Hourtin, a paradise for beaches, surfing and magnificent sunsets!

Hourtin is a little paradise for family holidays in Gironde. Its lake and ocean beaches, its cute village, its shops and the joyful bustle of the seaside make it a place appreciated by all. To start surfing, it is ideal, to skimboard on the thin film of water left by the waves, to play ball or simply admire magnificent sunsets ! Let's go?

Photos from the report: Bordeaux Gironde Guide

Go to the beach in Hourtin

Hourtin is a great seaside resort ! On one side, it has the Lac de Carcans-Hourtin , which is nothing less than one of the largest freshwater lakes in the region, with water activities and beautiful places to swim (2 beaches, the Port beach and the Piqueyrot beach ). On the other hand, it has a superb ocean front, with a radiant central beach where you can admire magnificent sunsets. The Grande plage centrale d'Hourtin is completed by the north beach, but there is no real direct access, it is rather the beach in continuity when you walk and the further you get from the center of Hourtin, the quieter and more alone you are in the world. The central beach is supervised from mid-June to the beginning of September and we advise you to respect the bathing areas to keep away from the baïnes (strong sea currents that move you away from the shore). There are toilets, showers and a first aid station at this beach.

Surfing at Hourtin beach

It's definitely time to test it! If you are a seasoned surfer, it is true that this will not be your favorite beach, because it is perfect for beginners and surf schools are there to introduce amateurs to the pleasures of the waves. The swell is beautiful, we have fun, we laugh and we are supervised by professionals to start in the best possible conditions.

We tried surfing in Hourtin, being complete novices, we managed to catch some nice waves, but this confirms to us that lessons are really essential to get to grips with these big foam blocks. You will find shops with very friendly staff to rent boards and have fun.

Enjoy a beautiful evening at Hourtin Plage

Hourtin is very friendly... You can park easily in the car parks near the beaches, everything is done to easily cross the dune and from the heights of the beach, the view is magnificent. You will see lifeguards and surfers admiring the waves, people in full contemplation of this landscape as fascinating as it is relaxing. The best of the best is to come at the end of the day, enjoy the sunset, food in hand or a belly full of the delights offered by the restaurants in Hourtin in July (because the sunset is late!). It is happiness, to scrutinize the surfers and the people indulging in skimboarding (a board that slides on a few centimeters of water, you need a hell of a balance to master it, it is great fun we recommend you rent one!). At the end of the evening, the shops are attractive, the rides, the atmosphere is relaxed and good-natured. It is a privileged vacation spot for families !

Enjoy Hourtin during your vacation week

Hourtin, we told you, is multi-activity! Come and discover the village and the lake ! The weekly market takes place on Thursday morning, it is colorful and full of diverse stands. On the central square near the church it is the meeting place for locals and vacationers. In Hourtin you can park your car and move everywhere by bike because there are cycle paths and everything is organized for the safety of cyclists.

Go and discover Lake Hourtin, you can go to the port side and explore the children's island, with its games and activities in season. Rent a boat, eat in a restaurant, rent various watercraft to test your sports and balance skills... Just walk and relax! Piqueyrot Beach, which is located near the Contaut Lagoon , is also very wild, pleasant and natural, with its many walks to do in the pine forest.

We particularly like Hourtin and we are sure that you do too! Happy holidays!

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