Top 7 things to do at Lac de Léon

With a surface area of 340 hectares, Lac de Léon is one of the largest lakes in the Landes region. It's also a great place for leisure activities and relaxation. So grab your swimming costume, hiking boots or bike, picnic basket and follow us to Lac de Léon!

Swimming and bathing

Put on your best swimming costume and get in the water! At Lac de Léon, the water is calm and warmer than the ocean. Enjoy swimming without waves or currents. The beach at Léon is supervised in July and August, perfect for families with young children. There's a lovely stretch of sand for sunbathing. There's also a children's play area and mini-golf.

Access: Léon beach is located to the south of the lake (rue des Berges du Lac). Dogs on a lead are permitted.

Discover a water sports activity

Sports enthusiasts and sailing fans won't be disappointed either. Lac de Léon offers a wide range of water sports: stand-up paddle, catamaran, optimist, dinghy, windsurfing, canoeing, pedalo... The water is exposed to a steady breeze. To try your hand at any of these sports, head to the Club Nautique Léonnais, near the lake beach. The sailing school offers private lessons, courses and equipment hire.

Go for a bike ride

Lac de Léon is a very pleasant stop-off point on the Vélodyssée, the famous cycle route along the Landes coast. Cyclists can take a refreshing break between Contis-Plage and the village of Léon, in the shade of the oaks and pines or on the beach. Not sure you'll want to set off again!

Observe the birds, fauna and flora

Classified as a nature reserve and Natura 2000 site, Lac de Léon is home to a rich and varied ecosystem, harbouring a multitude of plant and animal species. The banks of the lake are home to small mammals such as otters, coypu and European mink, small cistude turtles and a wide variety of birds, from grey herons to little egrets. The 7 landscapes trail will take you to the Courant d'Huchet nature reserve, the lake's hidden jewel, where this exceptional flora and fauna flourish.

Take a hike or a boat trip on the Courant d'Huchet

It's impossible to come to Lac de Léon without taking a walk along the Courant d'Huchet. To the west of the lake, this unique 600-hectare area, classified as a nature reserve, is nicknamed the "Landes Amazon" because of its lush vegetation. From theEtang de Léon, this wild little river winds its way nine kilometres to the Atlantic Ocean. Hiking trails allow you to explore the nature reserve on your own or with a nature guide. Better still, you can board a"galupe" and let the boatmen guide you through the mangrove swamps, dunes and peat bogs.

Fish for perch, zander or pike

Fancy some fish for dinner? Come and dip your hook on the landscaped banks of Lac de Léon! Fishing enthusiasts can tease white fish, perch, pike-perch or pike. The"Pas du Moulin" has a pontoon available for anglers, with paths and parking for people with reduced mobility.

Having a picnic

A sunny day, shady spots by the water, a pretty landscape to marvel at... Grab your picnic basket and head for Lac de Léon! You're bound to find a quiet spot where you can lay down your pretty chequered tablecloth. And for those who prefer a sit-down lunch, there are even picnic tables. A delicious moment!

See also: Swimming lakes in the Landes