What to do in the Landes in France?
The Landes department is the department that offers the most territory after the Gironde. It is therefore easy to find an activity or a monument to visit for a stay. The Landes benefit from an impressive coastline and vast forests which will delight nature lovers. Mix gastronomy and discoveries during your holidays or for a weekend thanks to some original ideas.
Landes beaches
The Atlantic coast offers an ideal climate for a green and waterside retreat. I recommend that you try the sunrise since the beaches are quite deserted in the early morning. Provide blankets and breakfast to be able to enjoy the show. Once the sun has risen, you can enjoy the vast beaches to yourself almost alone. You will not be able to miss the surf spots to fill up on sensations. The beaches of Hossegor, Mimizan or Biscarosse offer many competitions throughout the year. You may spot the world's greatest surfers. Even if you do not practice this sport, you will certainly have the opportunity to do some initiations with the many clubs.
In another register, the beaches are also renowned for original activities around horseback riding on the beaches or even bike rides along the cycle paths laid out along the coast.
If you want to experience an extraordinary night, I suggest you discover a bivouac on a desert island. For this, a canoe descent is necessary to reach the island. You will then set up camp and spend the night under the stars, cut off from the world. You can find a 5-star campsite in the Landes quite easily 🙂
Cultural side
Take advantage of your stay in the Landes to enrich yourself emotionally and culturally. To begin with, summer is conducive to festivals and celebrations dedicated to art in general. The village of Sanguinet offers a jazz festival appreciated by purists and novices alike. Open your mind to new sounds and discover passionate artists recognized worldwide or locally. The festival is perfect for a family evening and if you want to extend the experience, it takes place over 4 days.
At the end of July, the town of Mont-de-Marsan saw its population explode thanks to the Madeleine celebrations. If you like parties that last all night, for 5 days, you will be served. Energy and joie de vivre are the key words as street performances, concerts, good meals and parades are found on every street corner. Don't forget a suitable outfit for the occasion since the blue and white colors will allow you to blend in with the crowd.
During the day, take advantage of the most beautiful Landes monuments to discover the culture. The Château du Prada reveals its most beautiful memories dating from the 18th century. The atmosphere is romantic and warm and you will end the visit by discovering the cellars which hide Armagnacs dating back several decades.
It is impossible to go through the Landes without discovering the many arenas that dot the territory. You can attend bullfighting or the famous Landes races which are a real tradition in the region.
A time for yourself
Obviously, during your holidays, you will quickly be tempted by the local gastronomy. The Landes offer typical products such as the Adour kiwi, asparagus from the sands and foie gras. You will find all the addresses on the website of the Landes tourist office. Many restaurants compose traditional menus to delight your taste buds. You may have the opportunity to reserve a table among the greatest French chefs from the region.
We are changing course and I would like you to discover a simple way to escape spiritually. Maylis Abbey offers to receive you alone or with others for one or more days. Forget the hassles of everyday life in total disconnection with the modern world. Discover the daily life of the Benedictine monks and take the time to breathe and refocus to leave full of energy.
Live an original experience to get closer to our prehistoric ancestors at the Maison de la Dame de Brassempouy. Carve your flints, paint with your hands and make your own fire. This is a unique opportunity to experience history in a playful way.
