Pissos: Nature and sport resort with the Testarouman leisure center

On holiday in the Landes , are you looking for fun , accessible and original activities to do during your stay? The strength of the Landes lies in its exceptional natural environment , its forests of pines , oaks and alders, its rivers and currents that gently meander towards the ocean … A playground that only a leisure center can help you to discover. Canoeing on the Leyre , tree climbing in the pine canopy , mountain biking on the marked paths of the Landes forest between charming little villages, archery ... There is so much to do, bring your bag-to- back and your sneakers on vacation, enjoy the Landes in a sporty version !

The Testarouman leisure center, the nature center of the municipality of Pissos

Pissos is a town in the interior Landes , 45 minutes from the ocean, it is an attractive destination , which appeals to nature lovers . It is at the heart of the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park : the largest forest in France and one of the largest in Europe. Territory silted up, hostile and marshy in the past, it is host to malaria and many other ills. At the start of the 19th century and under the aegis of Napoleon III , this large area was sown with the only species capable of cleaning it up by draining moisture : maritime pine . Drained, the natural environment diversifies, a rich ecosystem settles and in the valleys flattered by the currents which gallop to the ocean, it is a haven of greenery , fauna and flora .

On vacation in Pissos , the best way to enjoy nature and do family activities is to go to the Testarouman leisure center ! Located on the banks of the Grande Leyre , a river labeled " Site Rivières Sauvages ", it is the ideal place to have fun and experience original adventures during your stay . The leisure center is open all summer , every day . The activities are supervised by qualified , competent and very friendly instructors who will accompany and guide you to make the most of your leisure time .

The office of the leisure center

Majestic river banks, with a multitude of tree species

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Canoeing on the Grande Leyre

The Grande Leyre has its source in the Landes, then joined by the petite Leyre to flow into the Arcachon basin in Gironde, 116 km further. It is a wild river , that is to say that part of its course enjoys good ecological status and is not artificialized. To preserve these fragile ecosystems , promote appropriate management tools and develop knowledge of these wild environments, communities like that of Pissos are committed by awarding labels , by encouraging respect for these vulnerable environments , through supervised practice. nature activities.

Map of the Leyre and its progress

Rent a canoe kayak at the base of Testarouman for ½ or a whole day, it is the assurance of a moment of communion with the river and its environment. Before departure, ask Lionel to tell you about things to observe during the descent! La Grande Leyre is nestled in a cocoon of alders and oaks. On the shore , you may see pond turtles , a species of turtle , otters , visions of Europe , common cranes ... Observe the magic of the sun which plays with the foliage and which, combined with the nature of the soil, change the color of the water from emerald to ocher. It is fresh and limpid, sometimes revealing a pike and a multitude of small fish with which the blue-black Demoiselles dragonflies make the rounds.

The descent will appeal to families , who will be satisfied with the easily achievable 5kms, even with children (who must know how to swim). The more athletic will not hesitate to go for 15km of descent and a whole day of sport and fun. There is something for every taste !

Rent a canoe or kayak and set off for adventure

Enjoy the calm and silence of a wild, natural, unspoiled stream. Respect it well!

Tree climbing in the forest acrobatic park

You will see the tree climbing platforms , above the river. With 40 " games ", spread over 5 levels of difficulty , tree climbing is an activity that appeals to everyone, well supervised with a qualified instructor. Put on the harness and choose your course : the difficulty depends on the height, the agility needed to climb the trials as well as the length of the course.

We leave for a blue course , which reserves for us beautiful zip lines above the river, monkey bridges where we lack antics, nets to climb like in the army and lianas to play Tarzan. Don't panic, you are safe , with a continuous lifeline that keeps you going no matter what. At the beginning of the course, you pass the metal plate through the circuit and you will not be able to disconnect from it until the end. Throughout games and platforms, you move the lifeline with you. Attention, reservation required ! The park is open all summer and out of season, by reservation, that's good to know, isn't it?

The tree climbing is a series of platforms, each more fun than the next

Some are easier than others ...

Sometimes you will pass over the river, say hi!

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An archery course at the Testarouman leisure center

Archery , an activity that requires equipment , skill and imperative safety rules . Take advantage of your vacation to have a fun and rewarding initiation . For 1h30, play Robin Hood, shoot the arrows closer and closer to the center, until you reach the colored ball in the heart!

Your course takes place in a group of 12 people maximum so that everyone can progress at their own pace. Children are welcome, there are bows in their size! The target can also be approached if necessary… After a few minutes, you will quickly reach the target and at the end of the course, you will take stock to see your progress. Remember to dress in loose clothes and stretch after the session to avoid muscle soreness!

Archery takes place in the great outdoors

You will progress quickly!

Ready for a tournament?

Rent a mountain bike to explore the Landes forest

All around the Testarouman leisure center, it is the forest and its hundred kilometers of marked paths . Easy to navigate by young and old alike, you will have fun in all circumstances, even if you are not used to cycling. Forest roads are secure and not used by cars. There are very few connecting routes that you can avoid with children (or get off the bike and walk for a while). Go for a walk all day or keep your bike on during the week to explore the surrounding villages by bike, do some shopping at the market , or do some small shopping to put in your backpack!

Mountain biking is one of the best ways to travel the Landes forest without getting tired, it's flat!

Charming nature passages await you

But also ... Orienteering course, equestrian center, group accommodation and municipal swimming pool

The Testarouman campsite is open from June to September, only for groups such as leisure centers , schools , sports, etc. 200 places with large capacity tents available, or individual tents to bring. Toilet blocks, volleyball net and on site, base activities. There is also a “ hard ” accommodation center , with rooms for 3 to 6 people with large pleasant windows. Submit the idea to your schools, day camps, sports clubs ...

For individuals , Pissos offers many natural accommodations all around the leisure center: the Municipal Camping d'Arriu , located in a pine forest and lodges of different capacities.

For horse lovers , what could be better than a walk in the pine forests of the Landes on horseback? Take advantage of the Pissos Town Hall Equestrian Center , where initiations on the back of a pony or horse as well as a cross of 40 obstacles await you.

The Testarouman Leisure Center offers you the organization of orienteering races for groups, as well as educational activities to discover the exceptional surrounding natural environment . A qualified environmental facilitator will introduce participants to the ecosystem of the banks of the Grande Leyre , as well as the biodiversity in the forest.

Finally, to recover from all these emotions, go to the municipal swimming pool for a swim in one of the two pools! In the middle of the pine forest, with a snack to fill the small appetites, that's the real vacation!