Hourtin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hourtin
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 Hourtin
Location in France
Hourtin
Location in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
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| Country | France | |
| Region | Nouvelle-Aquitaine | |
| Department | Gironde | |
| Arrondissement | Lesparre-Médoc | |
| Canton | Saint-Laurent-Médoc | |
| Intercommunality | Lacs Médocains | |
| Area
1
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190.50 km2 (73.55 sq mi) | |
| Population
(2008)
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2,767 | |
| • Density | 14.5249/km2 (37.619/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) | |
| INSEE/Postal code |
33203 /33990
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| Elevation | 0–64 m (0–210 ft) (avg. 18 m or 59 ft) |
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| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | ||
Hourtin is a lovely commune (which is like a small town or district) located in the southwest of France. It's part of the Gironde department within the region called Aquitaine. Hourtin is known for its beautiful natural areas, including a large lake and sandy beaches.
Contents
Discover Hourtin: A French Town
Hourtin is a special place in France, offering a mix of nature and activities. It's home to a big freshwater lake and is also close to the Atlantic Ocean. This makes it a popular spot for both locals and visitors who love the outdoors.
Where is Hourtin Located?
Hourtin is found in the Gironde department, which is in the Aquitaine region of France. This area is famous for its vineyards and long coastline. Hourtin itself is situated on the Médoc peninsula, a strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde estuary.
What is a Commune?
In France, a "commune" is the smallest unit of local government. Think of it like a town or a small district. Each commune has its own mayor and local council. They manage things like local services, schools, and public spaces. Hourtin is one of many communes in France.
Who Leads Hourtin?
The commune of Hourtin is led by a mayor. The mayor is elected by the people living in Hourtin. They work with a local council to make decisions for the town. For example, they decide on local projects and how to use the town's resources.
Nature and Fun in Hourtin
Hourtin is a fantastic place for outdoor adventures. It has a huge lake, Lac d'Hourtin-Carcans, which is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in France. The lake is perfect for swimming, sailing, and windsurfing.
Hourtin's Beaches and Forests
Besides the lake, Hourtin also has beautiful sandy beaches along the Atlantic coast. These beaches are great for surfing and relaxing. The area around Hourtin is also covered in large pine forests. These forests are perfect for cycling, hiking, and exploring nature trails.
Local Wildlife
The natural areas around Hourtin, including the lake and forests, are home to various types of wildlife. You might spot different birds, especially near the lake. The protected dunes and wetlands provide important habitats for many species.
Images for kids
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West bank of Hourtin's lake in Piqueyrot
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Dunes in Hourtin-Plage
See Also
In Spanish: Hourtin para niños
