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Long Distance Hikes

GR 8 from Hourtin to Arcachon – Beaches, dunes and forest

Routes
Long Distance Hikes

GR 8 from Hourtin to Arcachon – Beaches, dunes and forest

Hiking Collection by Julien Harté

GR 8 from Hourtin to Arcachon – Beaches, dunes and forest

5 days

2-7 h/day

105km

450m

460m

The GR 8 runs along part of the French Atlantic coastline, linking Saint-Brevin-les-Pins in the Loire-Atlantique to Sare in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. Several hundred kilometres long, the path leads across the Vendée and Charente-Maritime before reaching the town of Royan. A ferry then takes you from the Gironde Estuary and into the Landes de Gascogne forest. This is where the five stages of this Collection begin.

The Landes de Gascogne forest is the largest artificial forest in Europe. Its radiant natural beauty brings a certain calm and serenity as you hike.

This green immensity is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by long sandy beaches, bordered by dunes sheltering numerous lakes and ponds. These bodies of water, shaped by time and humans, punctuate your journey with moments of refreshment and relaxation.

Your odyssey begins in Hourtin-Plage and ends in the centre of Arcachon. From seaside resorts to nature reserves, you'll cross sites that are dynamic and well-preserved. This section offers a beautiful diversity of landscapes. I recommend the period from the beginning of June to the end of September to make the most of the swimming opportunities.

The diversity and richness of the local cuisine is great to refuel during your adventure. I let you know where it’s not possible to find food en route so you can bring supplies with you.
Some of the stages are shorter so you can visit places along the way.

The entire route is relatively flat. However, I recommend wearing good quality, comfortable hiking boots.

The beginning of the trail in Hourtin-Plage is accessible from Bordeaux by shuttle bus. The end of the trail is at Arcachon station, which has several daily trains to Bordeaux.

All the information to reach Hourtin (in French): my-hourtin.com/comment-venir-a-hourtin

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The GR8 from Hourtin-Plage to Arcachon

98.4km

380m

390m

Last updated: November 10, 2024

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Activities

1. Stage 1: Hourtin-Plage lake to Carcans-Plage – GR 8

26.2km

06:53

210m

220m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Hard

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

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Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard

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Collection Stats

Activities

5

Distance

105 km

Duration

27:00 h

Elevation

450 m

460 m

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