Between two tube-riding sessions on Hossegor’s beach breaks, many riders look for a quieter spot to recharge. The Huchet Current, nicknamed the Little Amazon of the Landes, checks every box: 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 through a lush gallery forest before reaching Moliets beach, between two sandbanks where peaks shift with the swells. Classified as a National Nature Reserve since 1981, this stretch protects more than 600 hectares of biodiversity. No seawalls, no concrete: the last waterway in the Bay of Biscay to retain its wild estuary offers a pure ecotourism experience.
Why do locals call it the “Amazon”?
The comparison is no sea breeze: dense vegetation, natural vines, peat marshes, and aerial roots create a miniature Amazonian setting. More than 270 bird species stop here, along with the European otter and the European pond turtle. Boatmen still steer the galupes, these flat-bottomed boats ideal for a leisurely adventure on the river.
Exploration roadbook: trails, paddling, and a day of glide
The Reserve House in Léon provides regulatory information: quiet zones, tide times at the outlet, and authorized paddle access. For hassle-free planning, these routes cover all fitness levels.
| 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 paddleboarding | Floating peat bog |
| Full tour by galupe | 9 km | 3-hour guided tour | Intact 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 getting under low branches.
- At least a 20 L dry bag for telephoto lens and organic wax.
- IGN map 1339OT or GPX track of the official route.
Nearby spot: between golf, treetop adventure, and single-fin at Moliets
Just a stone’s throw from the river 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: swing in the morning, zip line in the afternoon, and a sunset session on the beach break. The most motivated can extend the outing 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 high season is now essential. Campfires are prohibited, and cigarette butts are subject to fines. The site favors education over punishment: educational signs about the Huchet current, QR markers providing real-time salinity data, and the “Huchet Watch” mobile app, which alerts users to bird nests near the waterline.
Can you paddleboard down the Huchet current?
Yes, on the Lake Léon–Pichelèbe Bridge section, outside nesting season. Downstream, only boatmen are allowed in order to limit the impact on wildlife.
What is the best season for observing biodiversity?
Spring offers a peak in birdwatching activity; ospreys migrate in fall. Summer remains suitable, but visitor numbers are higher.
How can I reach the site from Hossegor without a car?
Take regional shuttle line 32 to Léon, then rent a bike on the Vélodyssée. Allow 1 hour 20 minutes for the door-to-door journey.
Can children join the galupe adventure?
Yes, the boatmen welcome young riders from age 3. Suitable life jackets are provided, along with a fun guided tour.