The small amazon of the landes: the nature reserve of the courant d’huchet

Today, let’s discover together a really surprising, unique and preserve place, located in the west of  he department, a few kilometres from Moliets-et-Maâ. The Courant d’Huchet is the name of a  coastal river in Les Landes, which runs through 3 communes from the Etang de Léon to the Atlantic Ocean. Spend a day discovering its flora and fauna huddled in the heart of the mangrove, and let yourself be seduced by an unusual and marvellous landscape.

Approaching the Atlantic Ocean

A nature reserve to protect a rich and exotic site 

Who would have thought of exploring in a « Galupe » (a traditional flat bottomed boat), on a wild stream, surrounded by wetlands, bogs and mangrove, only a few steps away from the beaches and forests of Les Landes ?

The Nature Reserve of the Courant d’Huchet is a site which has been renowned since the beginning of the 20th century for its beauty, its exoticism and its relaxing, calm and unique character. This picturesque site located in the heart of the Landais landscape, which is rather uniform and homogeneous, seduces tourists, botanists, ornithology enthusiasts, walkers and hikers. Listed under various labels (Nature Reserve, site of scientific interest, picturesque…). It opens up its Nature Reserve, with its discovery paths, educational boards, guided tours and very pleasant boat rides, led by talented skippers.

The dunes in the Courant d'Huchet

Discover the nature reserve of the courant d’huchet 

To spend a day, or more, to discover this beautiful site, there are several options. The Nature Reserve stretches from the Etang de Léon to the Atlantic Ocean, between the communes of Léon, Vielle-Saint-Girons and Moliets-et-Maâ. It is therefore recommended to stay in one of these 3 communes, if you are planning a weekend between the Nature Reserve and the Atlantic Ocean.

Our recommendations for your holiday’s accommodation to discover the Courant d'Huchet :

• Les Cabanes du Menoy, for an unusual night, in the trees !

• The hôtel du Lac, in Léon, just in front of our departure point for our excursion to the Courant d'Huchet

• Le Saint-Martin Camping, holiday rental in line with nature, either with a tent or a mobile-home

• The écocamping vegan du Gaoucher, follow your convictions during your holidays

First, head to the welcome reception of the Nature Reserve, which is in Léon, rue des Berges du Lac. There, you will find two welcoming information centres where you can start to organise your discovery of the Nature Reserve. For hikers and walkering enthusiasts, there is a very useful Topo Guide (which can also be found in the local Tourist Offices).

The Courant d'Huchet, natural and wild

Our restaurants recommendations in the local area :

•  Un singe en hiver, for tapas in a convivial setting !During summer and until mid-October, the Maison Tenoy offers meals at their farm.

The tour of the Reserve can be done on foot by yourself ; during summer, you can do a guided tour if you are part of a group of 10/15 persons. From April to the end of October, 35 skippers offer a 2 hours magical water ride on board a « galupe », in the heart of the mangrove and this small Landaise Amazon. I highly recommend this very original excursion !

Seasonal events and entertainments take place at affordable prices. Check the agenda of the Nature Reserve.

Keep updated on our outings ideas, restaurants and accommodation on les Landes, by following us on our Facebook page of Guide des Landes !

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