The Atlantic coast, endless beaches and lively resorts
The Atlantic coastline is one of the region’s major attractions. From Biscarrosse to Lacanau via Hossegor and Arcachon, you’ll discover long stretches of fine sandy beaches bordering the ocean. It’s a vibrant area, popular for water sports: surfing, bodyboarding, paddleboarding, or simply swimming and relaxing. Resorts such as Lacanau, Hossegor and Arcachon offer a lively atmosphere with markets, harbours and seafront promenades. The coast is also home to major natural sites such as the Dune du Pilat, which overlooks the Arcachon basin and offers an exceptional view of the ocean and the forest.
The Landes, between pine forests and large lakes
Moving away from the coast, you enter the Landes, a vast forest massif composed mainly of maritime pines. It is a region shaped by nature, with long roads cutting through the forest and a sense of endless space. The lakes of the Landes, such as Biscarrosse, Sanguinet and Parentis-en-Born, offer a quieter alternative to the ocean. Here you can swim, go paddleboarding, canoeing or simply relax in the heart of nature. The region is also ideal for cycling, particularly thanks to the Vélodyssée, which crosses the coast and the forest along long, safe cycle paths.
Bordeaux and the vineyards, between city and countryside
In the north of the Landes, Bordeaux is a large, vibrant city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Straddling the Garonne, it charms visitors with its historic centre, its developed quays and its cultural atmosphere. Around the city, the landscapes are dominated by vineyards. The Saint-Émilion region is particularly iconic, with its stone villages, wine châteaux and listed landscapes. It is an ideal destination for combining urban exploration, heritage and wine tourism.
The Dordogne: a journey back in time
Further east, the Dordogne offers a more undulating and rural landscape. The Vézère Valley is one of the region’s most remarkable sites, known for its cliff-lined landscapes and tranquil rivers. It is also a key area for prehistory, with numerous listed sites and decorated caves. Villages such as Les Eyzies and Montignac offer a chance to explore this exceptional heritage. The area is also dotted with castles, gardens and ancient villages that reinforce the feeling of travelling back in time.
A region of many faces
What makes Nouvelle-Aquitaine so rich is the diversity of its landscapes. Within a few dozen kilometres, you can go from the ocean to forests, from vineyards to prehistoric valleys. It is a well-rounded region, offering a mix of swimming, nature, culture and heritage exploration.
Camping as a base
In all this, the campsite plays a special role. It is not merely a practical solution. It becomes a fixed point in a changing landscape. Some campsites, such as Camping Le Vivier or Camping Lou Pignada, sit directly within this continuum between forest and ocean. In the Vézère valley, Camping Le Paradis gives the impression of camping on the edge of a bygone era. And near Lacanau, Les Grands Pins offers a more comfortable option, almost enveloped by the forest.
To discover the region in all its diversity, there are numerous campsites in Nouvelle-Aquitaine where you can stay close to the ocean, the Landes forests or the valleys of the Dordogne.