Atlantic beaches, forest trails, and natural lakes—the Landes is all about the outdoors.


The Landes is home to some of Nouvelle-Aquitaine’s most beautiful beaches, hemmed in by coastal lakes, dunes, and pine forests. Take your pick between the seaside resorts of Biscarrosse-Plage, Contis-Plage, and Mimizan and the lakeside retreats of Sanguinet and Parentis-en-Born, where you’ll find everything from quiet family campsites to 5-star holiday parks with a swimming pool.
The wind-ravaged south-west coast is surfer central, with more than 25 miles of sandy beaches and Atlantic Ocean views. Hit the plage and try your hand at just about every water sport imaginable at Seignosse, Vieux Boucau, or Capbreton; check out the famous surf breaks at Hossegor or nearby Biarritz; or head inland to explore miles of cycling trails and kayak along the Courant d'Huchet.
The sprawling Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park stretches all the way from Biscarrosse to Mont de Marsan, affording plenty of camping options away from the coast. This is the heart of the Landes region, where you can go canoeing along the Midouze river, visit the bastide towns of Bas-Armagnac, and tuck into the region’s delicious Gascony cuisine.
The Landes forest meets the Pyrenees in the south of the department, where you can enjoy day trips into the French Basque Country or go hiking in the mountains. This hilly region is dotted with cultural highlights from the spa town of Dax to the vineyards of Tursan. Escape the crowds at a tranquil rural Hipcamp or snag a spot at one of the many municipal campsites.