Delta de la Leyre, Wetland conservation area in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Delta de la Leyre is a wetland spanning five municipalities where freshwater and saltwater meet at the river's mouth. The area features a network of waterways, marshes, and sandbars that together create a complex landscape.
The Leyre was canalised in the 18th century to float timber from the Landes pine forests to the Bassin d'Arcachon. Its former meanders were cut, and the straightened channel now runs about 100 km from Sabres to the delta. Timber rafting ended in the early 20th century, and the old riverbed branches survive as side channels and marshes.
Local ports display traditional wooden structures used for oyster farming, reflecting the maritime heritage that shapes daily life here. These working spaces remain central to how people interact with the water and manage their livelihoods.
The delta lies between the Arcachon basin and the Landes forest, crossed by the Leyre and its arms; the main access points are at Le Teich, Biganos and Audenge. Paths and wooden observation hides allow walking and birdwatching, and canoe trips follow the waterways. Some banks flood and become muddy after rain, so waterproof footwear helps.
The delta's clay soils fed brickworks at Biganos and Le Teich, and the tiles and bricks they produced can still be seen on the roofs and walls of the old oyster-farming hamlets around the Bassin d'Arcachon.
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