Étang de Léon, Freshwater lake in Léon, France
Description
Étang de Léon is a freshwater lake covering about 340 hectares in the Landes region, surrounded by forests on all sides. The water connects to the Atlantic Ocean through a channel called Courant d'Huchet.
History
The lake formed naturally during the Middle Ages when coastal sand dunes piled up to create a water barrier. This transformation shaped the landscape of southwestern France in ways that remain visible today.
Culture
Local fishermen work the water using traditional flat-bottomed boats called galupes that have been part of daily life here for centuries. The way people move across the lake reflects deep knowledge of its currents and seasons.
Practical
Supervised swimming areas open from July to August with parking and picnic facilities nearby. Walking paths with smooth surfaces make it easy for people with limited mobility to move around.
Did you know?
The lake protects a network of peat bogs and marshlands designated as a Natura 2000 site for conservation. Visitors may spot pond turtles and numerous bird species that depend on these wetlands.
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Réserve naturelle nationale du Courant d'Huchet
2.5 km
Plage du Cap de L'Homy
16.4 km
Plage Nord
11.1 km
Église Notre-Dame de Lit
16.2 km
Musée vieilles Landes
16.1 km
Église Saint-Barthélémy de Castets
14 km
Église Notre-Dame de Magescq
15.1 km
Plage des Sablères
13.6 km
Plage naturiste du centre de vacances d'Arnaoutchot
5 km
Golf de Moliets
7.1 km
Église Saint-Saturnin de Léon
2.5 km
Église Saint-Clément de Vieux-Boucau-les-Bains
13.8 km
Église Saint-Vincent de Mixe
10.6 km
Église Notre-Dame de Moliets
6 km
Église Saint-Michel de Saint-Michel-Escalus
7.2 km
Église Saint-Clément de Messanges
10 km
Église Saint-Girons de Saint-Girons-en-Marensin
6.4 km
Église Saint-Fabien-Saint-Sébastien-et-Saint-Laurent de Maa
3.9 km
Fun Park Plage
15.1 km
Église Saint-Martin de Linxe
6.5 km
Église Saint-Eutrope de Vielle-Saint-Girons
2.6 km
War memorial of Castets
14 km
Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste d'Azur
10.8 km
Église Saint-Pierre de Soustons
15.4 km
La Lette Blanche - Vielle
4.9 km
Église Saint-Pierre d'Escalus
4.7 km
Chapelle des arènes de Soustons
15.8 km
Plages de Vielle Saint-Girons
7.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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