Between forests and ocean, this corner of nature is a paradise for outdoor sports less than 4 hours from Toulouse

Between forests and ocean, this corner of nature is a paradise for outdoor sports less than 4 hours from Toulouse

Médoc Atlantique is 13 charming towns that will amaze you. From one landscape to another, you will discover a host of atmospheres and sports activities of all kinds, as well as locals who love their region surrounded by two nature reserves and 124 km of beaches. The Toulouscope editorial team gives you a little taste of everything you can do, visit, discover, climb... Alone, in pairs or in groups in this exceptional destination with a touch of paradise.

Médoc Atlantique, a destination between nature and sports

Located 1 hour from Bordeaux and between 3 and 4 hours from Toulouse, Médoc Atlantique has 13 municipalities: Lacanau, Soulac-sur-Mer, Carcans-Maubuisson, Hourtin, Naujac-sur-Mer, Grayan-et-l’Hôpital, Vensac, Le Verdon-sur-Mer, Saint-Vivien-de-Médoc, Jau-Dignac-et-Loirac, Queyrac, Valeyrac, Talais. Each has its own particularity and its "little something" extra, but they all have one thing in common: they are full of nature and sports activities accessible all year round and to everyone: families, young and old, groups of friends, couples, solo travelers, everyone can find what they are looking for.

Discover surfing in one of the most beautiful spots in France
Discover surfing in one of the most beautiful spots in France © Jean Emmanuel Jay

Surfing and waveskiing for fun

A desire for waves and fun with the arrival of the beautiful days? This destination with the salty taste of the Atlantic is known in particular for the ocean, but also for other water activities such as surfing and waveskiing (a surf kayak that closely resembles a surfboard).

To meet the demand of all professional and novice athletes, nearly 50 surf schools have opened their doors in Médoc Atlantique, including Magic Surf School (for children aged 5 to 12 and their parents) and Ulmo Surf School (from 6 years old, experienced or apprentices).

For those who would like to try out unusual sports, the school Canoë Kayac Lacanau Guyenneoffers on the lake side, an extraordinary trip accompanied by 2.5 hours in a canoe to discover its preserved ecosystem; as well as waveskiing on the ocean side for even more thrills!

Wakeskiing in Médoc Atlantique
Wakeskiing in Médoc Atlantique © Médoc Atlantique Tourisme

Lakes to try out board sports!

In this area of ​​the Atlantic coast, lakes play an important role; especially since this is where France's largest freshwater lake, located in Hourtin-Carcans, is located. More than just a natural and exotic setting, the lakes of Lacanau and Hourtin-Carcans allow you to swim and have fun – sportingly – with your family. Sailing schools such as Wallyglisse at Lacanau, The Sailing Circle of Bordeaux-Carcans-Maubuisson and Plein R'loc – sailing in Hourtin as well as e- foil and wingfoil like Evolution 2 in Lacanau and Force 7 in Carcans-Maubuisson welcomes vacationers of all ages for 2-hour courses or courses lasting several days.

A windsurfing lesson for children
A windsurfing lesson for children @Jean-Emmanuel Jay

A cycle route for an outing in the open air

This is the destination for cyclists par excellence!And for good reason, Médoc Atlantique is also and above all 400km of cycle paths and Vélodyssée, a cycle route which runs along the Atlantic to the Basque Coast. A route that allows for beautiful walks in a magnificent environment, between lakes, forests and town and far from cars. So, if you don't have your own equipment, rent it< /a>: electric bike, fat bike, with or without baby carrier or basket, tandem or rosalie style, find the two-wheeler that suits you best!

A bike ride along the beach, what could be more exotic?
A bike ride along the beach, what could be more exotic? @ Jean-Emmanuel Jay figcaption>

Hikes and excursions in the heart of nature

Between hiking, walks in the different Reserves natural areas (those of the Étang de Cousseau and the Dunes and Marais d'Hourtin) and other protected areas,horse ridingorganized with Lacanau Equipassion, the Centre equestre du Cardin in Hourtin and the Ranch des Lamberts in Moulis-en-Médoc the possibilities for getting away from it all are numerous and diverse. And the adventure off the beaten track continues with Tèrra Aventura at Lacanau , Hourtin, Soulac-sur-Mer, Le Verdon-sur-Mer or, from June, in Carcans-Maubuisson with a brand new route in augmented reality. Excursions which will also give the opportunity to pass in front of the two UNESCO sites, the Cordouan Lighthouse and the Notre-Dame-de-la-End-des-Terres basilica!

A family and horseback excursion
A family horseback excursion © Noé Bugnot
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Tree-tree climbing and archery for all

What's better than an introduction to green in anidyllic setting? With family or friends (or in solo mode), tree climbing appeals to all generations and allows you to surpass yourself by going from branch to branch. And that’s good since The forest of the Accromaniacs< /a> (from 3 years old) and Ecopark Adventures offer , in addition to an unforgettable moment where everyone can have fun according to their level, an experience in the heart of nature.

Let's go for an afternoon in the trees!
It's off for an afternoon in the trees! © Gaëtan Leprévost

And for all those who would like to embark on a new adventure that is just as fun and unique, Robin's Forest in Soulac-sur-Mer offers to (re)discover archery in the style of Robin Hood (from 7 years old) in the best conditions. security.

Archery, a discipline to discover with family or friends
Archery, a discipline to discover with family or friends family or friends © Noé Bugnot

In this Aquitaine Eden, visitors who come to discover viewpoints or disciplines can therefore be amazed, have fun, learn, get some fresh air, eat, escape, surpass themselves and spend money, and quite simply enjoy themselves!

> You can already book your vacation from A to Z thanks to Médoc Atlantique Travel

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