guide
This guide covers Biscarrosse's must-sees in the Landes: the waves of Biscarrosse-Plage for surfing, Lake Biscarrosse-Parentis and Lake Cazaux-Sanguinet for calm swimming, the Seaplane museum, the cycle paths through the Landes forest, and excursions to the Dune du Pilat and the Arcachon basin. It offers activity suggestions suited to families with children throughout the stay.
Biscarrosse is one of the flagship destinations in the Landes, this Atlantic department that concentrates wild beaches, pine forest and freshwater lakes in the same preserved setting. Unique seaside resort in the Landes, Biscarrosse plays on two fronts: the Atlantic Ocean on Biscarrosse-Plage side, and inland lakes on Biscarrosse-Ville side. Between Biscarrosse-Parentis Lake, Cazaux-Sanguinet Lake and Atlantic waves, activities to do at Biscarrosse never run out. Surfing, water activities, bike trails through the Landes forest, excursions to Pilat Dune and Arcachon Basin: here’s the complete guide for an unforgettable stay at Biscarrosse with family or friends.
Biscarrosse-Plage is the ocean face of the municipality – and one of the most spectacular beaches in the Landes. Bordered by dunes and pine forests, this white sand beach of several kilometers is paradise for surfers and lovers of the Atlantic ocean. Regular waves make it one of the most accessible surfing spots on the Aquitania coast, ideal for beginners and experienced surfers alike.
Surfing schools offer lessons from age 7 – an essential activity for a stay at Biscarrosse. The beach is also supervised in summer, with several rescue posts along the waterfront. Paddle, bodyboard, kitesurf: the water activities at Biscarrosse-Plage cover all levels and ages.
Claire’s tip: The best surfing conditions at Biscarrosse are late afternoon, when thermal wind drops and swell rises. Choose a surfing school offering small group lessons – progress is much faster than in large group sessions. Ideal to introduce the whole family on the first day of vacation.
Biscarrosse is doubly blessed geographically: in addition to its ocean, it has two huge freshwater lakes among the largest in France. Biscarrosse-Parentis Lake (3,550 hectares) and Cazaux-Sanguinet Lake (5,600 hectares, shared with Gironde) together form the largest lake complex of the Landes massif.
These lakes are paradise for gentle water activities: sailing, windsurfing, paddle, canoe-kayak, pedal boat, sailboarding and water skiing are practiced in calm, warm water from June. Lake beaches at Biscarrosse-Ville (particularly Maguide beach and Navarrosse beach) are particularly suited to families with young children – no waves, shallow water on shore, fine sand.
Claire’s tip: For a successful Biscarrosse family stay, alternate days: Biscarrosse-Plage in the morning for waves and surfing, Biscarrosse Lake in the afternoon for calm swimming with little ones. The contrast is striking and children love both worlds.
The Hydroplane Museum is the cultural jewel of Biscarrosse – and one of the most original in France. Located on Biscarrosse-Parentis Lake shore, this museum traces the fascinating history of hydroplanes, aircraft that take off and land on water. During the first half of the 20th century, Biscarrosse was France‘s great transatlantic hydroplane base – the Landes lakes served as runways for flights to South America.
The museum houses a collection of 20 restored aircraft, including several giant hydroplanes like the Latécoère 631, the largest commercial aircraft ever built in France. Flight simulators, film archives and models complete the experience. An essential visit for the whole family, accessible from age 6. Allow half a day.
Biscarrosse-Ville, the historic center of the municipality, deserves a stop beyond its lakes. Its 15th century Saint-Martin Church, Tuesday and Friday morning market and artisan shops set the authentic rhythm of life in the Landes interior.
From Biscarrosse-Ville, the Landes forest stretches as far as the eye can see – and bike trails allow you to explore it by bike in absolute calm. Biscarrosse‘s bike network is one of the most developed in the Landes: more than 60 km of marked bike trails connect the lakes, the forest and Biscarrosse-Plage. Biscarrosse biking is an activity accessible to all levels – many bike rentals in town and on lake shores.
Claire’s tip: The bike trail between Biscarrosse-Ville and Biscarrosse-Plage (7 km through pine forest) is one of the most pleasant routes in the Landes. Start early in the morning, when the Landes forest is cool and quiet – it’s an experience families never regret.
Biscarrosse Golf is one of the most appreciated courses in Aquitania. Its 18 holes laid out in the heart of the Landes forest offer a rare playing experience, with fairways framed by pines and a unique atmosphere between calm and nature. Biscarrosse Golf welcomes experienced and beginner players, with a golf school offering lessons and clinics. Ideal to combine early or late in your stay.
45 minutes north of Biscarrosse, Pilat Dune is the most spectacular natural monument in France – the highest dune in Europe (110 m), dominating both the pine forest and Arcachon Basin. The climb is accessible to all and rewarded with exceptional panorama. Nearby Arcachon Basin, with its Arcachon oysters, L’Herbe village and Bird Island, deserves a full day of exploration.
Biscarrosse is the ideal gateway to this triangle of wonders: Cazaux-Sanguinet Lake, Pilat Dune, Arcachon Basin – to explore in two or three outings from your campsite or accommodation.
Cazaux-Sanguinet Lake is one of the best-kept secrets of the Landes – shared between Biscarrosse and Sanguinet municipality on the Gironde side. Its transparent waters and preserved natural shores make it an exceptional site for sailing, underwater diving (ancient Gallo-Roman ruins sleep beneath its waters) and stand-up paddle enthusiasts. The village of Sanguinet, with its paleontology museum, nicely completes a lake day.
Biscarrosse is an ideal family destination, combining varied nature activities and child-friendly infrastructure. The Hydroplane Museum (from age 6) fascinates young and old. Lake beaches (Navarrosse, Maguide) are ideal for young children. Surfing at Biscarrosse-Plage is practiced from age 7 in school.
Water activities on the lakes (pedal boat, canoe, light sailing) are accessible from age 5. Bike trails through the Landes forest allow safe outings for the whole family. In September, the National Children’s Week animates the municipality with creative workshops for children: autonomy workshops, yoga for parents and children (some providers even offer “parent-child yoga workshops” in the forest), group games. A unique family bonding moment on Biscarrosse Lakes.
Biscarrosse is one of the most popular camping destinations in the Landes. The lake sector (Navarrosse, Maguide, Cazaux) concentrates many 3 to 5-star campsites with water spaces: water slides, heated pools, wave rivers and white sand lagoons. These campsites with water parks allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds: ocean and surfing in the morning, lake and pool at the campsite in the afternoon.
Claire’s tip: Book your campsite at Biscarrosse as early as January for July-August – addresses with lake front and water park are among the most requested in the Landes. Favor campsites in the Navarrosse-Maguide sector to enjoy both lakes and Landes forest bike trails on foot. Check our selection of campsites with water parks in the Landes to find the ideal address.
Biscarrosse's must-sees are: the ocean beach at Biscarrosse-Plage for surfing and waves, the lakes (Lake Biscarrosse-Parentis and Lake Cazaux-Sanguinet) for gentler watersports, the Seaplane museum, the cycle paths through the Landes forest, and the excursion to the Dune du Pilat and the Arcachon basin.
Biscarrosse offers two watery worlds: the Atlantic Ocean for surfing, bodyboarding and kitesurfing at Biscarrosse-Plage; and the lakes for sailing, paddleboarding, canoe-kayaking, waterskiing and pedal boats. Watersports on Lake Biscarrosse-Parentis are suitable for the whole family from age 5.
Yes, Biscarrosse has a network of more than 60 km of cycle paths, linking Biscarrosse-Ville, the lakes and Biscarrosse-Plage through the Landes forest. Bike rentals are available in town, at the lake beaches and in Biscarrosse-Plage. The Biscarrosse-Ville to Biscarrosse-Plage route (7 km through the forest) is one of the most popular in the Landes.
Yes, the Dune du Pilat is about 45 minutes from Biscarrosse by road. Combining a trip to the dune with a visit to the Arcachon basin makes for one of the best days out from Biscarrosse. In season, arrive early to avoid the crowds.
Yes, Biscarrosse is one of the Landes' flagship destinations for camping with a lake and water park. Many 4- and 5-star campsites in the Navarrosse and Maguide areas offer full water areas. Check out our selection of campsites with a water park in the Landes.
