What to see in France

Landes, camping between the ocean, lakes and forest

De Atlantische Oceaan in Les Landes
De Atlantische Oceaan in Les Landes

A department of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, Landes is part of South-West France. It lies on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, with over a hundred kilometres of coastline flanked by dunes. A paradise for surfers, it also has immense lakes with calm water and the largest pine forest in France. Most of the department is covered in pine trees and consequently has many cycle paths running through it. Landes is therefore an ideal destination for a happy holiday.

Campsites in the Landes

For lovers of nature and wide open spaces, the Landes is the perfect place to go camping. And conversely, camping is a great way to discover this beautiful part of southern Nouvelle-Aquitaine. There are nearly 200 campsites in the Landes, spread throughout the department to better serve you. In addition to being in a magnificent location, you will enjoy kids' clubs, lively evenings and pleasant water parks during the hot summer months. Below is a selection of three campsites to help you make your choice.

On the shores of Lake Biscarrosse, the Resort La Rive ***** campsite offers a full range of mobile homes and chalets. Here, everything has been designed for your comfort and a five-star holiday.

Camping Resort La Rive/Camping Landes
Camping Resort La Rive/Camping Landes© iStock

 

Camping Le Vieux Port ***** (formerly Village Resort & Spa le Vieux-Port) is a comfortable campsite located in Messanges, with direct access to the beach and entertainment from the moment it opens. You can enjoy a wellness area, a mini club and an equestrian centre.

Camping Vieux Port / Camping Landes
Camping Vieux Port / Camping Landes© iStock

Further south, in Labenne, the La Mer **** campsite is located 700 metres from the beach and has a large number of cycle paths and a surf school.

Camping La Mer / Camping Landes
Camping La Mer / Camping Landes© iStock

Finally, the Sen Yan ***** campsite in Mézos offers quality services, entertainment and shows, all close to the beaches of the Landes.

Camping Sen Yan / Camping Landes
Camping Sen Yan / Camping Landes© iStock

By the ocean

Ideal for walking or cycling, pine forests cover three-quarters of the commune of Messanges, which also boasts 5 kilometres of beaches and two lakes. The perfect combination for a family holiday and very representative of the Landes region.

 

Cycle path in the Landes forest
Cycle path in the Landes forest© Adobe Stock

 

Seignosse, with its endless beaches, is one of the most unspoilt towns in the Landes region. The fact that the seafront is free of buildings is to its credit, as is its vast pine forest that hides the houses.

It is its marine lake that gave its name to the town of Hossegor, the chic resort on the Landes coast. Everyone will be charmed by this European surfing town, which offers a range of attractions including golf, architecture with Basque-Landes style villas, and a festive atmosphere with summer entertainment and surfing competitions.

Surfing in Hossegor in Les Landes
Surfing in Hossegor in Les Landes© Adobe Stock

Both a seaside resort and a marina, Capbreton stands out for its port, the only one in the department. It is also famous for its long wooden pier (the estacade), which offers a magnificent view of the sea. There is a summer atmosphere here, enhanced by the town's eight fine sandy beaches.

Labenne is the ultimate family resort. People come here for its magnificent beach, its seaside restaurants and its view of the Pyrenees. They return for its bike rides, water park, zoo, adventure course and skate park, as well as its playgrounds and the superb Marais d'Orx nature reserve, home to more than 250 species of birds.

Lit et Mixe is a small village that is well worth a visit for those who love holidays in the heart of nature. Here, you will find mainly unspoilt areas. A magnificent landscape, pine forests bordered by huge deserted beaches, but also small campsites, cycle paths and footpaths.

By the lakes

Close to the Arcachon basin, Lake Sanguinet straddles the Landes and Gironde departments. It is ideal for swimming with its many sandy beaches and water sports. Sanguinet is a model of quiet and relaxing holidays with its imposing forests offering beautiful walks and bike rides.

Like Lake Sanguinet, Lake Biscarrosse is one of the large lakes of the Landes region on the Aquitaine coast. You can enjoy supervised swimming in the summer, pedal boats and a picnic area near the lake. What's more, the town is nestled between the two lakes and is only about 30 kilometres from the Dune du Pilat.

Lake Biscarrosse in Les Landes
Lake Biscarrosse in Les Landes© Adobe Stock

Less than 10 kilometres from Biscarrosse, the town of Parentis enjoys the same lake and a privileged location on the southern shore. It has seen a resurgence of interest since the discovery of oil reserves that are still being exploited today. Fishing enthusiasts can fish for pikeperch, carp and pike.

Lake Mimizan is less well known than the previous lakes mentioned, but it still covers 340 hectares! You can enjoy all the water sports you desire here. Here too, the beaches are perfect for relaxing. Walkers can enjoy several themed trails, as well as a treetop adventure course and many cycle paths in the vast forest.

Flower-lined promenade in Mimizan
Flower-lined promenade in Mimizan© Adobe Stock

 

 

 

 

 

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