Lake Cazaux-Sanguinet, one of the two lakes in the Landes region bordering Biscarrosse
Straddling the border between the Landes and the Gironde, Lake Cazaux-Sanguinet, or “Lake Biscarrosse Nord”, and, further south, Lake Biscarrosse-Parentis, form one of the largest lake systems in France. Just a few kilometres apart and linked by the Landes Canal, they are often confused by holidaymakers. This confusion is heightened by the town of Biscarrosse, which stretches along both lakes and enjoys a prime location, with access to beaches, harbours and tourist facilities on each of the lakes.
Although they are very similar in size, their atmospheres differ significantly. Lake Biscarrosse-Parentis is the liveliest, with lifeguard-supervised beaches, marinas and a wide range of water sports, including motorised activities. In contrast, Lake Cazaux-Sanguinet appeals for its more unspoilt setting, its often wooded shores and a calmer atmosphere, ideal for recharging your batteries and enjoying gentle activities.
Among the lake’s iconic spots are Maguide and Navarrosse. These areas, very popular with holidaymakers, offer well-equipped beaches, marinas and access to tourist facilities, whilst retaining a pleasant natural setting. They perfectly illustrate the lake’s contrast: spaces that are both welcoming and unspoilt, far from the livelier bustle of Biscarrosse-Parentis.
When it comes to choosing, the difference therefore lies not in their size, but in the experience you’re looking for: on the one hand, a lively, family-friendly lake; on the other, a wilder environment, where calm and nature reign supreme.
Where to stay around Lake Cazaux-Sanguinet?
Around sixty campsites around the Landes lakes of Cazaux and Biscarrosse allow you to make the most of swimming, water sports and the surrounding nature. Here is a selection of campsites located on the shores of Lake Cazaux:
Campsites on Lake Cazaux, Biscarrosse side
The MaGuide**** campsite offers a friendly atmosphere with direct access to the beach and an on-site restaurant, ideal for families looking to combine relaxation and leisure by the lake. For a luxury stay, Mayotte Vacances***** offers comfortable facilities and modern accommodation, perfect for a relaxing break by the lake. Also in Biscarrosse, the Navarrosse Plage**** campsite lets you enjoy swimming and the lake in pleasant surroundings, with areas suited to families and water-based activities. Finally, the Resort La Rive***** campsite stands out for its water park and private beach, offering a complete experience for families and water sports enthusiasts.
Campsites on Lake Cazaux, Sanguinet side
On the Sanguinet side, the campsites combine comfort with proximity to nature. Sanguinet Plage***** offers direct access to the beach and the lake, whilst boasting top-of-the-range facilities suitable for families. Le Lac de Sanguinet***** is geared towards swimming and water sports, with accommodation just a stone’s throw from the water. The Domaine les Oréades***** campsite, situated just 150 metres from the lake, offers easy access to the water and a pleasant setting to enjoy the peace and nature. For those seeking a more intimate and simple setting, the Langeot** campsite, 400 metres from the lake, offers a peaceful, family-friendly experience right by the water.
Beaches on Lake Cazaux-Sanguinet: where to swim?
Cazaux-Sanguinet offers a wide variety of beaches, ranging from easily accessible, well-maintained areas to more natural spots where you can enjoy an unspoilt environment. With its fresh, clear and generally shallow water, it is an ideal setting for swimming, particularly for families seeking safety and tranquillity.
Developed, family-friendly beaches
Several beaches around the lake are specially equipped to welcome visitors in comfort. On the Gironde side, Cazaux-Lac beach stands out as one of the most popular. Easily accessible and lined with fine sand, it appeals to families thanks to its gentle slope and supervised areas during the season. Not far from there, La Gemeyre beach offers an equally pleasant setting, with a good balance between facilities and nature, making it one of the most popular in the area.
On the Landes coast, the beaches of Les Bardets and Le Pavillon in Sanguinet round off the offering with well-maintained, accessible areas that are popular with families.
Overall, these beaches offer a good standard of facilities, with easy access, supervised swimming areas in summer and services that allow visitors to make the most of the lake.
The more natural and unspoilt beaches
Alongside these developed areas, Lake Cazaux-Sanguinet also retains more secluded spots, where the atmosphere is noticeably calmer and more natural. This is particularly true of Laouga beach, on the Gironde side, which charms visitors with its wooded surroundings and more moderate visitor numbers. It offers a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for getting away from the summer hustle and bustle.
On the Landes side, Caton Beach in Sanguinet also offers a more authentic experience. Less crowded than the larger beaches, it provides a pleasant setting, nestled between pine forests and calm waters, whilst remaining relatively accessible. The Navarosse area, meanwhile, is not a single beach but rather a collection of access points to the lake. Between the harbour, swimming areas and quieter spots, the atmosphere varies from place to place, allowing everyone to find a spot that suits their pace.
This diversity is what makes Cazaux-Sanguinet so special: within a few kilometres, you can easily move from a lively family beach to a wilder spot, where nature and tranquillity reign supreme.
What is there to do around Lake Cazaux-Sanguinet?
Beyond swimming, Lake Cazaux offers a wide variety of activities, from water sports and nature walks to cultural discoveries. Less bustling than its neighbour, Biscarrosse-Parentis, it provides a particularly pleasant setting for enjoying the lake at a more leisurely pace.
Water sports
With its calm, shallow waters, the lake is ideal for water sports. Stand-up paddleboarding, pedalos, canoeing, kayaking, kitesurfing, water skiing and dinghy sailing allow you to make the most of the water in complete tranquillity. These activities are particularly well-suited to families or those wishing to explore the lake at a leisurely pace, gliding along the water in the heart of a preserved natural environment.
For a more fun-filled experience, several areas of the lake also feature inflatable water attractions, such as the Biscarrosse water park near Port Maguide. Very popular in summer, they offer obstacle courses, slides and floating games, providing a dynamic alternative to traditional swimming, particularly for children and teenagers.
Fishing is also well catered for on the lake, which is renowned for its predatory fish and whitefish. Certain quieter areas, particularly near Sanguinet or Gastes, are particularly popular with enthusiasts.
Walks and hikes
The lake’s surroundings are perfect for exploring, whether on foot or by bike. With pine forests, woodland paths and cycle routes, the trails allow you to discover the typical landscapes of the Landes region, where water, sand and forest meet. These walks regularly offer beautiful views of the lake, with the atmosphere changing as the day goes on.
It is also an ideal setting for family outings, accessible and varied, far from the hustle and bustle of the major seaside resorts.
Nature and biodiversity
Lake Cazaux-Sanguinet is surrounded by rich natural habitats, combining wetlands, forests and reed beds. This diversity makes it a prime spot for observing flora and fauna. Birds, fish and aquatic vegetation all contribute to the site’s ecological balance.
Certain more unspoilt areas allow visitors to fully enjoy this natural environment, in a peaceful atmosphere conducive to contemplation. This is one of the lake’s major assets, as it retains a wilder character than other tourist sites in the region.
History and heritage
The lake also has a historical dimension that is often overlooked. Underwater archaeological excavations have unearthed remains of ancient human settlements, bearing witness to the presence of populations dating back to prehistoric times. These discoveries provide a better understanding of the area’s evolution, balancing human activities with the natural transformations of the landscape.
The Sanguinet Lake Museum offers visitors the chance to explore these remains and learn more about the history of the lake and its surroundings. A visit here provides further insight into the site, linking nature and heritage.
FAQ: choosing between Cazaux-Sanguinet and Biscarrosse-Parentis
1. Why is Cazaux-Sanguinet sometimes referred to as “North Biscarrosse Lake”?
The Cazaux-Sanguinet lake is often called “North Biscarrosse Lake” because it lies just north of the municipality of Biscarrosse, whilst Biscarrosse-Parentis Lake is to the south.
2. Can you travel from Lake Cazaux-Sanguinet to Lake Biscarrosse by boat or kayak?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Lake Cazaux-Sanguinet to Lake Biscarrosse-Parentis via the Landes Canal, which connects the two bodies of water. This route is accessible by kayak, paddleboard or boat, but it includes a lock at Navarrosse, which regulates the water level between the two lakes. This link allows you to experience two different atmospheres in a single trip, ranging from unspoilt nature to livelier areas.
3. Which is the best lake near Biscarrosse for a family swim?
For families with children, Cazaux-Sanguinet is ideal thanks to its lifeguard-supervised beaches, shallow areas and gentle water sports. Developed beaches such as Cazaux-Lac, Maguide or Bardets are perfect for easy and safe access. Biscarrosse-Parentis also offers family-friendly options, but with more entertainment and visitors.
4. Which lake near Biscarrosse should you choose for more nature and tranquillity?
Cazaux-Sanguinet retains more unspoilt and wild areas. Less crowded beaches such as Laouga, Caton or certain areas around Navarrosse allow you to enjoy swimming and activities without the crowds found in neighbouring Biscarrosse-Parentis.