The Valleys of the Leyre A jewel of nature to explore in Gironde

The Leyre valleys

It bears the name “Leyre” in the Landes department, and “Eyre” in Gironde. This coastal river, also nicknamed “Little Amazon”, flows through the heart of the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park, to the Arcachon basin. This waterway is navigable by canoe-kayak for nearly 90 km. So take note for athletes or nature lovers who wish to discover this fragile natural environment in complete privacy…

A natural gem to be preserved…

The Petite Leyre and the Grande Leyre (section labeled Rivière Sauvage), join at the Hourc d'Eyre (water fork in Gascon), in the commune of Moustey in the Landes, to form a single whole. The amber-colored Leyre, under its tunnel of protective deciduous trees called "gallery forest", gradually widens until it forms a generous delta, a mosaic of salt meadows and exceptional natural environments, in the basin of Arcachon. Moreover, the landscapes of what we call "Leyre Valleys" are classified as a " Registered Site ", and the numerous environments and species present are of strong heritage interest (in particular classified under Natura 2000 and/or RAMSAR).

So, on the banks of the gallery forest, observe the Royal Osmonde, a primitive, bright green fern. Also look out for the turquoise blue of the calopteryx damselflies or the swift kingfisher. Along the water, the aquatic grass beds grow to the rhythm of the movements of sand and the gaps of light. They are probably hiding a few glass eels or young Aquitaine pike. On a branch, sunbathing, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the European pond turtle and on the sand, the traces of the discreet European otter.

Sailing by canoe on the Leyre

There are several routes to go down the Leyre by canoe-kayak, for half a day, for a day or even over several days (up to 5) while roaming. On the 90km of navigable watercourse, 26 embarkation and disembarkation points have been set up and several nautical stops punctuate the route. Many service providers and water sports centers offer rentals, free descent or descent accompanied by river guides. This is particularly the case for nautical bases marked Natural Park Values .

Regardless of the option you choose, we always advise you to contact a professional to find out the state of the watercourse, navigation conditions, etc.

Good practices

In such a natural treasure, your discovery must remain discreet and peaceful. Breathe, enjoy.... Only take your waste with you and do not leave any trace of your passage, on the water, on the banks or with local owners.

• By canoe: find out about the condition of the route, the weather, the water level and make sure you are in good physical condition and well equipped.
• Respect the fauna, flora, other users/owners and report any incident or pollution to the Park.
• Leave no trace of your passage (not even a GPX trace on the internet)

Are forbidden :

• Motor navigation

Night navigation
Fire and wild camping in the valley

The collection of protected species