What to do in Biscarrosse? Complete guide to activities and must-sees
Published on updated: - 8 min read - By Théo Mercier-Balaz
Contents
Biscarrosse is one of the flagship destinations of the Landes, this Atlantic department that brings together wild beaches, pine forests and freshwater lakes in the same preserved landscape. A beach resort unique in the Landes, Biscarrosse plays on two levels: the Atlantic ocean on the Biscarrosse-Plage side, and interior lakes on the Biscarrosse-Ville side. Between Biscarrosse-Parentis Lake, Cazaux-Sanguinet Lake and Atlantic waves, activities to do in Biscarrosse never run short. Surfing, water activities, cycling paths through the Landes forest, excursions to Dune du Pilat and Bassin d’Arcachon: here is the complete guide for an unforgettable stay in Biscarrosse with family or with friends.
Must-see attractions and things to do in Biscarrosse
Biscarrosse-Plage: the Atlantic waves
Biscarrosse-Plage is the ocean face of the town — and one of the most spectacular beaches in the Landes. Bordered by dunes and pine groves, this white sandy beach stretching for several kilometers is a paradise for surfers and Atlantic ocean lovers. Regular waves make it one of the most accessible surfing spots on the Aquitaine coast, ideal for both beginners and experienced surfers.
Surfing schools offer classes from age 7 onwards — an essential activity for a stay in Biscarrosse. The beach is also monitored in summer, with several lifeguard stations along the seafront. Paddleboarding, bodyboarding, kitesurfing: water activities at Biscarrosse-Plage cover all levels and all ages.
Claire’s tip: The best surfing conditions in Biscarrosse are at the end of the day, when the thermal wind drops and the swell rises. Choose a surfing school offering small group lessons — progress is much faster than in large group sessions. Ideal for introducing the whole family on the first day of vacation.
Biscarrosse Lakes: the interior treasure of the Landes
Biscarrosse is doubly blessed by geography: in addition to its ocean, it has two immense 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 in the Landes massif.
These lakes are a paradise for gentle water activities: sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, canoeing-kayaking, pedal boats, windsurfing and water skiing are practiced there in calm, warm water from June onwards. The lake beaches of Biscarrosse-Ville (notably Maguide Beach and Navarrosse Beach) are particularly suitable for families with young children — no waves, shallow water on the shores, fine sand.
Claire’s tip: For a successful Biscarrosse family stay, alternate your days: Biscarrosse-Plage in the morning for waves and surfing, Biscarrosse Lake in the afternoon for calm swimming with the little ones. The contrast is striking and children love both environments.
Museum of Hydroaviation: Biscarrosse’s cultural must-see
The Museum of Hydroaviation is the cultural jewel of Biscarrosse — and one of the most original in France. Located on the banks of Biscarrosse-Parentis Lake, this museum traces the fascinating history of flying boats, those aircraft that take off and land on water. During the first half of the 20th century, Biscarrosse was the great transatlantic hydroplane base of France — the Landes lakes served as takeoff runways for flights to South America.
The museum houses a collection of 20 restored aircraft, including several giant flying boats such as 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 and the Landes forest
Biscarrosse-Ville, the historic center of the town, deserves a stop beyond its lakes. Its 15th century Saint-Martin Church, its Tuesday and Friday morning market and its artisanal shops set the authentic rhythm of life in the interior Landes.
From Biscarrosse-Ville, the Landes forest stretches as far as the eye can see — and cycling paths allow you to explore it by bike in absolute calm. Biscarrosse‘s cycling network is one of the most developed in the Landes: over 60 km of marked cycling paths connect the lakes, the forest and Biscarrosse-Plage. Cycling in Biscarrosse is an activity accessible to all levels — bike rentals are numerous in town and along the lake shores.
Claire’s tip: The cycling path between Biscarrosse-Ville and Biscarrosse-Plage (7 km through the pine forest) is one of the most pleasant routes in the Landes. Leave early in the morning, when the Landes forest is cool and silent — it’s an experience families never regret.
Biscarrosse Golf: the green in the Landes forest
Biscarrosse Golf is one of the most popular courses in Aquitaine. Its 18 holes laid out in the heart of the Landes forest offer a rare golfing experience, with fairways bordered by pines and a unique atmosphere between tranquility and nature. Biscarrosse Golf welcomes experienced golfers and beginners, with a golf school offering introductory courses and programs. Ideally combined at the beginning or end of your stay.
Essential excursion: Dune du Pilat and Bassin d’Arcachon
45 minutes north of Biscarrosse, Dune du Pilat is the most spectacular natural monument in France — the highest dune in Europe (110 m), dominating both the pine forest and Bassin d’Arcachon. The climb is accessible to everyone and rewarded with an exceptional panoramic view. Bassin d’Arcachon nearby, with its Arcachon oysters, the Herbe village and Bird Island, deserves an entire day of exploration.
Biscarrosse is the ideal gateway to this triangle of wonders: Cazaux-Sanguinet Lake, Dune du Pilat, Bassin d’Arcachon — to explore in two or three outings from your campground or accommodation.
Cazaux-Sanguinet Lake: nature and water sports
Cazaux-Sanguinet Lake is one of the best-kept secrets of the Landes — shared between Biscarrosse and the town of Sanguinet on the Gironde side. Its clear waters and preserved natural shores make it an exceptional site for sailing, scuba diving (ancient Gallo-Roman ruins sleep beneath its waters) and stand-up paddleboarding enthusiasts. The village of Sanguinet, with its paleontological museum, nicely completes a day at the lake.
What to do in Biscarrosse with family and children?
Biscarrosse is an ideal family destination, combining varied nature activities and child-friendly facilities. The Museum of Hydroaviation (from age 6) fascinates young and old. Lake beaches (Navarrosse, Maguide) are ideal for young children. Surfing at Biscarrosse-Plage is available from age 7 in schools.
Water activities on the lakes (pedal boats, canoeing, light sailing) are accessible from age 5. Cycling paths through the Landes forest allow secure bike rides for the whole family. In September, the National Children’s Week activates the town with creative workshops for children: workshops for independence, yoga for parents and children (some providers even offer « parent-child yoga workshops » in the forest), group games. A unique moment of family bonding by the Biscarrosse Lakes.
Campground with water park in Biscarrosse
Biscarrosse is one of the most popular camping destinations in the Landes. The lakes sector (Navarrosse, Maguide, Cazaux) concentrates many 3 to 5-star campgrounds with water park facilities: water slides, heated pools, rivers with current and white sand lagoons. These campgrounds with water parks allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds: ocean and surfing in the morning, lake and pool at the campground in the afternoon.
Claire’s tip: Reserve your campground in Biscarrosse as early as January for July-August — accommodations with lakeside and water park facilities are among the most requested in the Landes. Choose campgrounds in the Navarrosse-Maguide sector to enjoy both lakes on foot and cycling paths through the Landes forest. Consult our selection of campgrounds with water park in the Landes to find the ideal address.
FAQ – What to Do in Biscarrosse?
Frequently asked questions
The must-do experiences in Biscarrosse include: the ocean beach at Biscarrosse-Plage for surfing and waves, the lakes (Lac de Biscarrosse-Parentis and Lac de Cazaux-Sanguinet) for gentler water activities, the Musée de l'Hydraviation, the cycle paths through the Landes forest, and a day trip to the Dune du Pilat and the Bassin d'Arcachon.
Biscarrosse offers two distinct water worlds: the Atlantic Ocean for surfing, bodyboarding and kitesurfing at Biscarrosse-Plage; and the lakes for sailing, paddleboarding, canoe-kayaking, waterskiing and pedal boats. Water activities on Lac Biscarrosse-Parentis are suitable for families with children from age 5.
Yes, Biscarrosse has a network of over 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–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 Bassin d'Arcachon makes for one of the best day trips from Biscarrosse. In season, plan to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Yes, Biscarrosse is one of the top destinations in the Landes for lakeside campsites with water parks. Many 4- and 5-star campsites in the Navarrosse and Maguide areas offer full water parks. Check out our selection of campsites with water parks in the Landes.
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