Discover Lanton: Nature, Birdlife and Cultural Heritage

When planning a stay in Lanton, nature and wildlife watching can be just as much a focus as history and built heritage. The Domaine de Certes et Graveyron, the Écomusée Gardarem and historic buildings each offer a different perspective. The following information will help you organise the places according to your interests.

Nature and Birdlife at the Domaine de Certes et Graveyron

The Domaine de Certes et Graveyron covers 530 hectares and is located in the municipalities of Audenge and Lanton on the Bassin d’Arcachon. On the Atlantic coast, it is an important area for national and European birdlife. The landscape has been shaped by people for centuries: dikes and geometrically shaped ponds are part of an area whose built heritage is linked to water management, agriculture and fish farming. Here, nature watching and traces of human activity sit side by side.

You can explore the area on foot, on your own or with a guide. Several walks lead to scenic spots and places to observe wildlife. The Sentier du Littoral in Lanton provides access to the estate. The area is open year-round, except when special restrictions apply. Check before your visit whether any such restrictions are in effect.

Museum and Local History

The Écomusée Gardarem in Taussat preserves Gascon heritage and the memory of the former oyster farming and pine resin collection industries. It displays 800 tools, objects, accessories and items of clothing documenting the working lives of earlier generations. The variety of objects offers insight into the activities the museum commemorates.

Gardarem is open year-round on Saturdays and Sundays: in winter from 4 to 6 pm, and in summer from 5 to 7 pm. Admission is free. As opening hours are listed by season and may change, it is advisable to check them before your visit.

Notre-Dame de Lanton was built in the 12th century from stone from the Gard and Garluche, and extended in the 19th century. It is the only church on the Bassin d’Arcachon surrounded by its cemetery. Signage explains its history. The construction period, materials and unusual location of the cemetery offer several points of interest when exploring the history of the area.

Taussat: Harbour, Chapel and Villa

Buildings in Taussat also tell stories of different eras. Chapelle Saint-Louis was completed in 1963; its stained-glass windows were made by the Bordeaux enamel artist Mirande. The Vieux port de Taussat was dug by hand in 1855 and inaugurated in 1878. Villa Tamaris, completed in 1907, was the first reinforced-concrete house on the Bassin d’Arcachon. Together, these dates illustrate three different facets of local history: religious architecture, harbour history and architecture.

Water, Coast and Seasonal Activities

The Bassin de Baignade de Lanton carries the “Handiplage” label. It provides access and safety for people with reduced mobility, as well as the specialised equipment needed to assist them while bathing. This specific accessibility information is particularly relevant when planning a visit to swim. Plage de Suzette was formerly called “La Baie des fées”; this former name is part of local history.

Bicycles can be hired at the Bureau d’Accueil de Lanton from April to October. Nature, discovery and educational tours are also organised in Lanton from April to October, including nature walks, trips on the water and activities for children. These seasonal dates will help you match your travel dates to the activities listed.

Attelage du Bassin offers carriage rides departing from Cassy in Lanton. Three routes are listed: from Cassy to the seafront promenade, the oyster huts and the harbour; in Taussat, to the beach via the old harbour and the village; and through the pine forest to Lac de Mouchon. Confirm availability before travelling. Routes may also change.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Cibard, Yvrac, Galgon, Quinsac, Le Haillan, Mourens, Branne, Cauvignac

For the broader travel overview: Gironde.