A trip in the heart of a swamp.

"The domain of the Royal Osmonde..."

Just north of the lake of Hourtin, the lagoon of Contaut can be reached very easily as it is situated very close to the road that leads to Hourtin-Plage.
Curiously enough, and in spite of all the road signs, it is ignored too often by the holiday-makers who seem to think it is only a decorative lake.

A visit to the lagoon of Contaut proves nevertheless to be a very pleasant and valuable experience. The area has been fitted with some remarkable constructions such as a wooden footbridge of several hundred meters length which enables the visitor to explore and discover the flora and wildlife of the swamp at leisure. Furthermore notice boards have been put up near the west entrance of the site that explain in detail the specifics of the animals and plants that live in this humid environment. Last but not least some benches have been installed for passionate observers who want to take their time and watch the plants and the wildlife at leisure.

In the area around the lagoon even the most distracted people cannot miss the massive presence of the Osmonde Royale (Osmonda regalis), also named "gigantic fern". Although one tends to be surprised by the sheer size of their leaves, the "feathers", attention should also go to the foot of the plant, which is formed like a mound upon which the ferns are growing in groups. The height of the mound indicates the age of the fern ; it grows 3 mm every year. When you know that mounds of 30 centimetres are very common you can make your own calculation.

In order to best appreciate the riches of flora and wildlife of the Lagoon of Contaut, we can only advise visitors who have the opportunity to visit the site in different seasons .
Furthermore we would like to warn parents that they do not let their children run on the wooden footbridge as it has no guard-rail.
Finally, for the well being and pleasure of everybody please be discrete and respect nature in all circumstances.