The Valleys of the Leyre Nature Reserve in Belin-Béliet

It bears the name of "Leyre" in the Landes department, and "Eyre" in Gironde. This coastal river, also nicknamed "Little Amazon", flows through the heart of the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park, to the Arcachon basin. This waterway is navigable by canoe-kayak for nearly 90 km. Notice therefore to sports enthusiasts or nature lovers who wish to discover this fragile natural environment in complete privacy...

A jewel of nature to be preserved…

The Petite Leyre and the Grande Leyre (section labeled Rivière Sauvage), meet at the Hourc d'Eyre (water fork in Gascon), in the commune of Moustey in the Landes, to form a single whole. The amber-colored Leyre, under its protective deciduous tunnel called the “gallery forest”, widens little by little until it forms a generous delta, a mosaic of salt meadows and exceptional natural environments, in the basin of Arcachon. Moreover, the landscapes of what is called "Vallées de la Leyre" are classified as a " Registered Site ", and the many environments and species present are of strong heritage interest (notably classified under Natura 2000 and/or ramsar).

Thus, on the banks of the gallery forest, observe the Royal Fern, a primitive fern with a dazzling green. Also watch out for the turquoise blue of the Calopteryx damselfish or the swift Kingfisher. Along the water, the aquatic grass beds are scattered to the rhythm of the movements of sand and gaps of light. They are probably hiding some glass eels or young Aquitaine pike. On a branch, taking the sun, you may have the chance to glimpse the European Pond Terrapin and on the sand, the traces of the discreet European Otter.

Canoeing on the Leyre

There are several routes for descending the Leyre by canoe-kayak, for half a day, a day or even over several days (up to 5) on a tour. On the 90km of navigable waterways, 26 embarkation and disembarkation points have been set up and several nautical stops punctuate the linear. Many service providers and nautical bases offer rentals, free descent or descent accompanied by river guides. This is particularly the case for nautical bases marked Valeurs Parc naturel .

Regardless of the formula you choose, we always advise you to inquire with a professional in order to know the state of the waterway, the navigation conditions, etc.

Good practices
In such a treasure of nature, your discovery must remain discreet and peaceful. Breathe, enjoy... Take only your rubbish and leave no trace of your passage, on the water, on the banks or with local owners.

• By canoe: find out about the state of the route, the weather, the water level and make sure you are in good physical condition and well equipped.
• Respect the fauna, flora, other users/owners and report any incident or pollution to the Park.
• Leave no trace of your passage (not even a GPX trace on the internet)

Are forbidden:
• Motor navigation
• Night navigation
• Fire and wild camping in the valley
• Harvesting of protected species