The great lakes of Gironde first rubbed shoulders with the Atlantic Ocean before being separated from it by a string of dunes. Wild and preserved, they form an ideal space for family swimming, sailing, walks and fishing.
Among these lakes are the two largest freshwater lakes in France: the Hourtin-Carcans lake (66 km²) and the Cazaux lake (20 km²).
In the Medoc , the lake of Hourtin-Carcans and that of Lacanau are linked together by the Canal des Etangs.
10 km south of Arcachon bay, Cazaux lake, in the heart of the forest and protected from the winds, is home to an exuberant nature on nearly 5 hectares.
The great lakes, jewels of the Atlantic coast
Hourtin-Carcans, the largest freshwater lake in France
66 km², it's not nothing! Its particularly preserved natural environment (wild marshes, white sand dunes and forest) gives it incredible charm, to be discovered during a walk ou by mountain bike. We practice a multitude of nautical activities : stand up paddle, kite surfing, sailing, windsurfing, dinghy, catamaran... On the right bank of the lake, the sports and leisure area of Bombannes offers courses in tennis, kayaking, archery, climbing as well as as the rental of sailboats and windsurfing boards. Not to mention an adventure course with a 120 m zip line! Ideal for learning to sail, Hourtin-Carcans lake saw the birth of Olympic dinghies in the 60s, the famous 420 and 470.
Lacanau lake
6 km from the seaside resort of Lacanau-Ocean, Lacanau lake is fed by small rivers, the crastes, which drain the whole of the Médoc. This 2000 hectare lake sheltered from the ocean winds unfolds in a setting of maritime pines, gorse, broom and mimosa. Very wild, especially in their southern and south-eastern parts, the shores of the lake are home to small isolated beaches where you can drop anchor for a picnic (and a siesta!). Leaving from Longarisse, a wide marked trail winds through reeds, water lilies and wooded dunes and offers a magnificent view of the lake. The GR 8 also makes it possible to reach Lacanau-Ocean, or further south, Lège-Cap Ferret (16 km). Kayakers will reach the Bassin d'Arcachon via the Porge channel, to the south of the lake.
Cazaux lake – La Teste-de-Buch
The second largest freshwater lake in France is also in Gironde. the Cazaux lake was formed by the accumulation of water coming from the Landes plain, in particular from the Gourgue, a watercourse on the edge of which the ancient village of Losa was established before disappearing under water. Several sites dating from the Iron Age have also been uncovered in the old bed of the Gourgue.
Connected to Arcachon bay via the Landes canal, the Cazaux lake is very popular for its fine sandy beaches. Its pure and calm waters are an ideal playground for family swimming and sailing in complete serenity. Fishermen also acclaim this place for its enchanting setting and find pike, zander, perch, carp...