Camping in Landes

Why we love holidays in Landes

Huge Atlantic beaches lead to seemingly endless pine forests and tranquil lakes. Leave your cares behind in this wild, unspoilt and sunny corner of southwestern France and enjoy a family holiday in Landes. It effortlessly brings together the thrill of the ocean, the serenity of the forests, and the warmth of authentic Gascon hospitality (Landes is part of the wider, historical Gascony region).

Landes is a region of two halves. Yes, there’s the spectacular Atlantic coastline with world-class surfing beaches, but not far away lies its vast and peaceful interior forest – the largest in Western Europe. This unique landscape creates a natural playground quite unlike anywhere else in France: a place of endless possibilities for families and outdoorsy couples. You can surf perfect waves in the morning, cycle through pine-scented forests in the afternoon, and dine on local delicacies as the sun sets over the dunes. With more than 100 kilometres of pristine sandy beaches, you could also just while away your days enjoying nothing more exhilarating than a paddle, too!

Cyclists travelling through a forest in Landes

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The essence of Landes

Surfing hotspot

Surf-chasers from across the globe come to witness the Atlantic swell and the stunning beauty of France's southwestern seaboard. You don't have to be a surfer to appreciate the magnificent beaches and mighty Atlantic though.

Endless forests

Landes is a green haven – in every sense! With the colossal pine forest covering more than 65% of the region, nature is never far away. Lose yourself in the patchwork of forest trails, hiking routes and horse riding adventures.

Stylish resorts

Explore sporty and youthful Hossegor, France's surfing capital, stylish Biarritz with its elegant casino and great shopping, and the lively Basque town of Bayonne. Head further to San Sebastian, Spain's gastronomic hotspot.

Our favourite Landes beaches

The Landes coastline, known as the Côte d'Argent (Silver Coast), boasts over 100 kilometres of uninterrupted sandy beaches–the largest continuous stretch in Europe – with enough space that even in high summer, it's possible to find a quiet spot to unfurl your beach towels and (possibly) hammer in your windbreaker! The beaches around Hossegor and Seignosse feature world-renowned surfing conditions with powerful waves breaking over sandy bottom beaches, attracting professional surfers for international competitions and recreational wave-riders year-round.

Younger families particularly love the beaches of Moliets, Vieux-Boucau, and Contis, where gentler conditions often prevail and summer lifeguard supervision ensures safe swimming in designated zones marked by blue and yellow flags. The coastal lakes just behind several resort towns offer the perfect alternative when ocean conditions are too rough, with calm, shallow waters ideal for paddling, swimming, and water sports. Hossegor's marine lake and Léon's freshwater lake are definitely worth checking out.

Our favourite things to do in Landes

Fun days out

No camping holiday in Landes is complete without a visit to the Dune du Pilat. Just north of the Landes region, Dune du Pilat rises to an impressive 114 metres, making it Europe's tallest sand dune. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the forest, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Bay of Arcachon.

The Écomusée de Marquèze in Sabres offers a glimpse into the traditional Landais way of life. Your kids will love riding a vintage steam train before exploring a reconstructed 19th-century village with traditional crafts, old farmhouses, and shepherds walking on stilts (tchangues). For wildlife enthusiasts, the Zoo de Labenne has more than 200 animal species in natural habitats, including big cats, primates, and exotic birds, with presentations and feeding sessions too. Aquatic Landes near Labenne offers water-based thrills for all ages with waterslides, pools, and splash zones.

Getting active

Surfing dominates the coastline with world-class spots like Hossegor and Capbreton attracting wave riders from around the globe – beginners can find qualified instructors at numerous surf schools offering lessons suitable for all ages in the gentler beach breaks of Moliets-et-Maa or Vieux-Boucau.

The region boasts more than 300 km of dedicated cycle paths and over 1,700 km of cycling routes through pine forests, joining lakes to beaches and villages to markets. The flat terrain makes family cycling accessible and enjoyable for even the youngest riders. Gentle rivers and coastal currents offer ideal conditions for canoeing and kayaking, with the Courant d'Huchet, often called the Little Amazon of the Landes, providing a journey through lush vegetation and the tranquil waters of Léon lake and the Atlantic. Horse riding through pine forests and along the dunes offer a magical way to explore, too.

Cultural hotspots

The vibrant market town of Dax has been celebrated for its therapeutic thermal waters since Roman times, and today you can enjoy the elegant Belle Époque architecture before relaxing in the modern thermal spa facilities that continue this ancient wellness tradition. Mont-de-Marsan, the departmental capital, combines cultural richness with southwestern conviviality.

The historic town of Bayonne is a special place too, with its picturesque half-timbered buildings, impressive cathedral, and rich chocolate-making heritage. With a calendar of vibrant summer festivals, chances are there’ll be something happening when you visit! The eastern part of Landes ventures into Armagnac country, where traditional distilleries like Darroze offer fascinating insights into the production of France's oldest brandy.

Our favourite things to see in Landes

the fortified town of Labastide d'Armagnac, Lanes

Historic sites

The fortified (or ‘bastide’) town of Labastide d'Armagnac to the far east of Landes presents a perfectly preserved medieval centre with arcades, ancient houses, and a fortified church around the central square, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history. The Musée de la Chalosse in Montfort-en-Chalosse recreates life on a 19th-century Landais farm, with period buildings, heritage livestock breeds, and traditional crafts that bring the agricultural heritage of the region to life (don’t miss the baked-on-site ham rolls, they’re delicious!).

Archaeological enthusiasts will appreciate the Gallo-Roman villa at Sorde l'Abbaye, whose mosaic floors and ancient remains are complemented by the adjacent medieval Benedictine abbey, creating a fascinating timeline of local settlement. The coastal town of Capbreton clings on to its historical past as a fishing port, with its distinctive 15th-century pier and maritime heritage museum.

Cities and towns worth seeing

Biarritz is an elegant town, with long sandy beaches, surf culture and cool boutiques. Hossegor embodies the surf lifestyle too, with its mix of Art Deco villas, lively beaches, and relaxed cafés, centred around the salt-water marine lake that offers calm swimming just steps from the powerful Atlantic waves.

Capbreton maintains its authentic fishing town atmosphere despite growing tourism, with fresh seafood restaurants clustered around the marina and animated daily fish auctions. Mimizan combines its reputation as a beach resort with its historical role as a pilgrimage stop on the Santiago de Compostela route, evidenced by its ancient bell tower which contains rare medieval frescoes. The small town of Contis offers a more tranquil beach experience away from larger resorts, with its distinctive striped lighthouse, and endless stretches of sand.

Natural wonders

The Landes forest, Europe's largest maritime pine woodland, stretches across more than a million hectares, offering shady refuge from summer heat and habitat for diverse wildlife including deer, wild boar, and numerous bird species. The coastal lakes of Léon, Soustons, and Hossegor offer calm alternatives to ocean swimming, surrounded by pine forests and connected to the sea by currents that create unique ecosystems where freshwater and saltwater species coexist.

The Courant d'Huchet Nature Reserve protects a remarkable river system flowing from Léon lake to the Atlantic, where guided canoe trips reveal a lush, almost tropical landscape of water lilies, overhanging trees, and abundant birdlife. The coastal dune systems that run parallel to the beaches form a natural barrier against the Atlantic and create a protected microclimate where rare plants and insects thrive – handily placed walking paths weave through them.