The Seignosse Forest
People come to Seignosse for the ocean, yet often leave without seeing the other half of the town. However, 72% of the territory is covered by forest: there are pine woods, two ponds, a national nature reserve, and dozens of kilometers of trails and bike paths.
It is also the answer for rainy days, windy days from the west when the beach becomes uncomfortable, and off-season stays.
The Natural Reserve of the Black Pond
This is the most remarkable natural site in the commune, and it remains unknown to vacationers.
The Black Pond gets its name from its muddy bottom and dense vegetation that filters the light. The reserve protects 52 hectares of wetlands, where more than 435 species of plants and 310 species of animals have been recorded: European pond turtle, European otter, herons, dragonflies, and numerous amphibians.
You can discover it via a boardwalk path that winds above the water, leading to two docks that extend over the pond. The walk is short, flat, and accessible to children. In summer, the canopy lowers the temperature by several degrees.
Practical Information
- Maison de la Réserve, 600 Avenue du Parc des Sports, 40510 Seignosse, between the town center and Seignosse Ocean, near the sports park
- Phone: 05 58 72 85 76
- Open access year-round.
- Free parking
- Guided tours are organized by the nature guides.
- Permanent exhibition at the Maison de la Réserve
Stay on the marked paths, do not pick anything, and speak quietly: it is a reserve, not a park.
The White Pond and Hardy Pond
To the north of the reserve, there are two other ponds, more open and brighter than the Black Pond. They are connected by the Puntaou Bridge, which has been in place since 1867.
On the banks of the White Pond, you can see tonnes: small stilt cabins used for duck hunting, typical of the Landes lakeside landscape.
It is a great spot for the end of the day, quieter than the beach at the same time.
The Marked Trails of Seignosse
The commune maintains six marked trails in the forest. The general map is available for purchase at the tourist office for €2.
The most comprehensive is the red circuit of the ponds:
| Distance | 9.8 km |
| Duration | 2h45 |
| Departure | Parking at the Maurice Ravailhe Sports and Cultural Pole |
| Points of Interest | Black Pond Reserve, viewpoints of the White Pond |
It circles the reserve, connects to the D189, and offers a beautiful viewpoint over the White Pond just after the restaurant Les Rosaux.
For a longer outing, the loop connecting the Black Pond, Hardy Pond, and White Pond is 12.2 km with a 245-meter elevation gain, taking around 3 to 3.5 hours. The elevation changes occur on the tucs, those small wooded dune hills typical of the area.
The Forest by Bike
The network of bike paths connects the town center, the beaches, and the forest, as well as neighboring municipalities — Hossegor, Capbreton, Vieux-Boucau. In July and August, it is the fastest way to get around when beach parking fills up by mid-morning.
Seignosse is also traversed by La Vélodyssée, EuroVelo 1 which runs along the Atlantic coast from northern Europe to Portugal.
Other Hikes Within 10 km
| Circuit | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| The Marine Lake of Hossegor | 7.6 km | 2h15 |
| The Tour of Saubion | 8.8 km | 2h30 |
| The Barthes of Monbardon, in Angresse | 10 km | 2h50 |
| The Navachon Circuit, in Saubrigues | 11 km | 2h45 |
All are accessible within twenty minutes by car from Penon.
A Forest Completely Planted by Man
A detail that few visitors know: the Landes forest is not an ancient one.
Before the 19th century, the area was a vast expanse of swampy heaths and quicksand. The pine forest was planted on a large scale starting in 1857 to dry out the soil and stabilize the dunes. So what we traverse today is a constructed landscape — the largest artificial forest in Western Europe.
This does not take away from its beauty. However, it explains why the pines are aligned, why the paths are so straight, and why there are still traces of tapping on the oldest trunks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do in Seignosse when it rains or it’s too windy?
The Black Pond reserve can be visited very well in overcast weather — the forest protects from the wind and the boardwalk path remains accessible. It’s also the time when wildlife is most active.
Is the Black Pond reserve accessible with a stroller?
Yes, partially.
Can you swim in the ponds of Seignosse?
No
Is the forest accessible in winter?
Yes. The paths and bike trails are open year-round, and it’s the season when you’ll encounter the fewest people.