its birds. Réserve ornithologique du Teich: Rue du Port, 33470 Le Teich, tel: 05 24 73 37 33, www.reserve-ornithologique-du-teich.com
Find out more: see our article “Where and when to birdwatch on the Bay of Arcachon”.
The Certes and Graveyron estate
Owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral, the Domaine de Certes Graveyron is a 530-hectare protected natural area between Audenge and Lanton. There are two walking trails for birdwatching, with or without a guide. From the port of Cassy, it is also possible to discover the Certes-Graveyron estate by canoe, as far as the Pointe de Branne and the port of Audenge.
ACTIVITY IDEAS
Canoeing on the Leyre: from the port of Mios, discover the Leyre to the rhythm of the paddles. The Maison de la Nature du Bassin d’Arcachon (MNBA) organizes guided tours and free descents in double kayaks or traditional canoes to discover the Leyre delta , its history, fauna and flora.
- La Maison de la Nature du Bassin d’Arcachon: Rue du Port, 33470 Le Teich, half-day and full-day tours, short (10 km) and long (20 km) runs. Further information: www.mnba-leteich.fr
A trip in a galupe: from the port of Biganos, get on board a traditional boat, guided by a boatman. Navigation is by oar or pole only. An unusual 1h30 trip to the most secret spots of the Leyre Delta .
- Contact: Lou Batel’Eyre, Le Port, 33830 Biganos, tel: 06 42 24 80 97.
Parc accrobranche: with 15 sporting tree courses, 160 suspended games and 1,000 metres of zip lines, the “T en Leyre” adventure park offers something for the most experienced, while remaining accessible to the youngest.
- Address: Allée de la Plage, 33380 Mios, Tel: 06 33 08 20 86, More info: www.parcours-acrobatique-t-en-leyre.fr
photo@Pline,CC BY-SA 3.0,wikimedia