The 11 most beautiful hikes to do in Gironde

Would you like to try out the hikes in Gironde during your holidays? Excellent choice, you will love this unique and warm department!

The Gironde is a French treasure, with a superb architectural and cultural heritage but above all an exceptional natural heritage. From the Dunes du Pilat to the Basin of Arcachon Bordeaux the banks of the Garonne and the banks of the Dordogne Everything is beautiful to see.

This is why we offer you a non-exhaustive list, but still complete, hikes in Gironde. Put your cap and sunglasses, the gyno landscapes wait patiently for you to discover them!

1. The Tour of Domaine de Graveyron

At the bottom of the Arcachon Basin, the city of Audenge has a small port next to which there is a sensitive natural space. This is the Domaine de Graveyron. Possession of the Conservatoire du Littoral is a place where nature finds all its rights.

Thus, you will discover wet meadows, marshes, some meadows and ponds. Moreover, you will probably cross the duck and other species of local wildlife. Small natural paradise for animals is also the place where many plant species thrive.

In short, it’s such a precious setting of greenery that it will give you the desire to make other hikes in Gironde!

2. The Trail of the Saltlands

The Gironde is a pretty department. It is known for the city of Bordeaux and the oysters of the Bassin d’Arcachon who make the beautiful days of the local economy.

In this regard, in the north of the basin, a small Natural Reserve was established, that of the Saltlands of Arès and Lège-Cap-Ferret. The trail offers you to pass through it in this atypical natural space.

On a way back, you will have the opportunity to cross the road of birds, lizards and even turtles. Completely bucolic, this hike is done fairly quickly, ideal for decompressing everyday life or for a nature break during a stay in Gironde!

3. The tower of the Cap-Ferret

If you stay in Gironde, the Cap-Ferret is a must, it is the coastal cord that closes the Bassin d’Arcachon. This hike offers a tour of the Cap-Ferret, from the Horizon Beach to the Pointe du Cap and its lighthouse.

In other words, it is a complete tour, during which you pass the basin and then the beaches. You will discover the local fauna and flora as well as the typical landscapes of the region. Sands, dense pinewoods, vases... Everything is gathered the time of a walk that you will certainly appreciate for its ease because it can quite happen with family.

4. The Dunes of Pilat

True emblems of the girondine region, the Dunes du Pilat are also the highest dunes of Europe, with a peak point at 102 meters. They are located south of the entrance of the Bassin d’Arcachon, facing the Banc d’Arguin and the edge of the South Pass. Large 600 metres, however, they extend for nearly 3 kilometres.

To make this trail one of the most beautiful hikes in Gironde. You will do the whole tour, starting with the ocean side path. Then you will come back by the land, by the Landes de Gascognes.

If this trail does not plan to climb up the dunes, you can choose to do it. Thus, you will have the opportunity to see a magnificent view of the Bassin d’Arcachon. This is undoubtedly one of the best hikes in Gironde!

5. The Piraillan loop at L’Herbe via Le Truc Vert

This loop from Piraillan, passing through L’Herbe and Le Truc Vert, is available on foot as well as by bike. And this because of some passages on paved bike paths and in the alleys of villages. This hike is a good opportunity to discover the northern part of the Cap-Ferret coastline on the banks of the Arcachon Basin.

Moreover, you can observe the basin, and see the Marine Natural Park of the Bassin d’Arcachon or the Dunes du Pilat. On the way, fields of ostreiculture, beaches and pine forests but also the chapel Sainte-Marie-du-Cap.

It is a very beautiful building of the late nineteenth century, also called “Algerian Chapel”. Implanted in the greenery of the pines, it contrasts widely with the landscape, thanks to its alternation of coloured stripes and its neo-mauresque style.

6. The Tower of Hostens Lakes

Hostens is a city located about 50 kilometers south of Bordeaux. Not very large, she visits especially for lakes that border her. Of five, you can quite go through it, thanks to well-appointed trails.

On foot or by bike, this completely bucolic hike leads you through these lakes, very easy to follow. The views are magnificent because the lakes unfold between the trees, almost jealously guarded by this omnipresent surrounding nature!

7. The Mignoy loop

On the outskirts of the Girondine capital this time, find the city of Mignoy. Very easy to achieve, this hike first offers you to see the little Blue Lake.

Then your path will follow the Hermitage River, through a forest and its undergrowth. Finally, you will end up crossing the town of Mignoy from the south to the north.

On the way, do not miss the Château Léognan, dating from the 17th century and located on a vineyard. The beautiful building, which is today a hotel, protects 6 hectares of vine, producing red, white and rosé wines.

Attention: the Mignoy loop presents two passages on the road that will ask you to redouble your vigilance!

8. The beach of Pin Sec

A few kilometers south of the entrance of the Gironde estuary, close to Vendaye-Montalivet, is the beach of Pin Sec. Very long, its plot extends for nearly 4 kilometers, taking part of the Côte d’Argent. The weather and wind have shaped dunes on the edge of the pine forest, which remind the Dunes of the Pilat.

On this beach, you will find the remains of the blockhouse arrived during the Second World War and abandoned since. It is one of the hikes in Gironde that it is worth doing during a beautiful day, because you can enjoy it to take a bath... of sea water or sun!

9. The Canejan loop

This pretty loop will make you pass through a dense forest, where ferns and pines intersect. It is an ideal path to rejuvenate and rejuvenate with nature.

However, the true point of interest of this hike is Lake Vert, south of Canéjan. He holds his name of his color, emerald green. It is not impossible to cross fishermen there because it is an authorized practice subject to permits.

Close to this hike and if you agree to make a slight detour, do not miss the Castle Seguin, to see from afar.

10. Piraillan tanks

The Piraillan tank hike is ideal for a small nature break. Protected by the many trees, you will evolve on an easy and so shaded path. You will make the tower of the reservoirs, which aim not to store water, but to shelter local fauna and flora.

In particular, you can see herons, egrets or even bars, mules or shrimp. In the undergrowth, fox, belette and badger cross, guarded by cabbages, mesanges and huppes, among others. A real happiness for nature lovers and animals!

11. The seafront promenade of Arcachon

For those who want to discover Arcachon, this hike is for you! It is not very long but the path is back and forth.

Thus, visit the Arcachon Seafront, its marina, its beach and pines. Have a taste of dolce vita according to Arcachon, where time seems to be in suspense. The trail is arranged and you may be able to cross some adventure ducks. Close to the city centre, this trail is also an opportunity to visit Arcachon.

So, which of these hikes in Gironde do you like the most?