What to do in the Landes: top 10 best activities

Surfing at the Gravière in Hossegor, boating down the Huchet current, sunset over Lake Sanguinet: the Landes has no shortage of memorable experiences. But what to do in the Landes as a priority when you only have a few days? Here is our selection of the 10 most concrete activities to try on your next vacation at a campsite with water park.

1. Surfing the Gravière at Hossegor

The Gravière in Hossegor is considered one of the best beach breaks in Europe. Every autumn, it hosts a stage of the professional surfing world circuit. But you don’t need to be an expert: schools like Hossegor Surf Club or Tao Magic Glisse offer beginner lessons from age 6, directly on the beaches of Centrale or Culs Nuls. A first 1.5-hour lesson costs around 40 € per person, equipment included.

It’s often the first thing we recommend to those wondering what to do in the Landes in summer!

2. Boating down the Huchet current

Nicknamed the little Amazonia of the Landes, the Huchet current connects Lake Léon to the ocean over 7 km through tropical vegetation. The boat trip in a traditional boat with an authorized boatman lasts about 2 hours and departs from the village of Léon. Count 17 € per adult and 12 € per child. Booking is essential in July-August via the website of the Bateliers du courant d’Huchet. It’s one of the most memorable nature activities in the Landes.

Claire’s tip: book the boat trip early in the morning, before 10 a.m. The golden hour light on the water is magical, the birds are more active and you avoid the summer crowds. Bring a hat and sunscreen, as despite the dense vegetation, some stretches are well exposed. The return is on foot via a forest trail of approximately 45 minutes.

3. Cycling on the Vélodyssée between Biscarrosse and Mimizan

The Vélodyssée crosses the Landes for over 150 km. The section between Biscarrosse and Mimizan (around 45 km) is one of the most beautiful: flat, shaded track under the pines, crossing of the state forest and arrival facing the ocean. Rental shops like Cycland or Loca Beach in Biscarrosse offer bikes from 12 € per day. Remember to bring water and a picnic for a break by Lake Aureilhan!

4. Swimming in Lake Cazaux-Sanguinet

With 5,600 hectares, Lake Cazaux-Sanguinet is the largest natural lake in France after Lake Bourget. Navarrosse beach in Biscarrosse and Sanguinet beach guarantee supervised swimming in fresh, calm and warm water (up to 25°C in summer). Families looking for what to do in the Landes with young children find an ideal setting there. You can also rent paddle boats, paddle boards or canoes from 10 € per hour.

5. Visiting the Marquèze ecomuseum by steam train

At Sabres, in the heart of the Landes de Gascogne forest, the Marquèze ecomuseum recreates a rural Landes village from the 19th century. Access is exclusively by a small steam train that crosses the forest for 4 km, which makes the experience unique from the start. Count 15 € per adult and 10 € per child. On site, workshops for bread or resin making liven up the visit. The site is open from April to November, and half a day is enough to enjoy it.

6. Strolling the night market in Capbreton

Each summer, the night markets in Capbreton are held on the seafront, Tuesday and Thursday evenings in July-August. Local producers, food trucks and artisans set up facing the port: you’ll taste semi-cooked foie gras, grilled squid, sand asparagus and Tursan wine. The atmosphere is friendly and family-oriented. The markets in Hossegor (Thursday) and Vieux-Boucau (Wednesday) are also worth visiting.

“The night market in Capbreton facing the port is my favorite of the summer. You sit at the long tables, taste everything and always end up meeting your campsite neighbors.” – Claire

7. Rejuvenating at Dax thermal baths

Dax is France’s leading thermal spa resort in terms of attendance. Even outside of a cure, you can access the Thermes de l’Adour or Thermes Bérot for a discovery session from 25 €. Mud baths, hydromassage jets and thermal pools offer a break of well-being after a few days of surfing or hiking. It’s an excellent option when looking for what to do in the Landes in bad weather or simply to relax.

8. Hiking around Black Pond at Seignosse

The Black Pond Nature Reserve, at Seignosse, offers a 2.5 km boardwalk trail accessible to all, including strollers. The route crosses a peat bog, a marshy forest and runs along the pond, where you can easily observe grey herons, cistude turtles and dragonflies. Entry is free and the Reserve House offers guided tours at 5 € in summer. A perfect nature walk in the Landes for a morning with the family.

9. Having fun in a campsite water park

The Landes is home to some of the largest campsite water parks in France. Thrill slides, floating rivers, heated wave pools and fun paddling pools: the facilities rival traditional amusement parks. Many are accessible even in overcast weather thanks to covered and heated pools. It’s one of the major advantages for families wondering what to do in the Landes regardless of the weather. Discover campsites with water parks in the Landes.

10. Tasting a traditional Landes meal on a farm in Chalosse

Head to the countryside and Chalosse for lunch on a farm. At Mougnères farm (Montfort-en-Chalosse) or Batan farm (Mugron), you’ll taste a complete local menu: garbure stew, grilled duck breast cooked over wood fire, Landes pastis and armagnac, all prepared with farm produce. Count between 25 and 35 € per person for a hearty meal. Booking is recommended, places are limited. Landes gastronomy is well worth this off-the-beaten-path trip.

You now know the best things to do to visit the Landes like a local. Don’t wait and quickly book your campsite for a stay between ocean, lakes and the Landes forest.