An unusual boat trip on the Huchet stream

While on holiday in the charming Landes village of Léon, along the Atlantic coast, a must-see attraction awaits. Nicknamed "the Landes Amazon," the Huchet stream is a 12-kilometer natural wonder that connects Lake Léon to the ocean. Accompanied by a boatman, this trip aboard a traditional Landes boat, the famous "galupe," is the most enchanting way to soak up the unique atmosphere of this unusual waterway, a protected nature reserve since 1981.

The Huchet stream: one of the most fascinating places in the Landes region

When we think of the Landes region, we usually picture miles of fine sandy beaches, bordered by majestic dunes and vast pine forests. Yet, the Landes region holds a multitude of unexpected places, often unknown to the general public, which offer a different perspective on this seaside destination.

From the shores of Lake Léon, the brightly colored wooden boats offer a unique invitation to an unusual journey of a few hours in the company of a boatman. This one-of-a-kind experience exploring a pristine wilderness is the main form of guided tour in the reserve , located across the three municipalities of Léon, Moliets-et-Maa, and Vielle-Saint-Girons.

Along with five other nature-loving passengers, we boarded Jérémy's "galupe" for a two-hour bucolic trip drifting along the river. Non-motorized and flat-bottomed, silent and respectful of nature, these small boats are the only vessels authorized to navigate the current in order to preserve the fragile balance of the ecosystem.

A biodiversity sanctuary bordering on the fantastic

The trip begins with a peaceful row across to the "floating marsh." Jérémy knows the area perfectly and has made it his playground since his teenage years. He passionately shares his expertise on the local flora and fauna while rowing energetically towards "La Nasse," the confluence of three channels that cross the floating marsh.

As we enter the 230-hectare nature reserve, Jérémy swaps his oars for a paddle to begin the descent of the Courant d'Huchet and handle his boat with greater skill. We pass through the wooden dam that regulates the level of the lake and the current over a 7-meter drop to the ocean, followed by a few small rapids.

We then plunge into the heart of lush vegetation. The marshes, the mangroves, the peat bogs, the forest on either side, the tree ferns and the wildflowers create a landscape halfway between the Amazonian canopy and the end of the world.

In silence, Jeremy invites us to observe an exceptional biotope : over 200 species of birds, otters, minks, grey herons, European pond turtles, and a multitude of fish. The vegetation is dense, and we walk through veritable shaded galleries of alders, willows, and pedunculate oaks, colored by irises, hibiscus, and hydrangeas. Jeremy makes us aware of the fragility of this ecosystem. This curtain of vegetation plays a vital role in combating erosion and maintaining the banks of the Huchet stream.

An authentic, friendly and intimate stroll

For nearly an hour, we drift peacefully down the Huchet stream, which meanders gently through the dunes and forest. We take full advantage of the small size of the boat and Jérémy's experience to navigate between tiny, wild islets and explore every nook and cranny of this stretch of river. The unique expertise of the 40 boatmen of the Huchet stream has been passed down from generation to generation since the beginning of the 20th century. The historical tradition of river navigation has endured since 1920 in this timeless place, which attracted its first visitors between 1905 and 1908. It was thanks in particular to the journalist Maurice Martin and his "expeditions" with the epicureans, artists, and botanists of the time that river navigation on Lake Léon began.

To paddle upstream, Jérémy swaps his paddle for a 5-meter-long wooden pole, which he uses to push his boat. It's a job that demands excellent physical condition and a good deal of elbow grease! Jérémy is passionate about nature, and his enthusiasm for his work is evident. He offers us an exotic and refreshing journey, lulled by the gentle lapping of the water. Magical moments to experience with friends, as a couple, or with family!

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