Nestled between the hustle and bustle of Gironde and the magnetic Basque Country, the region has never ceased to claim its authenticity to rank its pin in the game. The heart of the Landes beats between the three emblematic seaside resorts: Seignosse, Hossegor and Capbreton, halfway between path between ocean and pine forest.
Overview of the charms of this little piece of France.
Read alsoHossegor, Capbreton ... The best waves in autumn
Explore "the Landes Amazon"
Local curiosity, the current of Huchet is a water course which takes its source in the charming lake of Léon, before meandering in the wooded dunes to the ocean, in Moliets.
We descend it on a galupe, in the company of a boatman who reveals the secrets of the flora and fauna of this nature reserve, during the 10 km ride.
Its mouth forms one of the most beautiful beaches in the region and nature deploys its range of assets: the green of the forest, the blue of the ocean and the white of the fine sand, in a wild and moving setting.
Guided hikes are also organized from the ocean.
Arrive at the end of the day, when the fading light sets the scene ablaze.
House of the Reserve, Berges du lac, Léon.
Phone.
: 05 58 48 73 91. Guided tours on foot or on the water, lasting 2, 3 or 4 hours with a boatman (the longest goes to the mouth).
Count 15 to 25 € per person.
Surf with the pros
Santocha beach, popular with surfers.
OT Landes South Atlantic
It is the essential activity that has shaped Landes culture over the years.
To return to the origins of the local practice, we offer a course at the Santocha Capbreton Surf and Skate club.
Iconic, it was created in 1975 by pioneers of local surfing.
You can take group lessons (maximum 8 people) or individually on Santocha beach.
To deepen your surf culture, head to one of the many specialist shops in Hossegor or to restaurants imbued with the spirit of sport.
End of the day at Jo & Joe, a trendy and relaxed haunt for surfers.
Santocha Capbreton Surf and Skate, 3 rue de la Savane, Capbreton.
1h30 lesson, 40 € / person in group, 70 € individually.
Reservations on 06 43 92 98 86.
Think of yourself as a rider
The horse is a beautiful way to cross the Landes forest, between pines and spray.
OT Landes South Atlantic
In the fall, the Equestrian Center of La Prade organizes horseback rides, between pines and sea spray.
A great way to cross the Landes forest on a 12-kilometer circuit (adaptable according to level) to the ocean.
Jean-Pierre and Hélène, the owners of the center, willingly share their knowledge of the history of the country and the local flora.
The Hollywood gallop is abandoned in favor of a gentle, almost meditative ride.
Advice to the daring: dare to leave at sunset, with a return in the dark night, in the heart of the forest!
La Prade Equestrian Center, 1801 route de la Côte d'Argent, Messanges.
Phone.
: 09 81 32 32 35. Around 2 hours of walking, € 42 per person by reservation (minimum 3 people).
Paddle on Lake Hossegor
The Hossegor lake, an ideal environment for the practice of SUP.
OT Landes South Atlantic
Those who do not dare to jump into the waves can try the stand up paddle, or the Hawaiian canoe, very popular here too. More accessible sports practices, which allow you to serenely discover Lake Hossegor, with its unique charm. 2.3km long, bordered by several beaches, it is connected to the ocean by the canal and lives to the rhythm of the tides. From its boat, you can admire the beautiful Basque-Landes houses which border it and make it famous. Imposing and timeless buildings, with their typical local architecture, they make walkers dream. Our advice: you can extend the walk around the lake, along the golf course and do not fail to go and have a look at the Sporting Casino in the city.
Hossegor lake paddle, 2467 avenue du Touring club de France, Soorts-Hossegor.
Phone.
: 07 84 55 44 79. 15 € / hour for a stand-up paddle, 45 € for a Hawaiian canoe (4 people).
Read also48 hours in Hossegor, between healthy canteens, surf culture and breath of ocean air
Reach the
"
green grail
"
Moliets golf course, overlooking the ocean.
OT Landes South Atlantic
Like board sports, golf is an integral part of the local atmosphere.
The region has four sites, including that of Moliets with a view of the ocean.
Designated by the famous Robert Trent Jones, it crosses the forest to the beach, with a driving range stuck to the dune.
Enough to perfect your swing in a privileged setting.
Once the 18 holes are over, we stop in the pretty village of Moliets, which has preserved its houses with their typical architecture.
Also worth seeing, the Maâ district and the Saint-Laurent chapel.
Another atmosphere at the Hill Golf Center in Hossegor, an
indoor
room
where it is possible to take lessons and train on simulators.
Golf de Moliets, rue Mathieu Desbieys.
Phone.
: 05 58 48 54 65. 80 € the green fee.
Meet the fishermen
Capbreton is home to the only port in the Landes.
OT Landes South Atlantic
The only port in the Landes, Capbreton hosts a daily fish market where fishermen (from the 19 boats in the port) come to sell their catch.
The opportunity to buy ultra-fresh products and collect some valuable cooking tips.
Those less skilled in the kitchen will sit down at Goustut, a locavore restaurant masterfully run by Patrice Lubet, a former Michelin-starred chef who gives pride of place to regional fish and cooking over a wood fire.
Do not leave without tasting the Mitchut pastis, a typical cake with flavors of rum, vanilla and brown sugar, concocted by the chef according to his mother's recipe.
Fish market, every day next to the Maison du Port, Capbreton.
Every day from 9 a.m. to noon and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. depending on arrival.
Goustut, Quai de la Pêcherie, Capbreton.
Phone.
: 05 58 42 18 38.
Pedal along the Adour
The Saubusse bridge, a village of character on the banks of the Adour.
OT Landes South Atlantic
Let's go inland, towards Dax, for a bicycle ride on a portion of the Scandibérique, the famous European cycle route linking Trondheim (Norway) to Santiago de Compostela (Spain).
Nothing better than the little queen to cross the region along the Adour where the village of Saubusse, its 13th century Romanesque church and its stone houses by the water sits enthroned.
Small spa, you can also treat yourself to a Landes treatment or massage to recover.
La Marquèze nautical base, 2535 chemin de Halage, Josse.
Phone.
: 07 85 26 23 29. Bike rental from 15 to 30 € per day.
Sleep in a nature reserve
The lodgings for rent in the heart of the reserve for a successful immersion.
OT Landes South Atlantic
The Orx Marsh Nature Reserve is a 700-hectare natural space, home to nearly 250 species of birds, wintering or migrating. Beyond the ornithological interest, the walk is pleasant thanks to the variety of landscapes: bodies of water, reed beds, willow plantations, meadows ... The visit can be done freely according to the trails or with a guide naturalist, who opens access to privileged areas for observing flora and fauna. The place of choice for a breath of fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the coast. Want a total immersion? There are lodgings for rent in the heart of the reserve, bathed in the most beautiful lights on the site.
6.2 km round trip interpretation trail.
1005 route du Marais, Labenne.
Phone.
: 05 59 45 42 46. Guided tours by reservation: 9:30 am to 12 noon, € 7.5 per person.
Practical notebook
OR SLEEP
The hydrangeas of the lake
A chic and contemporary hotel on the shores of Lake Hossegor, with a superb swimming pool, spa and excellent food.
The must: the suite with a view of the lake and its Nordic bath.
Until September 27, the Cabane des Estagnots (on the eponymous beach) is a perfect spot to have a drink and nibble on tapas with your feet in the sand.
The must: the suite with a view of the lake and its Nordic bath.
Around € 180 per night.
Les Hortensias du Lac, 1578 avenue du Tour du lac, Soorts-Hossegor.
Phone.
: 05 58 43 99 00.
Read alsoHotel Les Hortensias du Lac, in Hossegor: the expert opinion of Le Figaro
The Coco Barn Wood Lodge
Corenthine and Antoine have imagined an iconoclastic guest house in the heart of the forest, with three adorable wooden houses decorated in a bohemian chic spirit, a barn and a swimming pool.
Our favorite: the cabin on the edge of the stream and its outdoor bathtub.
From 140 € for a double room.
Le Coco Barn, Angresse.
Phone.
: 06 58 06 27 59.
GOOD TABLES
The Villa Étang Blanc
Magnificent hotel, famous for its Michelin-starred restaurant and elegant champagne bar under the trees.
The chef mainly cooks products sourced within a radius of 15 km.
Unique tasting menu at € 75 per person.
The Villa Étang Blanc, D432, Seignosse.
The Little Table
A bistronomic restaurant that showcases local products, starting with good fish from the port.
La Petite Table, 7 quai de la Pêcherie, Capbreton.
Phone.
: 05 58 72 36 72.
