Discover the exceptional forests® of Bassin
Two dune forests
Like two sentinels protecting the entrance to the Bassin from Arcachon in the extension of the Pointe du Cap Ferret and the Dune du Pilat, the state forests of La Teste de Buch and Lège et Garonne on the peninsula are emblematic landscapes of the Bassin of Arcachon. A set of 6,300 hectares where water, sand and forest merge.
For more than 150 years, generations of foresters succeeded one another in our area to guarantee the durability of the dune forest massif and the renewal of the afforestation installed in the 19th century. Maritime pines, witnesses of this era, still populate our forests!
These state forests, forged by the action of man, are a symbol of the historical, cultural and environmental richness of the French forest heritage. They are the historical cradle of dune afforestation. Few know: the work to fix the coastal dunes has started here!
Committed to the process for several years, our 2 state forests have obtained the “Forêt d’exception®” label June 15, 2018. The whole challenge of the label is to enhance and energize our forests around a unifying project, with all local actors. This label distinguishes the most remarkable French state forests for their unique heritage in terms of history, landscapes, biodiversity and high value wood.
Walk or cycle
Very close to the ocean beaches, the song of the birds puts us on the way to the dune forest. In the heart of this haven of peace, we walk on the paths through the pines, the arbutus, the broom... nice ride refreshing in the heart of the pine forest !
Cyclists and walkers share the cycle paths. All the reception areas of the ocean beaches are in the national forest, an ideal place for picnicking.
Learn and have fun in the forest
Of the digital journeys on mobile are at our disposal to explore the national forests of La Teste de Buch and Lège-Cap Ferret. To do as a family, as a couple, on foot or by bike!
Our walk is thus spiced up with anecdotes on the history of these forests, biodiversity, forestry, landscapes... through photos, videos, audio content...
Leave your car in one of the ocean beach car parks or come directly by bike. The three routes use the cycle path.
Simple to use, find 2 courses on the application " Coastal forest hike »: one on La Teste de Buch (16 km), the other on Lège-Cap Ferret (20 km).
More playful, the application " In search of exception offers a treasure hunt over 3.5 km on Lège-Cap Ferret. The start is near the access to the Grand Crohot beach. After a swim in the ocean, do not hesitate to try this treasure hunt with your children, 6 treasures are to be found!
A remarkable biodiversity
To learn more about the nature that surrounds us, the species that can be encountered but also their habitats, do not hesitate to consult the Atlas of the Biodiversity of the Exceptional Forests of the Bassin of Arcachon.
A invitation to discover coastal fauna and flora. Knowing them allows us to better protect them, invites us to keep our eyes open and listen during our walks!
The ONF, partner of the Territorial Brand B'A
The forests managed by the National Forestry Office (ONF) have 3 main functions: welcome the public, protect soils (marine and wind erosion), landscapes and biodiversity, but also produce wood ecocertified. On the Bassin in Arcachon, the ONF works on these two dune forests, both on the wooded dune for forestry and the non-wooded dune to fight against erosion and trampling of the dune.
The “Forêt d'exception®” label is fully in line with our territory's project approach. find Philippe FOUGERAS, Head of the Territorial Unit "Bassin d'Arcachon" at the ONF in video:
More information :
“Bassin of Arcachon, two dune forests in a unique territory”
