At the confluence of the Leyre River and the Arcachon Bay lies a delta that forms a mosaic of rich and diverse landscapes: the Leyre Delta. It is home to exceptional flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Discover the Leyre Delta
The Leyre Delta is a 3,000-hectare area shaped by the spread of the Leyre River into the Arcachon Bay. It is bordered from north to south by the towns of Lanton, Audenge, Biganos, Le Teich, and Gujan-Mestras. During your stay at our Arcachon campsite, you can explore this natural wonder on a journey of about an hour via the D3 road connecting these five towns. The Leyre Delta is part of the Arcachon Bay Marine Nature Park, encompassing the entire bay and a section of the coastline between Le Porge and Biscarrosse. It resembles a giant puzzle of interwoven natural environments: islets, streams, reed beds, salt meadows, wooded marshes, sandbanks, and embanked areas. These vibrant habitats are teeming with biodiversity. The Leyre Delta is located on one of Europe’s major migratory routes, hosting nearly 300 bird species that nest or stop over here. The Teich Ornithological Reserve was created to shelter these avian species. Open 364 days a year, this protected area allows you to observe and photograph over 300,000 birds. Upstream, the Conservatoire du Littoral and the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park contribute to preserving this unique natural heritage.
Activities to Do in the Delta
By all accounts, the Leyre Delta is one of the top tourist attractions near the Arcachon Bay. You can explore it by water with a boat or on land using its many hiking trails and cycling paths.
Water Excursion
The most recommended vessel is the galupe, a traditional flat-bottomed boat offering guided tours through wild and preserved areas. It is widely agreed that this rowing-based navigation ensures environmental respect. Other options include canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and inflatable boats. The river is navigable from its source to Arcachon Bay, offering a water journey of 5 to 6 days, ideal for long-distance canoeing.
Hiking
Alone, with family, or friends, you can embark on a discovery walk through the dyked areas of the Leyre Delta. Start early in the morning or late in the afternoon to observe and photograph wildlife and enjoy birdwatching. Take the trail starting from Teich near Rue Pont Neuf. This 5 km loop is easily completed in two hours.
Cycling
Compared to walking, cycling allows you to cover greater distances in the same amount of time while enjoying the scenery at your own pace. One of the most popular routes involves visiting the ports of Biganos and Audenge, covering a distance of about 30 km from the campsite.
The Must-See Sites of the Leyre Delta
The vast domains of the Leyre Delta are so extensive that it’s impossible to see everything in just one day. To better plan your visit, here are the must-do activities and must-visit places.
The Oyster Ports
The ports of Les Tuiles, Biganos, or Taussat-les-Bains are perfect spots to savor oysters from the Arcachon Bay. Stroll around to admire the flower-lined paths and brightly colored wooden huts before settling down to watch the boats pass by.
The Beaches
The small wild beaches along the coastline are ideal for enjoying the seaside. Suzette Beach in Lanton, Taussat Beach, and Graveyron Beach in Audenge offer peaceful spots for swimming or picnicking.
The Parks and Reserves
Complete your exploration with a visit to the Teich Ornithological Reserve and the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park. In these bird sanctuaries, you will discover a rich terrestrial biodiversity.
Photo Credit: Patrice Hauser