{"id":2408,"date":"2026-02-11T11:59:40","date_gmt":"2026-02-11T10:59:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kerhelen.com\/the-leyre-delta-a-hidden-treasure-in-the-bay-of-arcachon\/"},"modified":"2026-02-23T11:08:01","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T10:08:01","slug":"the-leyre-delta-a-hidden-treasure-in-the-bay-of-arcachon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kerhelen.com\/en\/the-leyre-delta-a-hidden-treasure-in-the-bay-of-arcachon\/","title":{"rendered":"The Leyre delta: a hidden treasure in the Bay of Arcachon"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On foot, by bike or by canoe, discover a little-known part of the Arcachon Basin<\/strong>: the Leyre<\/strong> delta. It’s here that the “little Amazon” flows. What to see and do in this secret corner of the Bay of Arcachon<\/strong>? Follow the guide!<\/p>\n\n

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\"Cigognes<\/figure>\n\n

MUST-SEE PLACES<\/h2>\n\n

At the mouth of the Leyre<\/strong> delta, to the south-east of the Bassin d’Arcachon<\/strong>, the communes of Le Teich, Biganos, Audenge<\/strong> and Lanton<\/strong> form the seafront of the Landes de Gascogne<\/strong> 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<\/strong>, flows between Le Teich<\/strong> and Biganos<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

Discovering oyster ports<\/h2>\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n

Upstream from the Leyre,<\/strong> in the heart of the forest, the port of Biganos<\/strong> is the oldest. Here you can buy and taste oysters directly from the huts of small producers. Find out more right here!<\/a> South of Andernos,<\/strong> in the commune of Lanton,<\/strong> the ports of Cassy, Taussat and Fontaineville<\/a> are also well worth a visit. <\/p>\n\n

Also worth reading: Audenge oyster port<\/a><\/p>\n\n

Small, unspoilt beaches<\/h2>\n\n

Secret beaches to discover if you’re on vacation in the Arcachon basin<\/strong>. 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<\/strong> in Lanton,<\/strong> plage de Taussat-les-Bains<\/strong> or plage de Graveyron<\/strong> in Audenge<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

CLOSE TO NATURE<\/h2>\n\n

Les Plaines du Teich – domaine Fleury<\/h2>\n\n

Situated on the Leyre<\/strong> delta ,<\/strong> Domaine de Fleury<\/strong> offers a foretaste of the great dyked estates of the Bay of Arcachon<\/strong>: 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. <\/p>\n\n

> A hiking trail follows the outer dikes around the estate. 5 km loop, duration: 2 h, difficulty: very easy, see itinerary<\/a> <\/p>\n\n

The Teich ornithological reserve<\/h2>\n\n

Created in 1972 on former fishponds dug in the 18th century in the marshes of the Ch\u00e2teau du Teich<\/strong>, the R\u00e9serve ornithologique du Teich<\/strong> is a natural area specially designed to welcome wild birds and facilitate their observation. Nearly 325 species migrate or nest in this exceptional refuge. <\/p>\n\n

> 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. R\u00e9serve ornithologique du Teich<\/strong>: Rue du Port, 33470 Le Teich, tel: 05 24 73 37 33, www.reserve-ornithologique-du-teich.com<\/a> <\/p>\n\n

Find out more: see our article “Where and when to birdwatch on the Bay of Arcachon”<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

The Certes and Graveyron estate<\/h2>\n\n

Owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral, the Domaine de Certes Graveyron<\/strong> is a 530-hectare protected natural area between Audenge<\/strong> and Lanton<\/strong>. There are two walking trails for birdwatching, with or without a guide<\/a>. From the port of Cassy,<\/strong> it is also possible to discover the Certes-Graveyron<\/strong> estate by canoe, as far as the Pointe de Branne<\/strong> and the port of Audenge<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

ACTIVITY IDEAS<\/h2>\n\n

Canoeing on the Leyre<\/strong>: from the port of Mios,<\/strong> discover the Leyre to the rhythm of the paddles<\/a>. The Maison de la Nature du Bassin d’Arcachon<\/strong> (MNBA) organizes guided tours and free descents in double kayaks or traditional canoes to discover the Leyre<\/strong> delta ,<\/strong> its history, fauna and flora. <\/p>\n\n