Beaches, the ocean and lakes

Here, we live in tune with the colours of the lake. Every day these colours give a spectacular show in Lacanau or on the largest freshwater lake in France in Carcans and Hourtin. These magical mirrors are connected by the Canal des Etangs and are the perfect places for water sports. In Bombannes, Piqueyrot or Moutchic, you will be spoilt for choice with the sports and leisure activities on offer.

The lakes are wild and preserved and are also the ideal location for taking a dip in the water with the family, strolling along the shores or taking a fishing trip at dawn.

In the mornings, you will be sheltered from the strong winds, or at the end of the day to watch the sunset, any time is a good time to come and enjoy the crystal-clear water of these lagoon-like lakes. 

The Pointe du Bernos: there is a wonderful walk to do along the water's edge and enjoy the unique viewpoint overlooking Bird Island. Carreyre Bay: hire a paddle board and cruise along with the swans in this charming bay. Lacanau Port: enjoy your dinner whilst watching the sun go down, the colours are incredible!

This is the biggest freshwater lake in France and covers 6,000 hectares (the equivalent of almost 1,100 football pitches!).

At this lake there are 8 supervised beaches, the East section is the Natura 2000 zone and on the West side, you will discover the pretty village of Piqueyrot in Hourtin and the famous Bombannes resort, which is an oasis for nature lovers in Carcans Maubuisson.

Carcans-Maubuisson:

Located on the edge of the water, this charming resort is ideal for families! The water here is calm and turquoise blue, there are plenty of activities for the children and the whole place can be accessed by bicycle. Come and try your hand at sailing, canoeing, stand-up paddle and pedalo boats. This resort is well-known for windsurfing and enthusiasts love taking advantage of this huge open space!

Bombannes Resort:

Just a short cycle ride away from the centre of Carcans Maubuisson, you will arrive in Bombannes, which is managed by the ONF (National Forests Office). Here there is something for the whole family! Choose from the tennis courts, nature trail, climbing wall, cycling, water-skiing, sailing, stand-up paddle, aquapark, pedalo boats, canoeing and much more. There is even overnight accommodation here.

Hourtin Port:

At this pretty marina you can have lunch out on the terrace watching the boats coming and going! On the other side is an a supervised swimming area where you can try your hand at all the typical watersports, fishing, boat trips and kitesurfing! In Hourtin there are 2 special areas dedicated to kitesurfing: Hourtin Port and Lacanau.

If you are looking for a more peaceful place, come and visit the quiet village of Piqueyrot. You will feel like you've gone to the ends of the earth in this little village which has kept its true nature. As well as having a nap in the shade of the pine trees, taking a dip all alone, you can also go sailing here, stand-up paddle, canoeing and much more. There is a restaurant offering traditional but original cuisine, with a wonderful view and extraordinary peace and quiet.

From Verdon-sur-Mer to Lacanau, not forgetting Hourtin, Carcans, Soulac, Grayan and Vendays-Montalivet, you cannot miss watching the sunset, facing the ocean. With 124 km of beaches and only 1 hour from Bordeaux, whether you are alone, with your family, as a couple or with friends, come and enjoy an evening in this beautiful, timeless setting, to admire the wonder and colours of the sunset. What are you waiting for, it's time to make some special memories with your loved ones!

The choice is yours, between beaches, lakes and the ocean! Once you've made up your mind, let yourself be guided by the ocean air, entranced by the scent of the summer evenings and impressed by the skill of the surfers enjoying the evening waves. If you stay a little longer, you can also admire the magnificent, clear starry sky! And if you look closely enough out to the horizon, maybe you'll catch a glimpse of the mysterious green light (we have never seen it ourselves!). Take a picture and share it with the hashtag #edenaquitain. But beware, it will be gone just as quickly as it appeared...

A quick tip: From mid-August, the sun starts to go down quite early so make sure you have some candles at hand to be able to stay on the beach a little longer! Now, sit back and enjoy the video, so you feel like you're already there, watching the sunset on the beach in Lacanau. Yet another reason to come and see it for yourself!