It is in Gironde ( 33 ) that one finds the largest natural lake of France. It is the lake of Hourtin and Carcans, which is often called by its first name. This lake of 5,667 hectares was formed between the year 500 and the year 1000 of our era. It is part of the series of Landes lakes ( Hourtin, Lacanau, Hossegoreuros ), all close to the Atlantic Ocean.
It is besides this proximity which gives to the lake of Hourtin a particular character. One is neither totally at sea, nor totally on land when visiting this body of water.
In the sixties, it was on the lake of Hourtin that the first 420 and 470 Olympic dinghies were born. At another level of practice, it is on the lake of Hourtin that Damien Seguin, famous skipper of the Vendée Globe, trains regularly.
A nature reserve before being a lake
The lake of Hourtin is part of a local will of preservation of the flora and the fauna. It is at least the message that the town hall of the eponymous commune passes. Blue flag classification, public and user awareness as well as eco-responsible practices are at the appointment of this exceptional lake.
The nature reserve of the dunes and marshes of Hourtin is the last born of the reserves of Aquitaine. It extends over 2 150 hectares and shelters, on 6 kilometers of penetration from the ocean, not less than 14 plant species, 11 species of amphibians, 13 reptiles, 9 mammals, 15 birds and 3 insects which all have a high status of protection, at least of national scale.
A small number of facilities, in line with the environment
One suspects that the equipment bordering Lake Hourdin is also designed to preserve the environment and protect this natural reserve.
Only one marina is present on the lake. Located to the east, it has 471 locations . It is of course a year-round port. Certain rules, especially for mooring, are in place. In this case, it is necessary to moor at five points.
Then, a specific safety equipment is mandatory on the lake of Hourtin. It contains equipment whose absence is sanctioned:
- One 50 Newton life jacket per person
- A ladder to climb on board
- A circuit breaker for boats equipped with an engine of more than 6 HP
- A type 34B fire extinguisher
- A scoop
- A trailer
- A mooring line of at least 5 meters or the length of the boat
- A blunder
- Three red hand lights
- A mooring line
- A foghorn
- A crown buoy with a throw line of at least 10 meters
- An inflator (on board the tires)
- A coastal type first aid kit
Finally, a Special Police Regulation (RPP) can be downloaded online.
Clever water zoning system
The water area is mapped for its users. In addition to providing current elements (location of rescue stations, sailing clubs or channels), the map is divided into a matrix that allows all users to be able to locate themselves on the map on the abscissa and ordinate. This makes it much easier to arrange a meeting on the water or to alert the emergency services in case of need.
Three free beaches are supervised in season. They are those of Hourtin-Port, Hourtin-Plage and Hourtin-Piqueyrot.
On the lake, you can practice almost everything that goes on the water, from paddle to kitesurf, there is something for everyone. Not to be missed, the Children's Island, a peaceful place on the waterfront, with its castle, its beach and no cars.
The guide's advice
An exceptional presentation, an exceptional guide. It is Damien Seguin, the famous skipper, who speaks to us about the lake of Hourtin.
Indeed, Damien has frequently trained on the largest freshwater lake in France. As a guide, it would be difficult to find better. Especially since it is not uncommon to see the competitor come and wet his jacket on the waters of Gironde.
Damien Seguin put the bow of his boat on the lake for the very first time in 1995. " I tested all the boats except the Imoca in Hourtin "explains the skipper.
" On the lake, there is a particularly dynamic sailing club which organizes many regattas and outings. In particular one, the Grand Prix de l'Armistice, which is the regatta that I attended the most in Hourtin ."
" Hourtin has remained very natural and has few markers. The facilities are not numerous and totally absent on the wild side of the lake, in the north "explains Damien.
There are a few moorings in front of the Cercle de la Voile de Bordeaux in Carcans Maubuisson, to which are often moored some small habitables, First 18 or Marauder.
" The good thing about this place is that you can sail whatever the weather. The elongated shape of the lake makes it possible to have fun and to make some speed peaks "explains Damien.
However, let there be no mistake: " the lake is quite complicated with the ocean 3 or 4 kilometers to the west and the pines to the northeast. We have an interesting coastline effect that we must learn to manage. The wind comes from the sea and is blocked by the trees. "
Damien completes the recommendations: " In the summer, in the afternoon, strong thermals set in with the proximity of the forest. They can be very surprising, so you have to be prepared for them to avoid going to the pile."
Those who are used to the lift of salt water will have to get used to it, fresh water carries less and boats tend to sink more in the water. " It is also necessary to count with this difficulty " continues the technician. " It is not without reason that the Helvetians are so strong in lake competition ."
" On the whole, Hourtin is not a very complicated stretch of water. It is necessary to understand both sides of the wind, even if it can reserve some surprises. Be careful also, the depth is very uneven and the bathymetry is not very accurate. I already ran aground on one of the sandbanks that move in the bottom of the lake. "
Finally, " beware of algae "warns the skipper they like to get into the rudders and fins always at the wrong time. "
Local tips and tricks
Damien shares his taste for the lake.
" I love it, because there is a whole environment around the lake. It's a place for boating but also a nature vacation with a protected reserve, very little construction. It is particularly peaceful and quiet. "So much so that the navigator goes there, with his family, to the campsite, certain that he will not come across any cars because " they are forbidden. This makes the children and everyone else much safer. "
Surprising, for a sailor: the favorite place on the lake of Hourtin is on land! Let's accept this departure from the rule: " The Bonbanne domain is my favorite place around the lake. No cars, in the undergrowth. One is sure to be able to rest there. "
The skipper lives in Brittany. He gives a tip to make the journey more fun " First go to Royan and then take the ferry, it is already a glimpse of the vacations and clearly reduces the fatigue of the road trip. "
