Today I'm talking about a region that I know well since I went there many times when I was younger: The Landes. A magnificent region full of things to see and do, an ideal destination for spending your summer holidays between forests, sea, bike rides and the city, there is something for everyone. Here is an article that will tell you more about how visit the Landes, places of interest but also practical advice for a perfect stay.
Summary:
> The Landes, what is it?
> Visit the Landes: the main places of interest
> Practical advice for visiting the Landes
The Landes, what is it?
Before dwelling on the places of interest to visit in the Landes, let us quickly ask what is the Landes? From an administrative point of view, the Landes is a department of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Its capital is Mont-de-Marsan. In addition to the administrative side, the Landes is a larger natural region than the department. The Landes extend slightly further north to encompass the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park. This one takes its name from the former region of Gascony which, with the Landes, saw their borders modified many times.
The Landes are, for the most part, covered with what makes its charm and reputation: its maritime pine forest. Let's now move on to the essentials of a stay in the Landes.
Visit the Landes: the main places of interest
The Arcachon basin
Let's start this tour of places of interest in the Landes region with a place that is NOT located in the Landes! Strange, I know, but this place, the Bassin d'Arcachon, is a unique place that I highly recommend you visit. Depending on where you are staying in the Landes, you may only be a few minutes drive from the basin and some must-see places such as the city of Arcachon, the famous and impressive Dune du Pilat or the lighthouse. from Cap-Ferret.
Other interesting activities of the basin, the visit of the ornithological reserve of Teich which will delight the youngest as the oldest.
Its pine forest and cycle paths
Impossible to talk about the Landes without mentioning its immense pine forest. So large that it covers 3 departments, Les Landes, Gironde and Lot et Garonne. This forest, of more than a million hectares, is the largest artificial forest in Europe! It has made the reputation of the region in particular because it allows you to indulge in an activity appreciated by all, the bike !
Indeed the Landes region has one of the largest cycle networks in France with more than 550 kilometers of trails. There are also greenways, the best known Gabarret in Mont de Marsan, more than 50 kilometers, but also Dax in Saint-Sever (54km) or Roquefort in Bourriot-Bergonce (20km).
The Landes are also the place of passage of the famous Velodyssey, the longest cycle route in France which connects Roscoff to the city of Hendaye, i.e. more than 1200 kilometres! This track, which crosses the Landes region, is one of the most beautiful cycle paths in the world!
Its beaches and its surf
Just like its pine forest, it is impossible to mention the Landes region without mentioning one of the region's flagship activities: surf ! A true religion in some towns in the department, surfing is an activity you have to try!
Each year the department, in particular the towns of Hossegor, Capbreton and Seignosse, host one of the stages of the World Surf League, the world surfing championship.
The Landes undoubtedly have the best surf spots in the country. Do not imagine that these are reserved for professionals, if the practice of surfing interests you, do not hesitate to take some surfing lessons in order to acquire the basics and thus be able, you too, to enjoy the waves. 'ocean.
If you are not interested in surfing, you can enjoy the huge beaches, sometimes empty of tourists, that the Landes has.
Dax
Dax is one of the main towns in the region. Even if it is populated by only 20 inhabitants, Dax is indeed a place of interest in Landes. First of all, the city has one of the busiest spa resorts in France. This tourist attraction for the city does not stop there. Indeed, the city is famous throughout France for its most important event, the Dax festivals. These festivals, which are spread over 15 days during the month of August, attract more than 800 people to the city each year.
Mont-de-Marsan
Mont-de-Marsan is the main town of the Landes. Prefecture and capital, the city has just over 30 inhabitants. The city is somewhat neglected by tourists in view of its geographical location, inland. The city, a former fortified city, nevertheless has 000 protected historic monuments, one of which is listed. Indeed, the current prefectures of the Landes settled in one of the historical monuments of the city just like its prison, only classified monument of the city. You can also visit the Donjon Lacataye, the Romanesque fortified houses, the city ramparts, its convent or its 13th century church.
Paths of Santiago de Compostela
For walking enthusiasts, the Landes are the place of passage for 3 of the 4 main pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela (Lemovicensis, Podiensis and Turonensis).
Discover the local gastronomy
In addition to the places to visit, the Landes has many local products, some of which are protected (AOC or IGP).
We can mention the Landes duck, as well as poultry, beef, kiwis and asparagus as well as the wines of Tursan, and Armagnac.
Short tour of Bayonne and Biarritz
Let's end as we started, with places that are not located in the Landes department but which will be worth a visit if you are staying in the area.
Visiting the towns of Bayonne and Biarritz, located a few kilometers from the border with the Landes, will make an interesting activity.
Practical advice for visiting the Landes
How to reach the Landes?
First of all, let's ask ourselves how to reach the Landes. If you live far away and want to reach the region quickly, it is possible to opt for the plane. Strictly speaking, no airport is located in the Landes department, but you will find 2 located nearby. The first and most important, in the North is that of Bordeaux, which connects the city to most of the big cities of France. The second, to the south, is that of Biarritz. Once there, you will be able to rent a car.
It is also possible to reach the region by train, via Bordeaux, of course, Bayonne and Biarritz but also Dax which is connected to Paris via a direct train of just over 3 hours.
The bus is also in the game with no less than 15 lines linking France and even Europe to the city of Dax.
Where to stay in the Landes?
Les Landes is truly a holiday destination with more than 22% of accommodation used as second homes. Some small towns in the department are almost entirely made up of second homes.
Another way to find accommodation in the Landes is camping! The Landes are among the regions with the most campsites in France. If you are looking for holiday accommodation, I invite you to take a look at the Tohapi campsites in the Landes, which offers a wide choice of rentals. Camping stays are ideal for enjoying the beaches but also the sometimes top-of-the-range facilities.
I hope this article has helped you to see more clearly about the activities and places of interest in the Landes. Don't hesitate to tell us, in the comments, your favorite places in the Landes!
