Discover Landes | A Visitor's Introduction to Landes

Why is Landes Worth a Visit?

Landes is worth visiting for its unspoiled natural beauty, peaceful towns, and strong traditions. It’s home to one of the largest man-made forests in Europe – the Forêt des Landes – providing a haven for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and birdwatching. Along the Atlantic coast, expansive beaches and powerful waves attract surfers and sunseekers, while the inland areas are steeped in local customs, thermal spas, and culinary delights.

Whether you're enjoying a barefoot walk along the Dune de Contis, soaking in thermal waters at Dax, or tucking into foie gras at a local farm, Landes is full of authentic experiences. It’s a region where time slows down, offering visitors a chance to reconnect with nature, indulge in fine regional cuisine, and discover hidden corners of rural France.

Landes Highlights: Things to See and Do in Landes

Dax

Dax is the spa capital of France, renowned for its thermal waters and mud treatments since Roman times. Today, it’s a popular destination for wellness tourism, offering a range of thermal baths and spas. Stroll around its Roman ramparts, visit the beautiful Cathédrale Notre-Dame, or unwind at the Thermes de l'Avenue. The city also comes alive during the annual Feria de Dax, one of France’s largest festivals.

Hossegor

A chic seaside town with a distinctly Californian vibe, Hossegor is famous for surfing, boutique shopping, and its stylish cafés. It's home to some of Europe’s best surf spots, including La Gravière, which hosts World Surf League competitions. When not riding the waves, visitors can enjoy the lakeside promenade, artisan markets, or a round of golf at the Hossegor Golf Club.

Biscarrosse

Located in the northern part of Landes, Biscarrosse is a family-friendly destination with both ocean beaches and inland lakes. It’s ideal for water sports such as paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing. The town also has a fascinating Hydraviation Museum, celebrating France’s seaplane history. Nearby forest trails and cycle paths make it easy to explore the surrounding nature.

Forêt des Landes

This vast pine forest, stretching across Landes, offers a green haven for outdoor lovers. It’s crisscrossed with hundreds of kilometres of cycling and walking paths, part of the larger Vélodyssée route. The forest also shelters diverse wildlife and peaceful picnic spots, making it perfect for day-long explorations or relaxed strolls under the canopy.

Mimizan

Mimizan offers a lovely blend of beach and forest. Mimizan-Plage is a popular resort with wide sandy beaches, a lively promenade, and summer activities like beach volleyball and open-air concerts. Inland, the town of Mimizan is home to a 13th-century priory with UNESCO-listed frescoes, as well as tranquil lakes ideal for fishing and kayaking.

Cap de l’Homy

Often described as one of the wildest and most beautiful beaches in Landes, Cap de l’Homy is a peaceful alternative to busier seaside spots. Surrounded by dunes and forests, it’s a favourite for campers, surfers, and nature lovers. The sunsets here are spectacular, and the atmosphere is low-key and welcoming.

Mont-de-Marsan

The prefecture of Landes, Mont-de-Marsan is a charming town with three rivers and a lively cultural scene. The town’s heritage includes medieval fortifications, the Donjon Lacataye tower, and the Despiau-Wlérick Museum of sculpture. It’s also known for the Festival Arte Flamenco, which brings a Spanish flair to the region each July.

Léon and the Courant d’Huchet

Léon is a lovely inland village near Lake Léon, ideal for family holidays and nature activities. A real highlight here is the Courant d’Huchet Nature Reserve, often dubbed the “Amazon of the Landes”. You can take a guided boat trip down this winding stream, passing through rich ecosystems of marshes and forests before reaching the ocean.

Saint-Sever

This historic town in southern Landes is known for its Benedictine abbey and rich Gascon heritage. The Abbey Church of Saint-Sever is a Romanesque masterpiece and part of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route. The town also hosts an excellent Saturday market featuring local specialities like duck confit and Armagnac.

Seignosse

Just north of Hossegor, Seignosse is another surf-friendly town with laid-back charm. Seignosse Océan is perfect for beach activities and catching waves, while Seignosse Bourg offers a quiet village centre and access to the beautiful Étang Noir nature reserve. Golfers will also enjoy the highly-rated Golf de Seignosse course, surrounded by pine trees and rolling dunes.

Labenne and Labenne Zoo

Labenne is a small coastal town great for families, with safe beaches, a coastal forest, and a local zoo. Labenne Zoo houses animals from five continents and is especially popular with young children. Nearby, you can explore dune trails and bird sanctuaries, making it an educational and fun destination.

Moliets-et-Maa

This relaxed resort town sits on the edge of a forest and ocean, offering wide beaches, scenic walking paths, and a golf course among the pines. The Plage de Moliets is rarely overcrowded, even in summer, and the town hosts open-air markets and surf schools throughout the warmer months.

Ecomusée de Marquèze

This open-air museum in Sabres offers a glimpse into rural life in 19th-century Landes. Visitors are transported by heritage train into a recreated traditional village, complete with period homes, costumed actors, and demonstrations of historic farming techniques. It’s both informative and entertaining, especially for families.

Aire-sur-l'Adour

At the crossroads of the Armagnac and Landes regions, this historic town lies along the Camino de Santiago and offers a mix of Roman and medieval heritage. Its quiet streets, riverside setting, and gothic cathedral make it a peaceful detour for those exploring inland Landes.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

Landes is accessible via multiple routes. The nearest major airport is Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (around 1 hour from the southern part of Landes), with Bordeaux Airport serving the northern end. High-speed TGV trains run to Dax and Mont-de-Marsan from Paris and Bordeaux. Driving is often the best way to explore the rural and coastal areas, with the A63 motorway connecting Landes to other parts of France.

Parking

Most towns in Landes have ample free or low-cost parking, especially outside summer months. At the coast, parking near the beach can be busy in July and August, so it’s advisable to arrive early or use shuttle services where available. Campsites and beach resorts often have designated parking areas.

Dining

Landes cuisine is rooted in the traditions of Gascony, known for rich flavours and quality produce. Duck is king here – expect dishes like duck confit, magret de canard, and foie gras on most menus. Other local treats include tourtière (apple pastry with Armagnac), asparagus from Magescq, and Chalosse beef. For seafood, head to the coast for fresh mussels, hake, and oysters. Many towns also host weekly markets brimming with cheese, charcuterie, and seasonal fruits.

Shopping

Markets are a way of life in Landes. Dax, Saint-Sever, and Mont-de-Marsan have excellent weekly markets where locals stock up on produce, wine, and handicrafts. For souvenirs, look out for traditional espadrilles, artisanal soaps, and woven baskets. Surf shops and boutiques in Hossegor and Seignosse offer stylish beachwear and local brands.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Landes is from late spring to early autumn. May to June offers pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes, while July and August bring beach weather and lively festivals. September is ideal for quieter travel, with warm days and thinning crowds. Winter is very peaceful, particularly inland, and some coastal resorts partially close during the off-season.

Local Events

Landes has a strong festival culture rooted in its Gascon traditions. The Feria de Dax in August is the biggest event, with bullfighting, music, and street parties. Other highlights include the Mont-de-Marsan Flamenco Festival in July and local fêtes in towns like Hossegor and Léon during summer. Many villages hold summer night markets with food stalls, live music, and regional wines.

Exploring Beyond Landes

Landes is well-placed for discovering the wider southwest. To the south, the Basque Country and Biarritz are just over an hour away, offering striking architecture and rich culture. Head east into the Gers for a deeper dive into Armagnac country and Gascon heritage. To the north, the vineyards of Bordeaux and the beaches of Arcachon Bay make for perfect day trips or weekend add-ons.

Whether you’re surfing the Atlantic, soaking in a spa, or tasting foie gras under the shade of plane trees, Landes offers an experience that is quintessentially French yet delightfully under the radar. With its mix of coast, forest, and tradition, this tranquil corner of Nouvelle-Aquitaine invites visitors to slow down and savour every moment.