Galloping down to the ocean
5,000 years ago, under the influence of winds, coastal sand dunes formed along the Atlantic coast, blocking surface water streams that flowed into the ocean. These reservoirs have formed ponds and marshes, but some, more strongly than others, still flow into the sea, thus creating outlets subject to tidal movements. The Landers have five, including Courant d’Houchet, the wildest of them all, and the only one whose course runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean. Complementary to tourism, a boat excursion on the Huchet current causes other emotions and feelings. We find it in the galupe, a small traditional flat-bottomed boat, steered by a sturdy boatman. From April to October, they have about thirty people to take tourists at gunpoint. Thanks to its long pole, the boatman avoids adventurous branches and roots. The Courant d’Huchet originates in Léon, passes the town of Vielle-Saint-Giron, and joins the ocean at Molietz at a 7-meter drop, 9 kilometers of meandering distance. It is a true paradise for nature lovers. A gallery of dense, moist plants populated by willows, black spruce, and other aerial-rooted Louisiana bald cypresses. A fragile and protected ecosystem where odonates are queens. In the early morning, the lucky ones will be able to see otters, European minks and other cubs. The stream winds its way through the dune between Hoochett Marshes and Pipe Marshes before rejoining the ocean, triumphant.
The Boatmen of the Courant d’Huchet, Le Pont de Pichelèbe, 40660 Moliets-et-Maa. Such. 05 58 48 75 39. Until October 30.
Electric scooter ride around Moissan Pond
Starting from the old station of Messanges, along the Velodisse, Aymeric Vincent leads groups of 8 to 10 people on all-terrain electric scooters to discover the lost Adur. A fun and original vehicle for this heritage lover who distills anecdotes and legends collected from village elders during his “discovery”. This 11-kilometer circuit (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes) takes you along forest paths and wooden pontoons on meadows before reaching the Moissan Pond, the last remnant of the “English” port formed by the old mouth of the Adour before the river was diverted to the Bayonne in 1578. So you will discover the Pelican, the nickname given to the famous semaphore of the French Navy, which was created in 1993 to strengthen surveillance along the coast between Capbreton and Contis. The more athletic can opt for the one-hour “Extreme” ride, mostly on sandy and narrow forest roads, thanks to the two-wheel drive.
Discovery walk, from 12 years old. From €40. Athletic clothing and a helmet are strongly recommended.
Trott’in Landes, tel. 07 67 45 25 05.
Botanical walk in Bart
Marion Ankes is an ethnobotanist and environmentalist. Over the past year, this original Périgourdine has been offering off-the-beaten-path barts walks. These marshy meadows in the south of the Lander form an ideal viewpoint for understanding the functioning of these sensitive natural biotopes. Original botanical walks, especially when the tide is high and the water tickles your shoes. Flooded with water most of the year, these peatlands form a protected ecosystem where life abounds. The Barthe de Monbardon in the commune of Hossegor, labeled Natura 2000, consists of reed beds (reed plantations), a discreet habitat for insects, butterflies, nesting birds and other migrants. Around these fertile lands, “about fifty species of plants live,” Marion explains, including the swamp hibiscus, a plant introduced from Canada in 1850 that is now protected. Or wild hops, whose young shoots “can be cooked like asparagus.” Hops fruits, called cones, more bitter, are used in herbal medicine to combat the effects of menopause. Another star of the area is Meadowsweet, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, but which our guide praises for its “vanilla aromas” in pastries, while reminding us to be careful when it comes to edible plants. “When in doubt, it’s better not to choose.”
Trip from 20 euros. Botanical treasure hunt for children from 5 years old. Cost: 25 euros for a parent-child pair, 35 euros for a single parent with two children and 45 euros for two parents with two children.
La Bot’A Marion, 21 ave. de l’Estele, 40530 Labenne. Such. 07 80 50 39 25.
Hiking in the Courant d’Huchet reserve
The Courant d’Huchet National Reserve, created by ministerial decree in 1981, covers more than 600 hectares of protected areas and includes a dune belt, deciduous forest, marshes, peat bogs and the famous Courant d’Huchet. The richness of its fauna and flora has earned it the nickname “Landes Amazonia”. Roxanne Ogey is a nature animator. Every Wednesday morning, a young nature keeper offers a guided walk from Pichelebe Bridge. a chance to learn a little more about the actions taken to preserve this place. And some rules to follow during such campaigns: stay on marked trails, don’t collect plants, avoid noise to avoid scaring wildlife “. 2 kilometers of narrow and winding road follows the banks of the Courant d’Huchet before reaching La Nas. Crossing the footbridge on the road to Santiago de Compostela, Roxanne takes the opportunity to explain the importance of ice jams (stacks of branches), “which slow down the current and prevent it from breaking too deep.” The road that leads to the mouth, a more difficult 9 kilometer loop because it is very sandy, is a real invitation to travel. At the foot of the Pas du Loup, a 20-meter-high sand wall, the vegetation becomes more desert-like. Beneath oddly shaped trees sculpted by wind and salt, the webbed lizard soaks up the sun without worrying about walkers.
Paid visit. €6 per adult. €3 per child and student. €5.50 per group (up to 25 people). Free for children under 6 years old.
Courant d’Huchet Nature Reserve, 374 rue des berges du Lac, 40550 Léon.
Horse riding between the beach and the forest
Located on the road to the silver coast of the Mesang, it’s been 7 years since Parisian architect Jean-Pierre Charcellet and his wife relaunched this equestrian centre. Surrounded by six hectares of private woodland, it offers an exceptional natural environment to its many franchisees. Every weekend of the year (outside of school holidays), the rider enlivens and controls the horse race between the Moorish Forest and the long sandy beach, taking side roads known only to him. You will ascend in complete safety depending on your level, carried by the smell of pines, the sound of the wind in the ferns and the spray from the nearby ocean.
Horseback riding in the forest (1 hour), €25. Walk between the forest and the beach (2 hours), in the evening to enjoy the sunset on the beach, 55 euros. By appointment only.
Equestrian Center of La Prade, 1801, route de la Côte d’Argent, 40660 Messanges. Such. 09 81 32 32 35.
Source: Le Figaro
