6 km from the seaside resort of Lacanau-Ocean, the lake of Lacanau is both a peaceful place dedicated to swimming, sailing and fishing, as well as one of the training sites of the French water skiing team.
Fed by small streams, the “crastes”, which drain the whole of the Médoc, this 2000-hectare lake, sheltered from the oceanic winds, unfolds in a setting of maritime pines, gorse, broom, reeds and water lilies. Very wild, especially in their southern and southeastern parts, the shores of the lake are home to beautiful beaches and isolated bays. It also hosts carp with an average weight of 7 to 12 kilos.
If the south-eastern shore of the lake is difficult to access, its south-western shore shelters a large marked path (starting from Longarisse) winding between reeds, water lilies and wooded dunes which offer beautiful viewpoints on the lake. The GR 8 also skirts the lake and allows to join, by the forest, either the station of Lacanau-océan (6 km), or Lège-Cap-Ferret (16 km).
Off the coast of Longarisse, two islands are linked by a submerged sandbank; ideal for a break during a kayak trip. Kayakers can also reach the Arcachon Basin through the Porge channel, south of the lake. Located between the Talaris district and the Moutchic beach, the Pitrot pond is exclusively reserved for water skiing; there are many pontoons as well as a springboard and a pleasant beach.
Good to know:
Kitesurfing is allowed in a defined area and jet-skiing is forbidden on the whole lake.
Lacanau Tourist Office – +33 5 56 03 21 01 –
www.medococean.com
