We’ve moved in the Landes region in search of countryside, outdoors and ocean vibes -and something tells me we’ve picked the right place. We still have plenty to explore, but here’s a glimpse of the potential : our one week in the Landes itinerary.
Situated in Southwest France north of the Pays Basque, the department of Les Landes is the second widest in France. It holds a gorgeous variety of landscapes, with 100kms of coastline that makes some magnificent beaches. Besides that, there’s Europe’s biggest pine forest -a true wonderland for nature lovers. Lakes, hilly terrain, wetlands -there’s plenty to explore here. Planning to explore the area? Here’s our itinerary for a week in the Landes.
one week in the Landes itinerary
Although the season will make a difference on your trip, winters aren’t usually very cold, and there’s plenty to do all year long. Bare in mind that it rains. A lot -if you’re unlucky. Summer is hot, but crowded with surfers from all Europe. The atmosphere gets reaaally cool, with restaurants, bars and parties on the beach. Spring and fall are -for me- the best season: not too much people, beautiful weather, and warm enough to get in the water.
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day 1 - catching that wave - seignosse & hossegor
We know it -a day at the ocean is always a good idea. Get a board and run to the ocean to catch some waves in Les Estagnots beach -or any other around. If you’re not a big wave kind of person, you might get some quiet day and enjoy a SUP session. Seignosse and Hossegor’s beaches are also great for kitesurfing, when the conditions allow it. Oh, and if you’re feeling hot -too hot-, head to Les Culs Nuls (the naked butts), the nudist beach! If you dare…
Feeling hungry? From April to October, you’ll enjoy what we call “les paillottes”, temporary restaurants placed on the beaches. La Cabane des Estagnots in Seignosse, Lou Cabana in Hossegor and Terramar in Capbreton are some of our favs.
After your surf session, head to Hossegor’s lovely city center for an ice cream or a French crepe at Les Glaces Romane, some shopping in the surf shops, concept stores and jewellery shops. Le Cafe de Paris is very popular for a people-watching-coffee.
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day 2 - flying above that lake - biscarrosse
Biscarrosse is known for its magnificent lake. An ideal spot for a stand up paddle session, but also sand watching, water skiing, hiking and even horse riding. It’s also the French capital of seaplane. Where you can visit the museum, organise a sightseeing flight, and also learn how to fly for beginner pilot as well as professional. Or just admire the planes land on the water from the shore.
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day 3 - WALKING IN THE SAND - la dune du pilat
The Pilat’s dune is certainly a must-see in Southwest France. With a 110m peak and 3kms long, it’s the highest sand dune in Europe. It’s more than 4.000 years old. The thing is, this place being so popular, it’s better to visit it off season, and to take the road less traveled -which means NOT to park on the big parking and NOT to take the stairs.
I’d recommend to get there for sunset, the view is spectacular. Plan ahead and take you picnic and/or your bottle of wine to celebrate the view! We spent the whole afternoon walking by the water, running in the dunes and dreaming barefoot in the sand.
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day 4 - EATING OYSTERS IN THE CABANES - LE cap feret
Situated in the famous Bay of Arcachon, the Cap Ferret is a beautiful peninsula right in front of La Dune du Pilat. With dream houses, gorgeous nature, colourful markets, sailing boats, and plenty to see. The thing we enjoyed the most? Oysters with white wine in the “baraques à huitres” (oyster tasting cabins), right by the water. Don’t miss the picturesque villages L’Herbe et Le Canon.
The Cap Ferret will make you feel you’re traveling in time. Of course that’s from our personal experience -in winter. It’s probably much different during summer.
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day 5 - running by the water - hossegor lake
The seawater lake of Hossegor not only makes some beautiful oysters, but it’s also a haven for runners. Its hiking path is 6km long, but it actually goes all the way to the ocean, so you can continue your run all the way to Seignosse, by the beach.
During summer, you can drink cocktails on the lake’s beach at Loulou’s colourful paillotte. And if you’re in search for something exotic, I highly recommend Thaï Wave’s curries and soups in Soorts Hossegor. It makes you travel back in Thailand -definitely the best thaï food I’ve had in France.
day 6 - diving in the immensity - forêt de seignosse
Seignosse’s forest is spread on 2.500 hectares. This beautiful, fragile wonderland hides no less than 40km of marked paths. Great for hikers and runners, but also if you’re a mountain bike fan. You can mix the pleasure and hike from the forest to the ocean. You can also go the the Etang Noir and the Etang Blanc reserve, two quiet lakes with a beautiful wildlife.
While you’re in Seignosse village, Soorts Hossegor and around, you can try and spot the street art work of talented Steven Burke on the walls [see photo on top of the article].
day 7 - GETTING lost - moliets et maa
Not just another beach. A wide, gigantic portion of sand with the Courant d’Huchet river right by its side. A magical kinda beach. The kind of beach you want to see.
