Between pines, lakes and ocean — Les Landes

This route offers you a beautiful immersion in the Landes forest while discovering magnificent lakes and villages. The departure is located in the parking lot of the Isle Verte sports center in the village of Soustons. The route begins on a small footbridge which spans part of Lake Soustons.

You then cross part of the town before quickly finding yourself immersed in the imposing Landes de Gascogne forest. The largest forest in Europe, it offers you a peaceful and pleasant setting. Like much of the route, this portion has very little elevation change. This leads to the village of Vieux-Boucau. You then enter the seaside resort along its superb marine lake.

Its developed banks, beaches and water activities contrast with the preserved island in its middle. Reserved for birds, this site and the effects of the tides guarantee a magnificent natural spectacle. Vieux-Boucau is also an ideal place for a refreshing swim or a gourmet break.

A new flat and pleasant section follows which leads to Messanges, a small village nestled under the pines not far from the ocean. You continue on a slightly hilly section towards Azur. This is where you find Lake Soustons. Take the time to visit its emblematic pontoon before returning to Soustons along the eastern shore of the lake. Along the way, take a detour to the bucolic Pointe des Vergnes and its century-old trees inhabited by numerous squirrels.