The Cousseau Pond Nature Reserve

Today we are going for a 7.5km walk in nature ( about 3 hours ), a stone's throw from the seaside resort of Lacanau . The Cousseau Pond Nature Reserve (830ha of nature created in 1976), takes you to discover the marshes between the dunes , an area covered with grasses and peat , a real sanctuary for animals. Between the Lacanau Lake and the Hourtin Lake, the ponds form a patchwork of vegetation, superb at the end of the day at sunset!

Photos from the report: Bordeaux Gironde Guide

Access to the Cousseau Pond Nature Reserve

To start the circuit, there are two solutions: either you come directly on foot or you take the cycle path by bike, then you leave the bikes (remember to take a lock) and you continue on foot. Park in the Marmande car park to come by bike (or on foot but along the cycle path). Or park in the Lesperon or Rrègue Verte car park.

The pine forest here is natural (which is rare in the region) and it highlights the peaceful peat marshes, flooded in winter.

Observe nature in the Nature Reserve

It is a great place to observe animals. The luckiest will come across the European pond turtle or the European otter. The ponds are full of fish, there are pike and other lake species. Bats, snakes (grass snakes, but discreet don't worry), spiders, small mammals and thousands of birds depending on the season! It is a haven of peace to discover all year round for its majestic beauty.

Before reaching the pond, you cross the Lacanau national forest for about 3 kilometers. Pines, but also oaks and other hardwood species coexist. You must follow the yellow markings and stay on the path to avoid disturbing this managed, but not planted, forest! Interpretation panels are located along the route. They will explain, among other things, the terrible fire that devastated the Nature Reserve in 2011: 200 hectares and as much fauna and flora went up in smoke.

A lookout point is installed at the entrance to the pond to offer you a lovely low-angle view; depending on the time of day, it takes on a savannah feel! You almost expect to see large animals emerging from the clumps of aquatic grass! A large wooden platform, like an observation tower, allows you to appreciate the size of the pond and its contours. Another one is available further along the trail. The route is a round trip; you cannot go completely around the pond, but that's not a problem because the landscape is just as pretty on the other side.

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