What to do in the Landes? 17 must-sees© Eric Cowez - Adobe Stock
The South-West of France is famous for its gastronomy, its ocean beaches and the friendliness of its people. All this and much more can be found in the Landes. In fact, it's one of the most popular places for French people to spend their vacations in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Between beaches, surfing and lakes, let's discover the 17 must-sees in this charming French department!
1. Les Landes, Atlantic surfing mecca
Les Landes, a surfing mecca on the Atlantic© David - Adobe Stock
It's impossible to talk about the Atlantic coast without thinking about surfing. If Brice had had the courage, he would have realized that the waves here are perfect for riding! Whether you're an experienced surfer or a beginner, you'll love surfing. This water sport can be practiced in many places, such as Hossegor. Your stay in the Landes can also be an opportunity to try your hand at bodysurfing. Let yourself glide over the waves, equipped only with flippers, a bodyboard... and your body! This sport is ideal for those who don't feel comfortable with the balance required for classic surfing.
This sport can be practised anywhere in the Landes. If you've never tried it before, get in touch with a surf club. There are many in the area, such as the Vieux-Boucau Surf Club.
2. Discover Seignosse and its pine forest
Seignosse beach© Philippe- Adobe Stock
As we were saying, Seignosse is one of the Landes' surfing hotspots! At Seignosse, the waves are magnificent, carried by sandy bottoms perfectly adapted to the conditions. In fact, it's one of the venues where some of the world championships are held every year.
If this sport doesn't tempt you, you'll appreciate the pine forests that dot and surround Seignosse. They're everywhere, and are simply a must-see in the département!
Not only are the walks easy, because there's no difference in altitude, but the trees are also pleasantly cool. It's so good to escape into the shade of the pines, and let the serenity of the area wash over you... The Landes campsites themselves often benefit from the shade of these maritime trees, much to the delight of holidaymakers!
3. The unmissable Landes férias
Férias© tc - Adobe Stock
Put on your red scarf, and let's head for the Landes férias! The best-known is the one in Dax. It takes place around August 15, an ideal date for locals and tourists alike to make the most of it. Other féria hotspots in the Landes region include :
- Saint-Vincent-de-Tyrosse,
- Mont-de-Marsan,
- Hagetmau,
- Parentis-en-Born,
- Aire-sur-l'Adour,
- Soustons.
On the program: festivities and Landes races. It's a chance to take a leap into the local culture, by taking part in one of the traditions that is the pride of the area.
4. Relax at Lac de Biscarrosse
Lac de Biscarrosse© gypsie - Adobe Stock
This town, classified as a "4-star town in bloom", boasts 3 lakes, including a very large one offering a wide range of leisure activities. It covers the communes of :
- Biscarrosse,
- Parentis-en-Born,
- Gastes,
- Sainte-Eulalie-en-Born.
The area is particularly well-suited to bicycle touring, with trails specifically laid out around the lake. A family day out in Biscarrosse is also an opportunity to enjoy the Port Maguide Aquapark, while having a pleasant picnic by the water. Children can also enjoy a game of mini-golf at Parentis or Maguide, a welcome change from the daily grind of swimming.
Last but not least, follow the "sentier du petit étang" for a family-friendly walk in the shade of the pine trees. It's a great way to escape the heat in summer. Although you can picnic by the lake, several restaurants dot its shores. It's a real pleasure to dine on local dishes by the lake, with a superb view of the Landes region!
5. Roquefort-des-Landes-d'Armagnac, medieval village
Make no mistake, this is not where you'll find the famous cheese, which is made in Roquefort de l'Aveyron! In Roquefort-des-Landes-d'Armagnac, the town's church of Sainte-Marie, ramparts and arena still bear witness to its historic past. Here, you can take your time to explore the peaceful surroundings, listening to the cicadas sing their summer song. On your way, the old towers of the Château de Marsan will catch your eye... It's a pretty, unpretentious little old village, but its very special charm makes for a pleasant interlude during your vacation.
6. Capbreton, the charm of the Landes
Capbreton, the charm of the Landes© yvon52 - Adobe Stock
If you're planning an extended weekend, Capbreton and the Landes region in general are ideal destinations. Here too, it's impossible to miss the magnificent waves that beckon surfers like mermaids beckon sailors... and understandably so! The temptation is great, very great, to get on a board and take on the Atlantic. This small seaside resort is appreciated for the relative calm it offers, compared to Hossegor. You clearly won't be alone on the beach, as the place is well known, but it's still possible to find a little more serenity here. Extend your visit by exploring the old streets of the town center. Finally, the nearby Forêt de Gascogne is a great place for the whole family to take a stroll.
7. Discover Mont-de-Marsan, a city of festivals and culture
Mont-de-Marsan, a city of festivities and culture© Migeli Barrios - Adobe Stock
Step away from the pines and beaches to discover the prefecture of Landes. In Mont-de-Marsan, in addition to the férias, you'll find an interesting heritage. This ancient medieval fortified town is full of surprises. Admire its ramparts, stroll along its Romanesque houses, visit the Madeleine church... That's it, you've begun to discover the town and its history!
On the artistic side, sculpture seems to be the heart of the town. The "Mont-de-Marsan Sculptures" event and the Musée Despiau-Wlerick are just two examples.
Round off your visit to the town with a little shopping, and you've got the recipe for a successful vacation.
8. Mimizan, a water sports paradise
Mimizan beach© marketanovakova - Adobe Stock
At Mimizan-plage, everything is designed to suit every holidaymaker. There are a total of 6 beaches throughout the town, catering for families and thrill-seekers alike. Three beaches have also been designed to accommodate people with reduced mobility.
Water sports available on these beaches include :
- surfing and kite surfing (of course!),
- wave skiing
- jet skiing,
- bodyboarding.
In short, there's something for everyone! Mimizan and the surrounding area also boasts a number of interesting scuba diving spots. The town also welcomes holidaymakers to its Landes Aventure park. This forest acrobatic park is fun for all the family! Follow the courses between the trees, let loose on the zip lines... It's a visit that's sure to leave you with excellent memories!
Finally, for a bucolic stroll, head for the Promenade Fleurie, on the shores of Lac d'Aureilhan. Its 400 species of flowers and other plants will delight the senses.
9. Cycling and mountain biking through the Landes pines
Cycling and mountain biking through the Landes pines© Eric Cowez - Adobe Stock
The landscapes of the Landes are beautiful and relatively flat. Sportsmen and women alike can enjoy cycling and walking. Cycling is particularly encouraged in the Landes, with no less than 600 km of cycle paths. Whether it's for your daily commute, a stroll along a lake or a ride through a pine forest, cycling is a must! You can get around more responsibly and with less stress, while enjoying your vacation in peace. That's another thing we love about cycling: it forces us to slow down a little... to take our time. As you can see, cycle touring is a way of life in the Landes, and there are many lovely trails to discover!
10. Gastronomy: sample the specialities of the South-West!
Foie gras© M.studio - Adobe Stock
Gastronomy is an integral part of the culture of southwest France. It's enjoyed throughout France, and even internationally. Among the must-try dishes, don't miss :
- foie gras,
- duck breast,
- chicken from Saint-Sever,
- chalosse beef,
-armagnac (a great classic!),
- adour kiwi fruit,
- asparagus from the Landes sands.
Regional markets are the perfect place to find these exceptional dishes. Excellent restaurants, such as the Relais de la Poste in Magescq, offer succulent, well-cooked local dishes.
11. Relax at the Dax thermal baths
Woman in the thermal baths© fovivafoto - Adobe Stock
There are many spas in the Landes region. The best-known, however, are the thermal baths in Dax. The Borda thermal baths, for example, have a very good reputation. The facilities are bright, modern and very pleasant to relax in. Enjoy a wide range of water activities, relaxation and treatments. Now that the vacations are here, it's time to treat yourself to a wellness break! An energetic massage or a few pilatherapy sessions are just the thing. All this and much more can be found at the thermal baths in Dax, or any other spa town in the Landes region.
On-site, long and mini-cures are available. Remember to book yours well in advance of your vacation! Those who just want to relax for half a day can do so too.
12. Eugénie-les-Bains, the benefits of spring water
Landes pine© PhotoLoren - Adobe Stock
Let's continue our tour of the Landes thermal baths at Eugénie-les-Bains, a major spa resort. The town takes its name from Napoleon III's wife, Empress Eugénie de Montijo. The Thermes du Soleil awaits you for a wellness cure in a relaxing green setting.
In addition to this main activity, the town has many other points of interest to offer:
- hiking trails,
- a boulodrome,
- fountains and gardens in the municipal park,
- the water memory circuit,
- the health trail,
- mini-golf,
- the orchid trail,
- a rose garden.
Wellness is at the heart of this charming Landes village. You can spend a day here, or an entire weekend, without ever getting bored!
13. Soustons, the green isle
Soustons, ?l?isle verte?© Image'in - Adobe Stock
The many lakes in this département are perfect for families. They allow you to enjoy the pleasures of swimming, without taking risks in the sometimes violent waves of the Atlantic. In Soustons, you can choose from no fewer than 5 lakes, set in the heart of the Landes pine forests. Real little havens of peace!
A vacation in Soustons means there's always something to do. On the water, you can enjoy a variety of water sports, such as stand-up paddling or pedal boating. On land, there are numerous cycling and walking trails. In particular, you'll find a "voie verte" linking Soustons to Vieux-Boucau, between lake and ocean.
For family fun, we recommend the Pop Corn Labyrinth. Its course, complete with wooden games, is great fun for young and old alike!
14. Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park
Wagon at the Marquèze Ecomuseum© Dimitri - Adobe Stock
Ecotourism enthusiasts, welcome to the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park, where nature is in its purest form! The biodiversity that flourishes here is unique. Plants and pollinators take pride of place here, to the delight of hikers (on foot, horseback, canoe or bike, take your pick!). Within this park of over 336,000 hectares, a host of activities await you, including :
- the Marquèze ecomuseum,
- the Leyre valleys,
- the contemporary art forest,
- lagoons, etc.
There's also a range of eco-tourism vacation accommodation on site, to complete your green vacation. We invite you to contact the tourist office closest to your vacation destination. They'll be able to tell you where to go for a walk or a discovery tour in this immense natural park!
15. Explore the Landes on horseback
Landes forest on horseback© Photo Passion - Adobe Stock
From the age of 8, it's possible to go for a ride on horseback. Ride through the forest and fill your lungs with the pure, pine-scented air! These rides are open to both experienced and novice riders. Even better, you can book a horseback ride on the beach. Some offer a combination of both: you start in the forest, then arrive on the beach at Contis. A magical and unforgettable experience lasting around 2 hours!
To book your activity, head for the La Prade equestrian center or the Biscarrosse Laouadie equestrian center, to name but a few. The duration of horseback rides varies from place to place. They can last from half an hour to two or three hours... Depending on your expectations and your level of riding ability, you can choose from among the many service providers in the Landes region. We recommend short rides with children.
16. Spend a day at the Moliets golf course
Moliets-et-Maa© patrickmiramont - Adobe Stock
With its 2 Robert Trent Jones-designed courses, the Moliets golf course is one of the most popular in the world. The sandy terrain is ideal for this type of sport. The setting is superb, all the more reason to book a round!
Tennis courts are also available. So you're all set to spend a sporty day at Moliets-et-Maa during your stay! Golf enthusiasts will also find other courses in Hossegor and Seignosse.
The golf restaurant is open all summer. The menu is regularly renewed, to vary the pleasures. But don't forget to make a reservation, as this renowned sports complex attracts many people.
17. Hossegor, between surf, beaches and relaxation
Hossegor© peapop - Adobe Stock
Here we are in Hossegor, a must-see town in the Landes region, to round off this top 17! You'll be able to enjoy a few days of idyllic swimming , as the town's beach is one of the most beautiful in France. As we mentioned, it's also a mecca for surfers. Thanks to the Gouf, a deep underwater canyon, superb waves are created by the rapid rise of the seabed close to the coast. It's this phenomenon that creates the famous wave so beloved by surfers: La Nord!
Hossegor is also a pleasant place to stroll along the Basque-Landes-style houses. Take the time to discover the many designer boutiques in this area, adored by many artists.
In short, Hossegor is a great place to live! So much so, in fact, that Hossegor is one of the most popular retirement towns in France.
How do I get to the Landes?
Although you can reach the Landes by car, the A63 freeway has created a real stir in the region. This freeway replaces the former RN10, which was free of charge. So you have a choice: go faster and pay for the freeway (as is often the case when you go on vacation), or take the smaller roads nearby, such as the D947.
Flying is another good way to get to your vacation destination. You can land in Biarritz or Bordeaux, depending on where you've rented your vacation home.
If you take the train instead, there are more arrival points:
- Bordeaux,
- Dax,
- Bayonne,
- Biarritz.
If you can book a direct line from Paris, it will take you just 3 hours to get to the Landes.
What are the most beautiful villages in the Landes?
Located south of Mimizan, not far from the Atlantic, the village of Mézos is adorable. With its forest, typical Landes houses and small shops, it's a delight to discover this charming Landes village. The Mézos campsite is also very pretty.
Among the great classics, Mimizan and Hossegor also offer undeniable charm. There's plenty to do, and it's great to stroll the streets and do a little vacation shopping.
We also invite you to discover Labastide-d'Armagnac, whose large Place Royale is one of the most beautiful in the département. From here, you'll pass under picturesque arcades that lead you on a voyage of discovery.
Finally, Azur and its famous pontoon. The Azur pontoon is surely one of the most beautiful places in the Landes to admire a sunset!
Where to go as a couple in the Landes?
Fancy a romantic getaway in the Landes? It's the ideal place for lovers! The Couchant d'Huchet nature reserve is a perfect place to start. It links the Etang de Léon to the Atlantic Ocean. Join a boatman: he'll show you this magical place, inviting you to curl up together and admire the surrounding wild landscape.
In the same spirit, follow the Contis current in a canoe. You'll be paddling in the shade of the trees, in an unspoilt natural setting. A bucolic place to be!
From Capbreton, you can also rent a sailboat. Let yourself be guided by experienced skippers and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. Finish off with a romantic dinner at Saint Jean des Sables, a romantic restaurant in Hossegor.
What unusual places to visit in the Landes?
Les Landes isn't just about beaches, surfing and pine forests. It's also possible to enjoy some unusual adventures. To begin with, let's head for Losse and, more specifically, the Montcaut springs. As is often the case at these springs, rags are hung from the trees after ablutions. When the rag falls off, the ailment is cured! An astonishing and unusual sight!
At the Parc naturel régional des Landes de Gascogne, we recommend a visit to the Forêt d'Art contemporain. Here, contemporary art is showcased in an original way to arouse visitors' curiosity.
Further afield, imagine a great natural amphitheatre... Set course for the Tercis Quarries Regional Geological Nature Reserve, in Tercis-les-Bains. This area, also known as the Petit Canyon du Grand Dax, boasts some astonishing geological formations. A must-see!
The Landes department is full of resources. Of course, swimming and surfing enthusiasts will be delighted. It's also an ideal place for families, who can have fun in the forest or in the department's many lakes. Whether you're away for a weekend or a long vacation, you can be sure of one thing: you'll come back refreshed from your trip to Nouvelle-Aquitaine!
