Walk to the Black Pond Nature Reserve

Discover Landes

Less known than some of its neighbors, Seignosse is a city that has a lot to offer! The black pond nature reserve is a perfect example. During a (free!) Walk , it's a real exploration , a nature adventure , to do with family or friends , all year round. You will discover a rich flora and fauna , but also magnificent views of the pine forests and other landscapes characteristic of the Landes . For those who wish to know more, the Black Pond can also be explored on a guided tour .

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The black pond, 50 shades of black ...

If its neighbor the White Pond is better known and larger, the Black Pond has undeniable assets, which will make you love it and come back to it regularly. On 52 hectares of wetland , this nature reserve is home to typical Landes natural habitats . The mixed union for the management of natural environments, which manages the site, has set up an interpretive trail accessible by strolling along an original route along a wooden footbridge . It is a 1km loop , you can observe the swamp forest that surrounds the pond, the bog, a meandering stream and of course the pond. The latter is distinguished by its black water but also not its muddy bottoms , which reflect little light and give this mangrove atmosphere to the entire site. Once at the end of the footbridge , you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Black Pond thanks to two pontoons . Take the time to look at nature , to immerse yourself in contemplation . Calm is then absolute. Between the flora and fauna , you will have something to observe (take your binoculars !) A wild nature, which you cannot find everywhere.

An easy path to walk

Various signs punctuate your visit

The view from the first observatory

Along the pond, you enjoy a beautiful view

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A walk accessible to all

The visit of the Black Pond Nature Reserve is very easy to access . It is a short loop of about 1 kilometer , achievable in 30 minutes . On a free visit, we navigate at our own pace… we take the time to observe nature and take photos. This walk begins with a path along a bucolic wooden footbridge, perfectly integrated into the landscape , it is nestled between swamps and pines . Children appreciate this walk which is easy but also fun! Some passages are shaded : it is practical in summer and it gives a mysterious atmosphere to the place ... Pay attention to the branches that sometimes stand on the path! Signs and indications punctuate your path. The scenery changes regularly as you progress. After the swamps, the path leads to a clearing, before returning to a wetland . Did you know that this type of marshy landscape was typical of the Landes in the past? If today, the Landes de Gascogne forest is the largest in France and one of the largest in Europe, it has not always been so! From the 18th century, we tried to plant dozens of different things in these heavy soils ... It was a failure ... It is said that Napoleon III then encouraged the municipalities to plant maritime pines , the only species that can drain wet soils vectors of disease such as malaria. We can then guess that this solution was successful, given the current forest! Since the beginning of the XXth century however, the inhabitants, the shepherds and the botanists are skeptical about this monoculture which generates fires and impoverishes the eco-system… The forest of the Landes begins then since the XXIst century, a new transformation to enrich its biodiversity !

Back to the pond ! Here you are on a platform at the end of the promenade, to enjoy the scenery while being safe. When you resume your journey, you will walk along the pond before arriving at the second observation post, also enjoying a magnificent view. On leaving, it will only take a few minutes to find yourself at the starting point.

A boat to meditate on the beauty of the place?

The point of view of the second observatory

A course that highlights the Landes nature

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The discovery of fauna and flora

Visiting the Etang Noir nature reserve means discovering the Landes nature and its forest, as well as numerous species . You will be able to meet animals such as ducks but also a kingfisher , dragonflies , otters , purple herons , egrets or even cistudes (an indigenous and protected turtle ). Each visit is different and brings its share of surprises. If the free visit is possible all year round , we recommend that you opt for a guided tour , which is much richer and more lively! They are organized several times a week. Remember to book before! Your visit to the reserve would not be complete without going to the Maison de la Réserve . On site, explanatory panels summarize what you have just seen and you can also buy yourself a local souvenir. The black pond, a place both typical and atypical that can be visited all year round to discover new things, depending on the season and the animals present!