Between two sessions getting barreled on Hossegor’s beach breaks, many riders look for a quieter spot to recharge their batteries. The Huchet Current, nicknamed the little Amazon of the Landes, ticks all the boxes: a 9 km ribbon of freshwater, a jungle of cork oaks and bald cypresses, and a preserved ecosystem flowing straight into the Atlantic. Here are the essentials, with no unnecessary fluff.
Huchet Current: from forest lineup to ocean shorebreak
This coastal river begins at Lake Léon, winding its way through a lush gallery forest before reaching Moliets beach, between two sandbanks where peaks shift with the swells. Designated a National Nature Reserve since 1981, this stretch protects over 600 hectares of biodiversity. No seawalls, no concrete: the last waterway in the Bay of Biscay to retain its wild mouth offers an ecotourism barrel pure and simple.
Why do locals call it the “Amazon”?
The comparison is no sea breeze: dense vegetation, natural lianas, peat marshes, and aerial roots create a miniature Amazonian setting. More than 270 bird species stop over here, along with the European otter and the European pond turtle. Boatmen still steer the galupes, these flat-bottomed boats ideal for a slow adventure on the river.
Exploration roadbook: trails, paddling, and all-day gliding
The Maison de la Réserve in Léon provides regulatory information: quiet zones, tide schedules at the mouth, and authorized paddleboarding access. For hassle-free planning, these routes cover every fitness level.
| Route | Round-trip distance | Average duration | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pichelèbe Bridge – Estuary | 7 km | 2.5 hours on foot | 400-year-old cork oak |
| Lake Léon – Reserve House | 3 km | 1 hour by paddleboard | Floating peat bog |
| Full tour by galupe | 9 km | 3-hour guided tour | Full gallery forest |
Gear checklist before dropping into the green
- Non-slip hiking shoes (waterlogged ground beneath the pines).
- Lycra top and natural repellent: mosquitoes at sunset.
- Telescopic paddle for passing under low branches.
- Waterproof bag of at least 20 L for a telephoto lens and organic wax.
- IGN map 1339OT or GPX track of the official route.
Nearby spot: golf, treetop adventure course, and single-fin in Moliets
A stone’s throw from the mouth, the 18-hole golf course winds between pines and sandy bunkers; it shares the coastline with a 25 m-high treetop adventure park. The perfect combo for a multisport day: a round in the morning, zip-lining in the afternoon, and a sunset session on the beach break. The most motivated can extend the trip to Soustons: five successive lakes offer just as many glassy SUP sessions, listed in this detailed guide.
Good to know to protect nature
Since 2025, the Reserve has imposed a daily visitor limit; booking a galupe trip during peak season is now essential. Campfires are banned, and cigarette butts are subject to fines. The site focuses on education rather than punishment: educational signs about the Huchet current, QR stations for real-time salinity data, and the “Huchet Watch” mobile app, which alerts users to bird nests close to the water.
Can you go down the Huchet current on a stand-up paddleboard?
Yes, on the Lake Léon–Pichelèbe Bridge section, outside the nesting season. Downstream, only boat operators are permitted in order to limit the impact on wildlife.
What is the best season to observe biodiversity?
Spring offers a peak in bird activity, while ospreys migrate in the fall. Summer remains suitable, but visitor numbers are higher.
How can you get to the site from Hossegor without a car?
Take regional shuttle route 32 to Léon, then rent a bike on the Vélodyssée. Allow 1 hour and 20 minutes for the door-to-door journey.
Can children take part in the galupe adventure?
Yes, boat operators welcome young riders from age 3. Suitable life jackets are provided, along with a fun guided tour.
