Holidays in the Landes: La Leyre, wild jewel of the Landes, walks and activities


Photo M. Fraigneau
> All our ideas for a vacation in the Southwest here

Photo Sylvie Vignes-Chavier
The Leyre and its gallery forest offer you a dreamlike landscape. The trees, attracted by both the river water and the sun, create a majestic vault under which you can wander, on foot, by bike, by canoe or in a horse-drawn carriage. In doing so, you will have the chance to encounter the local fauna: the otter or the European pond turtle, the damselflies, these blue dragonflies typical of the environment, or even the kingfisher. In the waters of the Leyre, you can spot lampreys or eels, these great migratory birds that cross the ocean to reproduce! Look up! Have fun observing the "shyness crack", this small distance that the trees leave between them at their tops. This creates delicate passages of light, and a labyrinth on the sky.

Photo M. Fraigneau
Depart from Mexico, the famous Commensacq water sports center , for a canoe trip down the Leyre. The many water sports centers and canoe rental companies offer routes adapted to everyone's level, over longer or shorter distances. So, you can enjoy a relaxing trip or a sporty descent, full of thrills. For those who enjoy bivouacking, it is possible to go for several days! The Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park offers group descents of the Leyre , in canoes that can accommodate eight people, with a river guide, from Moustey and Pissos. From your boat, you will observe the biodiversity, looking for signs of the passage of certain animals. Perhaps you will come across an otter or a pond turtle Reservations required, from 7 years old for children who can swim and accompanied by their parents. Price: €15. Tel. 06 73 10 90 31. In Moustey, Wednesdays July 30 and August 6, 13, 20 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. In Pissos, Tuesdays July 22, 29 and August 12, 19, 2025 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Photo Claude Feigne
Walking trails will take you on a journey of discovery of the local heritage and all the wonders of the Leyre region. On foot or by bike, explore the typical landscapes: pine forests, wetlands, peaceful clearings... Hop on your bikes for a 20-kilometer ride, accompanied by a nature guide and a heritage facilitator. Explore the Haute Lande, discovering the local stories and traditions, while enjoying the forest landscapes, between Moustey and Belhade. Free activity on Monday, July 28, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., with bicycles available. For ages 10 and up. Reservations required. Tel. 05 57 71 99 99
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