To canoe down the Leyre in the Gironde, come to our base in Belin-Béliet, about 45 minutes from Bordeaux. We offer three gentle routes of 6, 13 and 20 km through the gallery forest, from €20 per adult, with the shuttle bus and equipment included.
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Where can you go canoeing in Gironde?
The estuary, the Garonne and the Dordogne are wide waterways, subject to the tides and river traffic: you can only paddle them under supervision, rarely on your own. The lakes at Lacanau, Carcans-Hourtin and Cazaux are flat bodies of water: you paddle in a loop and return to the starting point. The Leyre is something else entirely: a proper, linear descent lasting several hours, where the river carries you from a departure point to a destination. It flows through Belin-Béliet, about 45 minutes from Bordeaux via the A63 and half an hour from Arcachon, Le Teich or Biscarrosse.
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A calm river, with no rapids
The Leyre is classified as Class I, the easiest level on the river grading scale. There are no rapids or weirs to navigate: the current carries the boat along, and the paddles are mainly used for steering. The challenges are of a different kind and are what make the trip so charming: tight bends, low-hanging branches, sandbanks and a few shallow sections where you might have to dip your foot in the water. You must be able to swim, as on any river, and a life jacket is provided for each participant. This is a route suitable for families, first-timers and those looking for a day out in nature rather than a sporting challenge.
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The gallery forest – a landscape that can only be seen from the water
Along almost its entire length, the Leyre flows beneath a canopy of alders, oaks and pines that meet above the river. From the road or the riverbanks, all you can make out is a dark ribbon; from a canoe, you’re right in the middle of it, in a green corridor where the light filters through and the temperature is several degrees cooler than on the Landes plateau. The valley forms part of the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park: it is a protected area with very little development, and you’re more likely to come across herons, kingfishers or traces of otters than other boats out of season.
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Three routes, a day taking shape
The 6 km route is ideal for first-timers: around two hours on the water, a meeting point at the Saugnacq Bridge, and the rest of the afternoon free. The 13 km route can be done in half a day or a full day: it’s the most popular choice for a first real taste of the experience. The 20 km route, from Moustey to Belin-Béliet, takes the whole day. The 13 km and 20 km routes set off from the base at 89 Route de Bayonne in Belin-Béliet. In all cases, the shuttle service is included: you leave your car at the meeting point, a minibus covers the remaining journey, and the descent ends without anyone having to go and collect a vehicle.
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Travelling from Bordeaux, the Bassin or the Médoc
From Bordeaux, Pessac, Mérignac or Talence, the A63 takes you to Belin-Béliet in 40 to 50 minutes: it is the closest nature destination to the city offering a full river descent. From the Arcachon Bay area, La Teste-de-Buch, Gujan-Mestras or Le Teich, allow 25 to 35 minutes. From the Médoc or the north of the Gironde, the Leyre is a day trip: set off in the morning for a late-morning or early-afternoon start. Each route guide provides Google Maps, Apple Maps and Waze links to the exact meeting point.
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When to go down the Leyre
The season runs from spring to autumn. In spring, the river’s flow is stronger and the forest is still fresh. In July and August, the water is perfect for swimming, and midday departures book up several days in advance: make sure you book before setting off. September and October are the quietest months, with the water still pleasant and the riverbanks almost deserted. Rain does not prevent us from running trips; only if the water level is too high will we have to postpone a trip, in which case we will let you know before you arrive.
No. The Leyre is a Class I river: a gentle current, with no rapids or weirs. The only tricky sections are meanders, low-hanging branches and sandbanks.
Do you need to know how to swim?
Yes, this is a condition of booking for every participant. A lifejacket is provided and must be worn throughout the descent.
Can we bring children?
Yes. Children can travel in an adult’s canoe and are charged the child’s rate up to and including the age of 10. The 6 km route is the recommended option for a first family outing.
How do we get back to the car?
The shuttle service is included in every tour. You park your car at the meeting point specified on your booking; a minibus will take you from the departure point to the arrival point.
Can you go down the Leyre without booking?
Places are limited per departure, both on the boats and on the shuttle buses. Book online before you come: this will save you a wasted journey, especially in July and August.
