The 11 most beautiful walks in Gironde

Would you like to try your hand at hiking in Gironde during your vacations? You’ll love this unique and welcoming département!

The Gironde is a French treasure trove, with a superb architectural and cultural heritage, but above all an exceptional natural heritage. From the Dunes du Pilat to the Bassin d’Arcachon, via Bordeaux or the banks of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, there’s plenty to see.

That’s why we’ve put together a non-exhaustive, but comprehensive, list of walks in Gironde. Put on your cap and sunglasses, the Gironde landscapes are patiently waiting for you to discover them!

1. The Domaine de Graveyron tour

Photo credit : Alltrails

At the far end of the Bassin d’Arcachon, the town of Audenge boasts a small port next to which lies a sensitive natural area. This is the Domaine de Graveyron. Owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral, this is a place where nature has regained all its rights.

You’ll discover wet meadows, marshes, a few meadows and ponds. What’s more, you’re likely to come across ducks and other species of local fauna. A small natural paradise for animals, it’s also a place where many plant species thrive.

In short, it’s a green setting so precious, it’ll make you want to do more hiking in Gironde!

2. The Prés Salés trail

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Gironde is a pretty department. It’s best known for the city of Bordeaux and the oysters of the Bassin d’Arcachon, which are a big part of the local economy.

To the north of the basin is a small nature reserve, the Prés Salés d’Arès et de Lège-Cap-Ferret. Home to many species of flora and fauna, this atypical natural area is crossed by this trail.

On an out-and-back trail, you’ll cross paths with birds, lizards and even turtles. Completely bucolic, this hike can be completed fairly quickly, ideal for unwinding from everyday life or taking a nature break during a stay in Gironde!

3. Tour of Cap-Ferret

Photo credit : Alltrails

If you’re staying in Gironde, Cap-Ferret is a must: it’s the stretch of coastline that closes off the Bassin d’Arcachon. This hike takes you on a tour of Cap-Ferret, from Plage de l’Horizon to Pointe du Cap, via its lighthouse.

In other words, it’s a complete tour, taking in the basin and the beaches. You’ll discover the local flora and fauna, as well as the region’s typical landscapes. Stretches of sand, dense pine forests, mudflats… all come together for a walk that you’re sure to appreciate for its ease, as it can be done with the whole family.

4. The Pilat Dunes

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A true emblem of the Gironde region, the Dunes du Pilat are also the highest dunes in Europe, reaching a peak of 102 meters. They are located south of the entrance to the Bay of Arcachon, opposite the Banc d’Arguin and on the edge of the Passe Sud. Only 600 metres wide, they stretch for almost 3 kilometers.

It’s enough to make this trail one of the most beautiful hikes in Gironde. You’ll simply walk around it, starting with the ocean-side trail. Then return inland, bordering the Landes de Gascognes.

If this trail doesn’t involve climbing to the top of the dunes, you can choose to do so. You’ll have the chance to see a magnificent panorama of the Bay of Arcachon. This is undeniably one of the best hikes in Gironde!

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

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This loop, starting from Piraillan and passing through L’Herbe and Le Truc Vert, can be completed on foot as well as by bike. And that’s because of some passages on tarmac cycle paths and in village lanes. This hike is a good opportunity to discover the northern part of the Cap-Ferret coastline, on the edge of the Bay of Arcachon.

You’ll be able to look out over the basin, and see the Parc naturel marin du Bassin d’Arcachon and the Dunes du Pilat in the distance. Along the way, you’ll see oyster fields, beaches and pine forests, as well as the Sainte-Marie-du-Cap chapel.

A beautiful late 19th-century building, also known as the « Algerian chapel », set amidst the greenery of the pine trees, it contrasts sharply with the landscape, thanks to its alternating colorful stripes and neo-Moorish style.

6. Tour of the Hostens Lakes

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Hostens is a town about 50 kilometers south of Bordeaux. Not very large, it is best visited for its lakes. There are five of them, all of which can be explored on footpaths.

On foot or by bike, this completely bucolic hike takes you through these lakes, very easy to follow. The views are magnificent, as the lakes reveal themselves between the trees, almost jealously guarded by the omnipresent natural surroundings!

7. The Mignoy loop

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On the outskirts of Gironde’s capital this time, you’ll find the town of Mignoy. Very easy to do, this hike starts with a look at the small Lac Bleu.

Next, your path follows the Hermitage River, through forest and undergrowth. Finally, you’ll cross the town of Mignoy from south to north.

Along the way, don’t miss Château Léognan, a 17th-century wine estate. The beautiful building, now a hotel, protects 6 hectares of vines, producing red, white and rosé wines.

Warning: the Mignoy loop has two road sections that require extra vigilance!

8. Pin Sec beach

Photo credit : Alltrails

Just a few kilometers south of the entrance to the Gironde estuary, near Vendaye-Montalivet, lies the Pin Sec beach. This very long beach stretches for almost 4 kilometers, taking in part of the Côte d’Argent. Time and wind have shaped the dunes on the edge of the pine forest, reminiscent of the Dunes du Pilat.

On this beach, you’ll find the remains of blockhouses that arrived during the Second World War and have since been abandoned. This is one of the Gironde’s most enjoyable walks on a fine day, when you can take a dip in the sea or the sun!

9. The Canéjan loop

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This pretty loop takes you almost all the way through dense forest, where ferns and pines intertwine. It’s an ideal trail to recharge your batteries and reconnect with nature.

However, the real highlight of this hike is Lac Vert, south of Canéjan. It takes its name from its emerald-green color. It’s not impossible to come across fishermen here, as fishing is permitted subject to permit.

Nearby, if you’re willing to make a slight detour, don’t miss the Château Seguin, which can be seen from afar.

10. Piraillan reservoirs

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The Piraillan reservoir hike is ideal for a short nature break. Protected by the many trees, the trail is easy and therefore shady. You’ll make your way around the reservoirs, whose purpose is not to store water, but to provide shelter for local flora and fauna.

Herons, egrets and even sea bass, mullet and shrimp can be spotted. In the undergrowth, foxes, weasels and badgers cross paths, watched over by owls, titmice and hoopoes, among others. A real treat for nature and animal lovers!

11. Arcachon seafront promenade

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For those who want to discover Arcachon, this is the hike for you! It’s not very long, but it’s an out-and-back trail.

Visit Arcachon’s waterfront, marina, beach and pine trees. Get a taste of the dolce vita of Arcachon, where time seems to stand still. The trail is well-maintained, and you may even come across a few adventurous ducks. Close to the town center, this trail is also a great way to visit Arcachon.

So, which of these Gironde walks do you like best?