Located halfway between Vielle-Saint-Girons and Moliets-et-Maa, not far from our campsite in the Landes, discover a small typical village of the Marensin. Nestling on the edge of its lake, Léon is a charming place with a natural feel and the gentle way of life that characterises the South West. Strolls along the banks of the lake and hikes in the pine forest are a must. Not forgetting the peace and quiet of a trip to the Courant d'Huchet.
The lake of Léon
Straddling the communes of Léon and Vielle-Saint-Girons, the lake of Léon is one of the largest lakes in the Landes, with a surface area of 340 hectares. To the south of the lake, less than a kilometre from the village, the Léon beach is ideal for swimming as well as for water sports such as light sailing, stand-up paddle, windsurfing and canoeing. On the forest side, the banks of the lake offer a pleasant walk in the shade of the pines.
Le Courant d'Huchet
Your stay at a campsite near Léon will be an opportunity to go on an adventure on the Courant d'Huchet, the umbilical cord between the Etang de Léon and the Atlantic Ocean. On a self-guided or guided tour, 15 km of signposted paths lead you along the river, through the pine forest and among the floating marshes. In the shade of the gallery forest, the boatmen will allow you to navigate in a galupe in the heart of this "Landes Amazon", from the interior of the stream to the ocean, at Moliets-et-Maa. Educational activities are organised all year round by the Reserve's agents. Meet at the Reserve House on the edge of Lake Léon.
Cycle tracks and hiking trails
Lovers of cycling and hiking will also be in for a treat! Numerous signposted paths, greenways and cycle tracks converge on the small village of Léon. Looking for a breath of fresh air? Let yourself be carried away on the Vélodyssée as far as Contis Plage, on the circuit of the Landes airials in the heart of the pine forest or on the banks of the Courant d'Huchet, from the Pichelèbe bridge to the Léon lake.
Discovering the small heritage
The village of Léon has a small built heritage that is worth a look. Starting with the church and its square bell tower around which the market is held every day in summer. Sundays and Tuesday mornings the rest of the year. Under the bridge of the Canal du Moulin, near the Bas Rouge district, below the road, you will find a protected washhouse, in a quiet place, but which must have heard all the village gossips, and probably remembers all the stories told.
